Demulsibility is a term commonly used in the language of lubrication. Demulsibility is the ability of oil to release or separate from water. In other words, it is a measure of how well the lubricant can resist emulsification. A high demulsibility rating means that the lubricant will resist forming an emulsion with water, while a low number indicates that it will not.

Oil and water separate readily because similar molecules attract each other, i.e. oil sticks with oil, water sticks with water. However, when a mixture of oil and water is agitated, an emulsion is formed. Three oils with various degrees of demulsification and emulsification are shown on the right:

In the sample on the left all the oil and water are demulsified.
There is an interface (emulsion) of oil and water in the middle sample,In the sample on the right all the oil and water are emulsified.

In most instances the oil and water will separate completely when left to settle for an adequate period of time. The water drops to the bottom since water is denser than oil.

In lubrication the demulsification property of oil is a benefit since water shedding is important for systems that have the potential to become contaminated with water. Water that enters a circulating system and emulsify can increase wear and corrosion, reduce load-carrying capacity, promote oil oxidation, deplete additives and plug filters. In hydraulic systems it can also adversely affect the operation of valves, servos and pumps. Although highly refined oils permit water to separate readily, demulsibility can be affected negatively by the presence of impurities and contaminants in the oil. Some oil additives such as rust inhibiters and dispersants can actually promote emulsion formation.

The impact of demulsibility depends on the level of contamination and the residence time (the time the oil spends ‘resting’ in the reservoir) of the system. When the resident time is sufficient the demulsified water can be removed by engineering solutions such as drain valves, suction, etc.

Demulsibility testing can show failure in the lab, but with sufficient residence time, the oil may shed water at an acceptable rate that does not impact oil performance. Small oil reservoirs with lower residence times require better demulsibility performance than larger sumps. It is recommended that testing for demulsibility should be conducted on a regular basis if the oil system is exposed to water or if demulsibility performance is suspicious.

The ASTM D1401 demulsibility test method is commonly used to determine the ability of oil to separate from water. A 40 ml sample of the test specimen and 40 ml of distilled water are stirred for 5 minutes in a graduated cylinder at a specified temperature. The time required for the separation of the emulsion is recorded after every 5 minutes. If complete separation or emulsion reduction to 3 ml or less does not occur after standing for 30 minutes, the volumes of oil, water, and emulsion remaining are reported.

Regardless of what is said above, a few equipment manufacturers do not recommend hydraulic oils that shed water. Caterpillar hydraulic oil is for instance formulated to hold water in dispersion.

The oil contains emulsifiers specifically designed to disperse water. Caterpillar does not recommend oils that “separate,” “shed,” or “release” water. They claim that separated water drawn through the hydraulic system can damage pumps and other components. If the water freezes, it can also cause serious damage to hydraulic systems. Notwithstanding this many Caterpillar machines in mixed fleet operations are operating satisfactorily with lubricants that do demulsify or shed water.

Q8Oils offer a comprehensive range of demulsifiable lubricants for a wide variety of automotive, construction, industrial, mining, agricultural and other applications. For more information phone 011 462 1829, email us at info@bcl.co.za or visit www.bcl.q8oils.co.za.

Finally we would like to wish all our loyal followers a prosperous and rewarding 2025.

The FZG gear test evaluates anti-wear characteristics and load carrying capacities of lubricants. The test rig was developed by the Technical Institute for the Study of Gears and Drive Mechanisms (Forschungsstelle für Zahnräder und Getriebebau) at the Technical University of Munich.

The test rig simulates a misaligned gear set operating in the test lubricant. The gears are loaded in 12 increasing “stages”. Tooth-wear is examined after each stage. The performance of the fluids is determined by the load stage at which excessive wear occurs. A high pass load stage indicates better resistance to wear. If failure does not occur at load stage 12, it is reported as >12.

