Lubricating oils play a critical role in rotating machinery's efficient and safe operation. However, these fluids are exposed to various factors that can deteriorate their performance over time. Two of the most common degradation mechanisms are oxidation and thermal...
When it comes to hydraulic systems, oil contamination is one of the most insidious and persistent enemies. It is estimated that about 80% of failures in these systems are directly related to fluid contamination. The issue goes beyond simply cleaning the oil; It...
Achieving proactive maintenance involves three key steps: setting cleanliness targets, implementing specific actions to meet those targets, and frequently measuring contaminant levels. This article focuses on the second step—specifically, how to choose the most...
The question of lubricant miscibility usually arises in the context of a product change or the need for a refill. The very asking of it demonstrates operational awareness and knowledge. However, the key to success is the right question and a precise and reliable...
Ugly. Torturous. Scourge. Devastating. Catastrophic. Insidious. These are just a few of the words used in papers and presentations to describe the effects of water in oil. You get the picture. For good reason, water has been called the second most destructive...
Engine oil is a lubricating fluid designed to reduce friction and wear between moving parts inside an internal combustion engine, while also cooling, cleaning, and protecting components from corrosion and deposits. While we may think that there are numerous car...
Why Water in Oil Is So Dangerous From an early age, we learn that oil and water do not mix. While that is not exactly true in the world of lubrication, it is true to say that any degree of water in a lubricant can cause irreparable harm to both the lubricated...
What is Lubricant Foaming? Lubricant foaming is a deceptively complex phenomenon often dismissed as mere surface bubbles on top of oil reservoirs. Yet seasoned lubrication engineers and tribologists understand the critical threat foaming poses to lubricant performance...
Degradation of the lubricant circulating through your system can impact equipment performance, reliability, and lifespan. When an oil degrades, it loses its ability to properly lubricate, meaning friction increases – accelerating wear and tear on the components. This...
For over 35 years, I have been at the heart of reliability, lubrication, and operational excellence. In my experience, siloed decision-making between maintenance, HSE, and procurement often results in inefficiencies, increased risks, and missed opportunities for...
