Ever wondered how greases differ – why is wheel bearing grease different to multi purpose?

We all know that using the wrong grease in an application will usually drastically shorten the equipments life, but how do greases differ to cope with the different applications? After all the demands on a wheel bearing are very different to those of a door hinge.

What gives different greases their charachteristics?

Greases are primarily classified by their thickeners, the most common

Understanding the API classifications for automotive gear oils.

Anyone that’s ever read their cars handbook or had a look at the fluids spec sheet will have seen that gear oils all have the prefix API: What do these API classifications for automotive gear oils mean?

The American Petroleum Institute (API) service designations are based on the type of service in which components will be used. The designations are utilized by manufacturers to select lubricants for particular gear types and operating conditions.

No attempt is made by the API classification system to

Making the best lubricant choice for the environment can improve efficiency.

Unfortunately oil has long been associated with pollution and damage, but this can be turned around by consciously choosing the best oil for the environment.

Fortunately, it is relatively easy to reduce the impact by changing the way lubricants are being used and even by making more use of synthetic lubricants.

For example, oil in equipment should not be

Why is selecting the best synthetic compressor oil so important?

With the widespread use of dynamic, reciprocating and rotary compressors it’s not always easy choosing the best synthetic compressor oil for the application.

Lubrication requirements vary considerably, depending not only on the type of compressor but also the gas which is being compressed. In general, air and gas compressors are mechanically similar.

Thus, the main difference is in the effect of the gas on the lubricant