 

 

There are a number of different FZG load tests with different speeds, oil sump temperatures, gear types and direction of rotation. Following are the most commonly used test procedures:

FZG Gear Wear (ASTM D5182) evaluates gear scuffing resistance of fluids using A profile gears. The rig is operated at 1450 rpm up to 12 progressive load stages at 15-minute intervals. Standard tests are run at a fluid temperature of 90oC. Gear teeth are inspected for scuffing after each load stage. In addition to a visual evaluation of the gear teeth condition, gear weight loss is also measured.

FZG Gear Wear (ASTM D4998) assesses gear wear resistance of fluids using A profile gears. The rig is operated at 100 rpm under constant load for 20 hours. A visual tooth surface rating and gear weight loss are measured.

FZG Pitting Type C Gears evaluates gear pitting resistance of fluids using C profile gears. Tests are run up to 300 hours under constant load, temperature, and speed. Inspections are conducted at predetermined intervals for pitting damage on the gear tooth faces.

FZG A10/16.6R/120 is a more severe version of the ASTM D5182 Load Stage Wear test. This test requires A10 gears (half the tooth width of the A gears) and is run at 2880 rpm in reverse mode.

These tests are also defined by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and others. In addition to the standard FZG gear tests, some test facilities may offer customised FZG tests. The gear type, oil temperature, load, test duration, direction of rotation and speed can all be altered to meet specific customer requirements.

The FZG gear test is primarily used to assess the resistance to scuffing of mild additive treated oils, such as industrial gear oils, transmission fluids, and hydraulic oils. High EP type oils, for example, oils meeting the requirements of API GL-4 and GL-5, exceed the capacity of the test rig and therefore cannot be evaluated with FZG gear tests.

Q8Oils offer a comprehensive range of wear inhibiting lubricants for a wide variety of automotive, construction, industrial, mining, agricultural and other applications. For more information about the complete range of Q8 lubricants, phone 011 462 1829, email us at info@bcl.co.za or visit www.bcl.q8oils.co.za.

There are several test methods to evaluate the wear preventing properties of lubricants and each test is used for a different purpose. The Four-Ball Test method is used to determine the relative wear-preventing properties of lubricants in sliding steel-on-steel applications

 

In the Four-Ball Test, three ½” (12.7 mm) diameter steel balls are clamped together and covered with the lubricant to be evaluated. A fourth steel ball, held by a chuck, is rotated against  the  three lower clamped balls as shown on the right. The red dots denote the three points of contact between the balls. By adjusting the speed of the rotating ball and the load applied to it, several lubrication regimes can be simulated. There are two Four-Ball Tests that determine the tribological characteristics of  lubricating oils and greases.

Four-Ball Weld Load Test. This procedure (ASTM D2783 for lubricating oils and ASTM D2596 for greases) evaluates the load-carrying (Extreme Pressure) properties of lubricants. During the test, the top ball rotates at 1760 rpm against the three stationary balls and the load is gradually increased until the lubricant fails. This happens when welding between the balls is detected (as depicted on the left). The weld point is the lowest applied load in kilograms at which the rotating ball welds to the three stationary balls.

 

Four-Ball Wear Scar Test. This test measures the wear preventing properties of lubricants, using ASTM method D2266 for greases and D4172 for lubricating oils. The rotational speed of the top ball is 1200 rpm and is pressed with a force of 40 kg onto the three clamped balls. The temperature of the test lubricant is regulated at 75°C and the duration of the test  is 60 minutes. Lubricants are compared by using the average size of the scar diameters worn on the three lower clamped balls. An enlarged 1,87 mm diameter wear scar is shown on the right.

As with all bench tests, the Four-Ball Test attempts to create a reliably repeatable condition that can be performed relatively inexpensively and in much less time than would be required for field trials. In this respect the test passes with flying colours and Four-Ball Test rigs are commonly used in lubricant test labs worldwide.

However, the conditions in the test rig bear little resemblance to those seen in machinery. There are two components to this – the size of the interaction between the balls and the interaction type.

With regards to the size of the interaction, the intersection (contact area) between two spheres is only a tiny point or spot. The result is that the test load is being concentrated on a small area that increases the surface pressure drastically.

