The assembly line is the broadest category of equipment used in industrial production. It includes hundreds to thousands of machines that require lubrication. In addition, robots need lubrication to function correctly. Below is a list of standard industrial lubricants and how they are classified.
Common
Industrial lubrication is critical for assembling machines and hydraulic systems. In addition, most industrial components require regular lubrication to minimize wear and maintain smooth operation. However, common problems with lubrication can pose a significant problem in almost any industrial unit.
The most common industrial lubrication problems are due to improper lubrication. This is often the result of manual lubrication, a problem often overlooked. Regardless of the reason for poor lubrication, there are several steps to avoid them. Firstly, you must document your lubrication process. Documentation is essential, as you may not know which parts are affected without it. To avoid these problems, you must get your lubricants only from your trusted lubricant supplier VA.
Types
The different types of industrial lubrication include petroleum-based oil and synthetic fluids. Petroleum-based oils are cheap, abundant, and economical. Synthetic oils, on the other hand, are more expensive but provide improved performance. The main difference between these two types is viscosity, which can be measured as a velocity gradient divided by the density of the lubricant. It is estimated in Saybolt Seconds Universal.
The largest category of machinery is an assembly line. These lines typically contain hundreds or thousands of moving parts. Many of these parts are automated, with robots doing the work of humans. But even these robots require lubrication. The main issue with manual lubrication is that it can lead to mistakes, causing expensive and sometimes dangerous damage. So, it’s important to document all processes and procedures, which are essential in the industrial world.
Viscosity
In industries, viscosity is a critical factor. It affects the flow of process fluids and is a crucial component of machine operation. For example, viscosity determines the time required to fill a reservoir and the amount of energy needed to pump the process fluid. It is also helpful in drug formulations, determining the force required to inject a given dosage. Viscosity is measured in newton-seconds per square meter (NSP), and in SI units, it is expressed in pascal seconds (psi). In modern lubrication practice, the cP unit is often used.
The ISO VG designation of industrial lubrication allows users to choose among various products that are suitable for their machines. However, the viscosity of different oils varies, so caution is needed when selecting the lubricant. In addition, some viscosity grades may be left out of the ISO designation. Therefore, users of these lubricants do not necessarily need to move away from these types of oils.
Pour point
Among the essential properties of lubricants, the pour point indicates their stability when used in low-temperature installations. This test determines the viscosity of the lubricant in sub-zero temperatures. It is sometimes misinterpreted as the limit and cannot be used as a guide for selecting a lubricant for applications in low temperatures.
In industrial applications, the pour point of an oil describes the temperature below which it ceases to flow under gravity. It is typically around 3 degrees C or 5 degrees F lower than the solidifying point. Although the pour point is a valuable measurement for predicting oil performance, it is not always relevant to the lowest temperature at which a bearing needs to be lubricated. Instead, a high pour point indicates a more stable lubricant.
Cloud point
The cloud point in industrial lubrication refers to the temperature at which a lubricant starts to solidify. For example, cold weather can cause olive oil to solidify and sink to the bottom of its container. Similarly, the temperature can drop below zero degrees Celsius in a temperate country. Consequently, storing olive oil at these temperatures causes it to develop waxy clumps. These clumps are referred to as the cloud point.
A pour point apparatus is used to determine the cloud point in industrial lubrication. Using this device, a sample of lubricating oil is poured into a glass tube with a flat bottom and an air jacket. The entire assembly is then dipped into a mixture of freezing or cold water. Depending on the freezing temperature range of the apparatus, this step can take several hours.