Whenever there’s a problem with a piece of industrial equipment that touches on lubrication, the smart money inevitably turns to synthetic industrial oils. But what are the facts? What can reasonably be expected of the performance of synthetic industrial oils?

Well let’s look at some of the common problems associated with lubrication and which problems synthetic industrial oils can solve.

Due to environmental factors, such as reduced airflow and higher ambient temperatures created by equipment operating in indoors, equipment often suffers from reduced efficiency, increased carbon build-up, sludge and varnish build-up on internal component surfaces.

Synthetic industrial oils are engineered to be more stable at higher
temperatures, and therefore reduce the oil volatility and oxidation associated with mineral oils. This equates to extended oil change intervals and significant cost savings in labor, old oil disposal, and more frequent oil and filter replacement. With reduced down-time productivity and equipment utilization also improves.

It’s also evident that with the degradation of the oil comes increased wear rates, which reduces equipment life and ultimately impacts on operating costs.

With less frequent oil changes, the impact on the environment is also reduced, with less toxic material having to be disposed of.

On the other end of the scale, cold-temperature operation has a set of problems that can also be difficult to overcome, using mineral oils.

The operating range of mineral oil is relatively narrow, so in order to operate efficiently at higher operating temperatures a higher viscosity is required. Unfortunately at low temperatures the higher viscosity results in high start-torques and subsequent energy usage. The higher viscosity can also lead to increased mechanical wear (Due to cold-scuffing) as well as more frequent failure of components such as motor coupler.

Synthetic industrial oils are engineered for superior thermal stability and as a result, they contain none of the impurities and paraffinic compounds which thicken in cold temperatures causing reduced fluidity and increased friction. Synthetic industrial oils remain fluid at extremely low temperatures, providing lubrication and component protection far beyond the capability of any conventional lubricant.

With an extended operating temperature range, fewer grades of synthetic industrial oils may be required when compared to conventional oils. This cuts down on inventory and reduces the risk of incorrect lubricant being used.

Synthetic industrial oils can be engineered with low friction and high load properties that would normally be difficult to obtain without modifiers. These properties result in higher operating efficiencies, lower operating temperatures and industrial energy savings using synthetic oils

Synthetic industrial oils come in several grades blends and viscosities. They are also blended for various applications from Skydrol for aerospace to biodegradable hydraulic oils used in agricultural equipment. The one thing they all have in common is that they’re fully engineered to offer stable lubrication under a wide range of temperatures and high loads, as required by modern day industry and mining.

For more specific information on synthetic industrial oils scroll through the posts, or go to our home page to review testimonials and full specifications.