In addition, the contact between the balls is a sliding interaction. This combination is rarely found in machinery, where the most severe combinations are line contact with sliding (as in gears or journal bearings as illustrated on the left) or point contact with rolling (as found in ball bearings). This confirms that the test rig does not accurately simulate real-world contacts.

 

Regardless of this the Four-Ball Test carries considerable weight as a development tool. It is inexpensive and repeatable and can give tribologists and lubricant developers an idea whether their formulation is directionally correct. However, as a tool for lubricant selection, one should be cautious and rather look at other test procedures to evaluate the likely performance of candidate products. A possible alternative is the FZG Test which we will discuss in the next issue of OilChat.

If you have any questions about the Four-Ball Test (or any other lubricant related issues) in the interim, you are welcome  to phone 011 462 1829, email us at info@bcl.co.za or visit www.bcl.q8oils.co.za.

 

 

 

 

 

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Timken OK Load is a measurement that indicates the possible performance of extreme pressure (EP) additives in lubricants. In the Timken EP Test a standardized bearing race is rotated against a steel test block, as shown on the left. The contact area is flooded with the grease or oil that is being tested. Increasing loads are placed on the test block until a score mark is made on the test block. The load immediately before the score mark is made, is reported as the Timken OK load.  The units of measurement are pounds-force or kilograms-force.

When reviewing the technical data sheet for a lubricant or the lubricant specifications for a piece of equipment, you will often see reference to the Timken OK Load Test. So what does it mean when one lubricant has a 35 pound Timken OK Load rating and another has a 40 kg Timken OK Load rating? The truth is … it may have very little relevance to the amount of EP protection you are getting.

There are basically three reasons for this:

1. The Timken Test Machine was designed by the Timken Bearing Company in 1935 and manufactured until 1972. Timken used the machine to confirm that extreme pressure chemistry in the cutting oils they were using (to manufacture bearings) was still working. It was never designed to quantify performance in any terms other than pass or fail with a 35 pound load applied. Large wear scars or scoring represented a fail and smooth scars were a pass. The test was later adopted by the lubricants industry when Timken began selling the machines. The American Society for Testing and Materials published the ASTM D-2509 procedure for testing greases and ASTM D-2782 for testing oils. From that point on manufacturers started competing for bragging rights to the highest Timken OK Load rating. The Timken test became a marketing tool rather than a simple indicator of the presence of EP additives. The Timken Bearing Company attempted to clarify the misunderstanding about the test with the following statement,“It was generally assumed that the higher the O.K. value, the more load the lube could hold without the film strength being compromised. However, this is not necessarily the case, and the primary purpose of the test is to determine whether or not the lube has an EP additive. Values higher than 35 lbs. indicate the presence of an EP additive.”
2. There are certain EP additives that can be added to lubricants to give very high Timken results. However, no correlation has ever been established between these extraordinarily high Timken OK Loads and actual field performance. In fact, some of the additives that produce such high Timken OK Loads can be corrosive and/or hazardous and may damage the equipment they are formulated to protect.
3. In terms of scientific testing, the Timken OK Load test has very poor repeatability and thus a wide margin of error. In fact, the official ASTM D-2509 Timken test procedure states that the results from one test to the next of the same lubricant on the same Timken machine can vary as much as plus or minus 23%. This means a lubricant that gets a pass rating at 60 pounds could actually be anywhere from a 46 pound load to a 74 pound load. If the same product is tested on a different machine, the rating can be off by plus or minus 59%, which means it could actually be anywhere from a 25 pound load to a 95 pound load. The poor repeatability of the test makes it possible for a lubricant manufacturer to repeat the test until the highest result is found and claimed. There are also many modified versions of the Timken machine used by some marketers to “demonstrate” load carrying properties. These are not accepted tests for determining EP properties as the results can easily be manipulated.

