Just like the engine of a motor vehicle, industrial machinery needs lubrication. Lubricants, often in form of oils, reduce friction between moving parts, helping them last longer and run more smoothly. Lubrication can also protect against excess heat than can damage machinery. Industrial oils come in three different basic types.
Mineral Oils
If you run a factory that uses machinery, you may use an industrial lubricant Richmond VA that is a mineral oil. Mineral oils come from petroleum obtained through oil wells. Mineral oils are hydrocarbons and are processed to create oils are various viscosities for different uses. Mineral oils require purification during processing as they often contain additional elements such as phosphor, nitrogen, and sulfur. These substances can oxidate and create sludge that can damage machinery. Mineral oils are the most common type used in industry.
Natural Oils
As their name implies, these oils come from natural sources such as animal fats and vegetables. They require very little processing but are not suitable for industrial use. Natural oils are highly unstable and oxidize quickly at the high temperatures involved in industrial applications. They break down and then cannot perform their job of protecting machinery.
Synthetic Oils
Synthetic oils are created through chemical processes and have some nice advantages. They have no impurities and their viscosity is more consistent. With a high flashpoint, synthetics will not catch fire at typical industrial temperatures. Synthetics can be used safely with rubbers and plastics that would be problematic for mineral oils. They are well-suited to applications involving food as there is no risk of sulfur contamination. The downside to synthetic oils is that they are not as good at reducing friction as mineral oils.
When running any type of machinery, friction and high temperatures are causes for concern. This is the purpose of lubricants. Whichever type of oil you use, it will keep your equipment running smoothly and help it last longer.
