Four Factors To Consider When Looking For An Equipment Lubricant
Posted on: 27 June 2016
The overall goal of a lubricant is to basically provide a protective coating for moving parts. However, keep in mind that this is not its only goal. A good lubricant should also help in avoiding containment buildup, help keep your equipment cool, fight corrosion and help prevent oxidation. When choosing lubricants for your equipment, make sure you know what to look for.
Contaminants
Look for a lubricant with additives that help aid in the disbursement of particles. These special additives are mixed in with oil lubricants and help naturally breakdown contaminants like sludge or dirt. They achieve this by loosening debris buildup from any surfaces, causing it to flow with the oil towards the filter. Excessive buildup of contaminants can cause blockages and clogs that lower the efficiently level at which your equipment operates and can even cause complete failure.
Cooling
A good lubricant should also have some cooling qualities. Options with this benefit are generally on the lighter side. The thicker the lubricant, the less likely it is to circulate. When a lubricant doesn't circulate frequently, the motor and other heat generating components can elevate its temperature. When the lubricant temperature is elevated, this only increases the overall temperature of the equipment. Thinner lubricant circulates more rapidly, helping keep temperatures lower and prevent overheating.
Corrosion
Corrosion opens the door to rust, which can eventually cause complete destruction. Look for a lubricant that contains acid neutralizers. At the core of a problem with corrosion is an acid reaction. As the name suggests, acid neutralizers don't necessarily eliminate the acids, but they stabilize them and prevent their harsh effects. If the lubricant doesn't have acid neutralizers, at least look for an option that contains detergents, as they can work similarly.
Oxidation
Looking for a lubricant with oxidation fighting qualities is important because it actually extends the life of the lubricant. At high temperatures, when the oxygen and lubricant collide, this can cause small deposits to form in the oil. These depots thicken quickly and lower the integrity of the lubricant, requiring you to replace it rather quickly. A lubricant with an oxidation inhibitor basically prevents this processes from occurring, helping the lubricant last longer.
Make sure you aren't simply choosing the first lubricant you see, but instead choosing an option that will help you in each of the above-mentioned areas. This won't just help keep your equipment operating efficiently, but it can also help extend its lifespan.
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