Most lubrication engineers and industry professionals agree that the Timken Test should only be used to indicate whether EP agents are present without implying anything about relative performance levels. Most equipment manufacturers now specify more relevant tests that have proven direct correlation to actual field experience (such as the Four Ball EP Weld Test, the  FZG Gear Tests and others) to indicate precisely how much EP and anti-wear performance they require of a lubricant.

So, how much EP is enough? What if grease “A” quotes a 100 pound Timken OK Load pass rating and a 400 kg 4-Ball Weld Load and Grease “B” quotes a 60 pound Timken OK Load pass rating and a 800 kg 4-Ball Weld Load. Which one would perform better in extreme pressure applications? The Timken OK Load ratings tell you that both greases have EP chemistry, but the 4-Ball Weld tells you grease “B” (even with the lower Timken OK Load rating) has the more effective EP chemistry.

In summary, do not let extreme Timken OK Load ratings over-influence the selection of lubricants. Actual field performance, other EP and performance tests (such as corrosion protection and oxidation resistance) may have far greater relevance in many applications.

Q8 offers a comprehensive range of extreme pressure lubricants for a wide variety of automotive, construction, industrial, mining, agricultural and other applications. For more information about the complete range of Q8 lubricants, phone 011 462 1829, email us at info@bcl.co.za or visit www.bcl.q8oils.co.za.

Couplings are used to join two shafts to transmit rotation and power from one shaft to the other. A typical example is the coupling between an electric motor and water pump as shown on the right. In an ideal world components can be installed in perfect alignment. Rigid couplings are generally used in applications with precise alignment.

In the real world, however, alignment is seldom perfect. Misalignments can be one of several fundamental types, including lateral, axial, angular or skewed/angled. The greater the misalignment the less efficient the motor is in generating speed and torque. Misalignment also contributes to premature wear, broken shafts, bearing failure and excessive vibration.

Flexible couplings are used extensively to compensate for misalignment between components. These couplings range from simple designs (e.g. an elastic element between two shafts) to intricate couplings such as constant velocity (CV) joints. The following metal-to-metal flexible couplings are commonly used in industrial applications:

GEAR COUPLINGS compensate for misalignment via the clearance between gear teeth. Shaft-mounted external gear teeth on both shafts mate with internal gear teeth on a housing that contains a lubricant. Another design mesh external teeth on one shaft with internal teeth mounted on the other shaft.

 

CHAIN COUPLINGS operate similarly to gear couplings. Sprockets on each shaft end are connected by a roller chain. The clearance between the components, as well as the clearance in mating the chain to the sprockets, compensate for the misalignment. Loading is similar to that of geared couplings.

 

 

GRID COUPLINGS use a corrugated steel grid that bends to compensate for loading induced by misalignment. Grooved discs attached to the ends of each shaft house the grid, which transmits torque between them. Low amplitude sliding motion develops between the grid and grooves as the grid deforms under load, widening in some locations and narrowing in others over each revolution.

Unless specifically mentioned by the manufacturer, metal-to-metal couplings are generally grease lubricated. Coupling components are protected primarily by an oil film (which is released from the grease) and seeps into the loading zone to lubricate the metal contact surfaces. Greases formulated with high-viscosity base oils, anti-scuff additives and metal-wetting agents are recommended to overcome the boundary lubrication conditions that often exist in flexible couplings. High oil viscosity also reduces leakage rates.

Centrifugal forces in flexible couplings can be severe, becoming even more extreme as the rotational speed and the diameter of the coupling is increased. Even moderately sized couplings can generate centrifugal forces thousands of times greater than gravity (commonly referred to as G-force).  Centrifugal forces have a centrifuge effect on the grease inside flexible couplings. If a general purpose grease (in which the thickener is of higher density than the oil) is used, the thickener and the oil may separate – similar to a cream separator that splits the heavier milk from the lighter cream. One problem with separation of the oil and thickener is that the oil will tend to leak out of the coupling. A much greater problem, however, is that the thickener which is separated out, is moved by centrifugal force to the outer part of the coupling and against the torque transmission elements (e.g. the gear teeth in a geared flexible coupling). The thickener coats the transmission elements and keeps the oil component of the grease from lubricating them.

