How to classify lubricating oils
Lubricating oil classification is the first thing to know about in order to provide your mechanical system with the correct solution for its needs.
Oil viscosity, oil density, oil gradation and all the characteristics of greases and oils in general all contribute significantly to the lubrication of your machinery. Indeed, getting even just one aspect wrong can lead to major structural damage.
Thus, you should be very careful given that the choice of suitable lubricant for keeping mechanisms operating at high levels requires a preliminary and correct classification of lubricating oils.
The steps to take are:
- Analyse the characteristics, always taking into consideration the device of destination for the lubricant
- If necessary, check that it is food-compatible
- Where required, make sure that it is flame resistant
- Check resistance to high and/or low temperatures
- Ensure compatibility with other materials (such as rubbers and plastics, for example)
- Also consider protection from oxidation
Classifications of lubricating oils: categories and bases
When we talk about the classification of lubricating oils, we are also talking about the basic solutions and additives that compose them, which end up defining the viscosity, density and gradation of the oil and all the purposes of the oil generally.
It is specifically on one of these elements, from the base oils and their quality, that the finished lubricant depends.
There are two different types:
- Mineral bases, obtained in the distillation column from the processing of crude oil
- Synthetic bases, obtained through polymerisation processes in synthesis reactors
Classification of lubricating oils: types and composition
Each industrial sector has its own needs in terms of lubrication and mechanical systems, thus we suggest following the classification of lubricating oils by intended use.
Based on the needs and the final product, we analyse the characteristics necessary to identify the correct product or, if necessary, modify it according to the needs of your machinery.
In this sense, the solutions to be adopted can be:
- Silicone oils used for lubrication or as a base for silicone greases, which differ in their greater adhesive and cohesive capacity at the friction points
- Fluorinated oils that serve to counteract the deterioration of numerous mechanical mechanisms subjected to extreme operating conditions
- Protective oils tasked with protecting the metal components up until the final protective coatings are applied
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