Flash Point Temperature – What is it? The Flash Point of a substance or material is the "lowest liquid temperature at which, under certain standardized conditions, a liquid gives off vapors in a quantity such as to be capable of forming an ignitable vapor/air...
Articles
Antioxidants In Lubricants: Essential or Excessive?
Antioxidants are additives that increase the oxidative resistance of the base oil to prolong lubricant life. They help prevent or reduce lubricant oxidation and work collaboratively with other additives in finished lubricants. Understanding Oxidation: The Basis for...
Uncovering the Unseen: Advanced Oil Testing for Critical Insights
Oil testing and analysis provide vital information on the condition of the oil and the equipment and can diagnose the causes of problems. Wear particles and contamination concerns can be identified using several methods. Going beyond routine oil analysis tests such as...
Revolutionizing Synthetic Lubricants: The Rise of New PAO Alternatives
Look at the product data sheet for any full synthetic industrial lubricating oil, and you will likely discover that the base oil is a polyalphaolefin (PAO). These lubricants have become the backbone of high-performance lubricants for the better part of 50 years, with...
Reviving Degraded Hydraulic Fluids: Best Practices for Reclamation
Industries that rely on hydraulic systems are often some of the heaviest consumers of lubricants, primarily due to their tendency to leak. While best practice would suggest that they identify and fix the leaks, many companies are either unable or unwilling to address...
Implementing AI and ML for Advanced Turbomachinery Oil Condition Monitoring
Artificial intelligence (AI) has expanded to various fields, and the industrial area is no exception. In maintenance, AI has begun to automate processes and can improve the early detection of problems that cause unavailability in critical machinery, especially in...
Mastering the 5 Stages of Bearing Life for Improved Reliability
All bearings are destined to fail eventually. While ineffective lubrication practices are arguably the greatest contributing factor in such failures, the root cause(s) are rarely investigated due to production and maintenance turnaround demands. It's through...
Preventing “Creep to Failure” in Mechanical Systems
In my recent article, "Improve The Reliability of Hydraulic Systems for Just Pennies A Day," I used the term "creep to failure." It describes mechanical systems that continue to work, albeit inefficiently, for extended periods despite suffering from disrespect, abuse,...
Case Study: Monitoring Diesel Engine Combustion Efficiency with Oil Analysis
Diesel engines are the driving force powering many modern transportation and industry applications. They can be found in vehicles and machinery, from trucks to marine vessels. In the port industry, diesel engines are found in Rubber Tire Gantry (RTG), Terminal...
Food Grade Lubricants: Categories, Compliance and Challenges
A lot has already been written about food grade lubricants, so a summary of what they are is a good place to start before taking a closer look at some of the issues relating to their use and the ongoing concerns in this area. Regulation of Food Grade Lubricants...