Blue Chip HSC 350 High Speed Coupling Grease is specifically formulated to resist separation of the oil, even under the high centrifugal forces encountered in couplings. This ensures reliable coupling lubrication over extended periods, even during high speed operation. For more information about HSC 350 High Speed Coupling Grease and the complete range of Blue Chip greases, phone 011 462 1829, email us at info@bcl.co.za  or visit www.bcl.q8oils.co.za.

Worm gears have been used for many centuries. In fact, their existence was described by Archimedes around 250 BC. Worm gear drives are different from all other types of gears.  They consist of a spirally grooved screw that engages with and drives a toothed wheel (the worm wheel or gear). By nature of their design worm drives can achieve large reductions in speed in a compact space. It changes the rotational movement by 90 degrees, and the plane of movement also changes due to the position of the worm on the worm wheel as shown on the right.

The input power (usually from an electric motor) is applied to the worm gear. The rotation of the spiral ‘screw’ on the worm pushes the teeth of the wheel forward and rotates it as depicted by the  animation on the left. A worm gear set can have a massive reduction ratio with little effort.  Worm drives normally consist of a brass or bronze wheel and a steel worm. The wheel is designed to be sacrificial because it is normally cheaper and easier to replace than the worm itself.

Worm gear drives have several advantages over other gear types. The two primary ones are:

HIGH REDUCTION RATIO. Worm gears can achieve reduction ratios ranging from 20:1 to 300:1. You can use it to reduce speed significantly and at the same time increase torque considerably. It will take multiple reductions of a conventional gearset to achieve the same reduction level of a single worm gear set. Worm gears therefore have fewer moving parts and less chances of failure.

SELF-LOCKING. With standard gears the output shaft can also turn the input shaft. This necessitates adding a backstop to a traditional gearbox (to prevent reverse rotation) which increases the complexity of the gear set. With worm drives it is practically impossible to reverse the direction of power since it is unlikely that the worm wheel will rotate the worm. The compact size and inability of worm gears to reverse the direction of power (self-locking) render them particularly suitable for many lift/elevator and escalator drive applications. The least complicated form of worm gears is those that are used to tune stringed musical instruments.

There is one particularly obvious reason why one would not choose a worm gear drive over a standard gear set and that is sliding friction. With standard gear types (spur, bevel, spiral bevel, helical and hypoid) the gear teeth slide and roll on each other when they mesh. The rolling action helps to distribute the lubricant on the teeth of the gears. With worm gears the contact is predominantly of a sliding nature. As the worm slides across the teeth of the wheel, it rubs most of the lubricant off. The result is that the worm is in contact with the wheel in a boundary lubrication regime (see OilChat 22).

The high rate of sliding in worm gears results in significant frictional heat build-up. This demands the use of high viscosity lubricants, typically ISO 460 or 680 viscosity grade and even ISO 1000 in severe applications. Traditionally compounded gear oils have been used extensively in worm gears with great success in a wide variety of applications. These are mineral oils with rust and oxidation inhibitors and tallow or synthetic fatty acid (the compounding agent), giving excellent lubricity to minimize sliding wear.

In days gone by gear oils that contain active extreme pressure (EP) additives were not recommended for worm gears. There was a concern that the sulphur-phosphorous EP additives would react with the brass or bronze gear wheels. Modern non-active sulphur EP additive technology, however, has eliminated corrosive attack of the worm wheel. EP gear oils work particularly well when shock loading occurs and also protect steel gears better than compounded gear oils.

Q8Oils offers a comprehensive range of high-quality gear lubricants for a wide variety of automotive, construction, industrial, mining,  agricultural and other applications. For more information about the complete range of Q8 lubricants, phone 011 462 1829, email us at info@bcl.co.za  or visit www.bcl.q8oils.co.za.

