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...
Articles
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...
The Dangers of High-Pressure Fluid Injection and How to Stay Safe
For professionals who work with machinery, it is vital to grasp the potential risks of fluid injection injuries. Although these incidents are rare, they are a significant concern, especially for personnel who are engaged in performing lubrication tasks. Let's simplify...
Maintaining the Shine: Sustainable Oil Transfer Container Management
"We bought these oil transfer containers only a month ago; now look at their condition!" is a statement conveying a good intention gone wrong. Stained transfer containers were lying around, with their tops nowhere to be seen. Anyone aware of the importance of clean...
Varnish Deposits in Bearings: Causes, Consequences, and Cures
Varnish is characterized as a deposit originating from the degradation of lubricating oils. These degradation byproducts are predominantly polar compounds, exhibiting inherent instability within the non-polar phase of the lubricating oil. Due to this chemical...














