Using turbine oils in other applications.

Although "Turbine Oil" is primarily designed for use in turbines it’s not uncommon to find turbine oils in other applications. It was originally a high quality, straight mineral oil with good water separating qualities. Typically turbine oils are kept clean by activated earth filters which remove oxidation products, as well as outside contamination. It has gradually evolved into a rust and oxidation inhibiting oil, which gives long service
life with the use of conventional filters rather than the activated type.

The question “How long will turbine oil last?” should be answered with the sound engineering response of “it depends.” Turbine oil suppliers can give fairly wide-ranging estimates, of between 5 to 15 years, in gas turbine applications.

The current generation of turbine oils are composed of top quality base stocks, combined with extremely long life oxidation and rust inhibitors which function at higher temperatures. Some contain wear-reducing additives which contribute to longer equipment life. They may be described as `Turbine Grade' oils.

Turbine oils in other applications are surprisingly common.

Turbine oils have many other uses as high quality lubricants. Manufacturers often recommend turbine oils be used in other applications such as hydraulic oils, air compressor and vacuum pump oils, general shop lubricants, bearing lubricants, heat transfer oils, etc. Lubrication Engineers, Inc. will certainly accept these recommendations where the customer wants it or warranty requires a designed product for each application. 

Typically turbine oils in other applications can be seen in the replacement of rock drill or air tool lubricants for in plant pneumatic applications. Typical rock drill or air tool lubricants contain extreme pressure material fatty oils or fatty acids, tackiness aids, etc., all of which are more subject to oxidation and oil degradation than turbine oils, and affect tubing, seals and other components if they stay in the system too long.


Where the lubricant is fed into the airstream immediately before the tool being used, and the air and oil mist is exhausted to the outside atmosphere, then rock drill or air tool lubricants are used. Where the lubricant is fed into the airstream at a central point, inside a plant and carried some distance to several or many machines where oil/air mist may be exhausted inside, then turbine oil should be used. This will greatly reduce contamination of the environment and won't adversely affect components and personnel.

In oil mist systems where the air is not powering the system, but only carrying oil, turbine oil would again be the preferred lubricant. Again, superior lubrication and lack of effect on components and personnel.

Turbine oils in other applications but not for gear lubrication.

However, many industrial gear manufacturers are recommending Rust and Oxidation inhibited turbine grade oils for steady loads between 10°C. and 66°C. for enclosed helical, herringbone, straight bevel and spur gears.

High quality turbine oils in other applications are common but beware of using in engines or extreme pressure gear oils.

Turbine oils in other applications may be popular but make sure you only use quality lubricants, such as those supplied by Habot Oil: Not only do they produce quality synthetic lubricants but also offer professional advice in their application.