We have discussed the importance of lubricant cleanliness in previous issues of OilChat but some topics justify emphasis and should be revisited from time to time. Lubricant contamination is one such subject. While there is much focus on using the correct lubricant, keeping the lubricant clean in storage, during decanting and the filling process and in operation is just as important. In fact, it does not matter how good a lubricant is, if it is contaminated with foreign matter and debris, it will affect the useful life of the lubricant and the equipment detrimentally.

Machine and equipment maintenance starts in the oil store. Lubricants are prone to contamination from the moment a new oil container arrives on your premises. The following measures can reduce and even prevent contaminants from entering your lubricating oil and grease:

Storage. Water and other contaminants can enter your lubricants due to storage conditions. This occurs when oil drums expand and contract during storage, allowing water, dirt, and dust to penetrate through the gaps of the closure threads. If at all possible, store your lubricants in a dry and clean area that is protected from extreme weather conditions. There are however measures you can take to prevent or minimize contamination, even when logistical difficulties make it impossible to store oil drums in ideal storage conditions. It is possible, for example, to store drums on their sides instead of vertically to prevent water and dust from collecting around the bungs.

Transfer. When a decanter is used to transfer oil make sure it is clean and does not contain any other lubricant. In many cases dispensing equipment like hoses, pumps and nozzles are used to transfer the lubricant rather than pouring it from the drum. The cleanliness of all the components in this procedure is essential to prevent contamination. It is great to have the proper specialised tools for each type of oil, but you must still maintain meticulous cleanliness. If leftover oil is left behind after use, it will contaminate the fresh oil during the next use.

Filling. You can introduce contamination when topping up or when changing oil. To prevent dirt from entering the machine, filtering the oil is a good practice. An often overlooked part of the service procedure is the condition under which you add the fresh oil. Make sure the filler point is clean before you open it. When changing oil, the used oil always has a degree of oxidation, which negatively affects the useful life of the new oil. You must therefore extract as much of the old oil as possible before adding the new oil.

In Service. All lubrication systems are susceptible to contamination. Water and dirt can enter the oil through any opening such as a badly fitting filler cap, a loose inspection lid, an uncapped filling point, a busted seal or an open or damaged vent. Condensation is another common way for water to get into the oil – lubricating systems subjected to high temperature variations in particular. Equipment and machinery operating in direct sunlight are especially vulnerable to condensation when cooling down during the night.

Contaminants in lubricating oil can also be the result of machine operation. Wear metals are the consequence of frictional wear or corrosion of machine components. The presence of these particles may correspond to normal wear patterns (depending on the nature and quantity of the particles). Conversely, they may be a sign of a machine that is failing. Lubricant analysis is valuable to gain clarity regarding the type of oil contamination and wear patterns. With this data one can make better decisions on preventative measures to improve machine reliability. It can also reduce cleaning and filtration costs by enabling you to optimize your systems according to your specific contaminants. You will also benefit from the prevention or reduction of downtime, as the data can act as an early diagnosis of a machine malfunction.

Oil contamination normally has dire consequences for machinery. It is therefore vital to take measures to prevent contamination wherever possible. While not all forms of contamination are avoidable, the above steps can minimize the risk. By ensuring you are using the correct lubricants, keeping your oils clean and implementing a lubricant analysis program, you can reduce the possibility of oil-related failures. Even small efforts can be effective in preventing costly problems down the road.

At Q8Oils we have the people, products and proficiency to assist you in reducing downtime and  optimizing equipment life. Simply phone 011 462 1829 or email us at info@bcl.co.za. Our lubricant experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

In this final part of the Lubrication Consolidation series we conclude with a further discussion of plant-based lubrication recommendations.

Many new products in the growing aftermarket lubricant industry offer comparable or superior quality to OEM-recommended lubricants. These products often undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure they meet or even exceed relevant industry standards. Additionally, some aftermarket lubricants are specifically formulated to address issues commonly found in certain types of machinery and offer tailored solutions that OEM products may not provide.

What are the motives for selecting a lubricant for a machine? For service technicians, the primary concern may be to find a readily available “approved lubricant”. Although maintenance managers and plant engineers may share this requirement, they are likely more focused on how lubricant choices enhance equipment reliability. In addition operation supervisors, inventory clerks and plant managers, may each have unique considerations and their own perspective on how it impacts costs.

There is, however, more to this decision-making process. Quite often there are special considerations for environmental impact, necessitating environmentally acceptable lubricants or industry-specific needs, like food-grade lubricants in food and beverage facilities. Moreover, the common belief that using alternate lubricants automatically voids warranties is a myth, provided these lubricants meet the required specifications.

The complexities of maintenance culture, and the impact of lubricant selection on plantwide reliability, make lubricant selection much more than just a technical decision. This is a shift in how we see lubricants as vital assets that significantly impact the efficiency and longevity of machinery. Operators and maintenance managers can make more informed decisions based on the lessons learned here. Their decisions may have the potential not only to improve equipment performance and lifespan, but also to minimize operational costs.

Finally, lubricants must be viewed as something with economic value and the expectation that it will provide benefits. Many organizations that have focused on this as a proactive measure have documented savings in their maintenance budget and increased uptime of machines.

At Q8Oils we specialize in lubrication recommendations and offer a wealth of expertise when tailoring lubricants to specific operational needs – an aspect sometimes overlooked in OEM recommendations. Should you require assistance with your lubrication standardisation program simply email us at  info@bcl.co.za. We have the people, products and proficiency to consolidate your lubricant requirements.

Reference:
Bennet Fitch: Warning! The OEM-Recommended Lubricants Might Not the Best Choice, Machinery Lubrication Magazine: November 2023.

In this three-part series of our newsletter we compare the significance of OEM lubricant recommendations to plant based lubricant selection. In the previous issue of OilChat we examined the underlying objectives and considerations behind the OEM’s lubricant recommendations. In this issue of the newsletter we will  focus on the unique environment and operating conditions of the plant.

In this three-part series of our newsletter we compare the significance of OEM lubricant recommendations to plant based lubricant selection. In the previous issue of OilChat we examined the underlying objectives and considerations behind the OEM’s lubricant recommendations. In this issue of the newsletter we will  focus on the unique environment and operating conditions of the plant.

Plant specific lubricant selection is based on several considerations, including the following key areas:

Lubricant Consolidation:

Imagine a restaurant allows its customers to customize their meals. While this approach caters perfectly for the taste of each individual, it would require the restaurant to stock an enormous variety of ingredients and the cooking process will be significantly complicated. This could lead to inefficiencies, increased costs, longer waiting times and potential errors in order fulfilment.

In contrast, consider a restaurant with a well-planned menu. This menu may not cater for every specific customer’s preference, but it offers a balanced variety of dishes that satisfy the majority of patrons. By doing so the restaurant operates more efficiently and the kitchen can manage stock better, prepare meals faster and maintain a higher quality and consistency, all while reducing costs and complexity.

This scenario mimics the situation in a large plant with numerous machines. If each machine uses an OEM-recommended lubricant, the variety (like the customizable menu) becomes unmanageable and will lead to logistical challenges and increased costs. However, by selecting a consolidated list of lubricants (like a set menu), the plant can adequately meet the needs of most machinery. This approach enhances overall operational efficiency, simplifies inventory management and reduces costs – even if some machines have their  specific lubricant. In addition, more favourable lubricant supply agreements can be negotiated with suppliers which can provide immediate cost savings. The biggest savings, however, may be from reduced machine failures associated with cross-contamination and when the wrong product is used accidentally.

Optimum Lubricant Selection:

Like most other maintenance decisions for a machine, durability, safety, cost, and environmental impact will influence lubricant selection. This means that many similar machines may require different lubricants and service practices, all based on what is optimal to meet reliability objectives of the OEM.

The OEM-recommended lubricant is often a single lubricant (or specification) that considers the most intended use case. Nonetheless, any one machine may have different operating environments. For example, one specific machine may operate sufficiently with a straightforward economical lubricant. In contrast, in another area of the plant, the same type of machine may require a premium lubricant. In this case the most cost-effective lubricant, meeting the requirements of both machines, should be selected.

Upgraded Lubricant Selection:

Lubricant technology is constantly evolving. New formulations and additives are developed regularly to offer enhanced performance characteristics, such as better temperature stability, improved wear protection and extended lubricant life. In some cases newer aftermarket lubricants may outperform the products recommended by the OEM, especially in harsh or unusual operating conditions.

When considering specific operating conditions of a machine, lubricants need meticulous selection. Operating temperature, workload, and operational frequency are fundamental factors that can significantly affect lubricant performance. These can be counteracted with adjustments in lubricant selection, such as viscosity (which may be influenced by operating temperature and load) or lubricant formulation (this can improve oxidative stability, wear protection and seal compatibility).

In the next issue of OilChat we will discuss plant based lubricant selection in further detail. If you have any questions concerning lubricant consolidation in the interim, simply mail us at info@bcl.co.za. Our experts are at your disposal and ready to provide you with advice and guidance.

This approach may be adequate at first. However, several shortcomings require a more strategic approach, particularly when considering the specific environment and operating conditions of the plant, as well as the typical challenges of managing maintenance across dozens of machines. In this case the “safe choice” may have far-reaching implications that influence lubricant selections.

In the next issue of OilChat we will  focus on the lubrication requirements of the environmental and operating conditions of the plant. If you have any questions concerning lubricant consolidation in the interim, simply mail us at info@bcl.co.za. Our experts are at your disposal and ready to provide you with advice and guidance.

Reference:
Bennet Fitch: Warning! The OEM-Recommended Lubricants Might Not the Best Choice, Machinery Lubrication Magazine: November 2023.

Common belief is that to follow the lubricant recommendation of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) when servicing machinery in an industrial plant is the safest and most effective route. This opinion originates from trust in the OEM’s knowledge of their machine. In this three-part series of our newsletter we debate whether it is universally applicable – especially in large industrial plants. To answer this question, we will delve into two critical areas. In this issue of OilChat we will examine the underlying objectives and considerations behind the OEM’s recommendations.

OEM lubricant recommendations are based on several considerations, including the following key areas:

Machine Design and Operating Requirements: OEMs select a lubricant to match the machine design needs and test the lubricant under specific conditions with focus on reliability and durability. Operating conditions will include factors like temperature, load conditions, speed and environmental factors such as dust and moisture.

Industry Standards and Certifications: Lubricants must often meet certain industry standards or certifications and may require extensive lab testing and validations for performance in specific equipment categories.

Warranty Liability Concerns and Other Commercial Factors: Recommended lubricants are often a stipulation for maintaining a warranty. This requirement stems from the OEM’s confidence in specific lubricants. OEMs frequently sell these lubricants directly, sometimes under their own brand.

Overall Ease of Maintenance and Cost-Efficiency: OEMs consider the balance between the cost of the lubricant and the overall cost of operation and maintenance. The goal is to recommend a lubricant that provides cost-effective operation over the lifespan of the equipment.

Selecting one lubricant for a specific machine is easy. For smaller plants, the lubricant is a minor cost. The answer is therefore normally to simply use the OEM-recommended lubricant. For larger plants, lubricants are a much more substantial expenditure and one bad choice could cost the organization significantly in repair and downtime. It is, therefore, often the same answer – the OEM recommendation.

This approach may be adequate at first. However, several shortcomings require a more strategic approach, particularly when considering the specific environment and operating conditions of the plant, as well as the typical challenges of managing maintenance across dozens of machines. In this case the “safe choice” may have far-reaching implications that influence lubricant selections.

In the next issue of OilChat we will  focus on the lubrication requirements of the environmental and operating conditions of the plant. If you have any questions concerning lubricant consolidation in the interim, simply mail us at info@bcl.co.za. Our experts are at your disposal and ready to provide you with advice and guidance.

Reference
Bennet Fitch: Warning! The OEM-Recommended Lubricants Might Not the Best Choice, Machinery Lubrication Magazine: November 2023.