How to Maintain Lubricant Viscosity for Optimal Machinery Performance
Introduction to Lubrication Viscosity Viscosity of lubricants refers to the resistance of lubricant flow. It measures how effectively the oil can act as a barrier between moving parts, minimising friction and wear. The inherent viscosity of an oil or grease is vital to the smooth operation of equipment and the performance characteristics for a multitude of industrial applications. Lubricants come in several different viscosity grades. Hydraulic Oil Viscosity is integral for efficient energy transfer in hydraulic systems, while Gear Oil Viscosity is used to provide optimized load sharing with minimum wear for heavily loaded gears. Without Viscosity, oil loses the ability to create a lubricating film, leading to metal-to-metal contact, increased wear, higher friction, and more heat, resulting in eventual catastrophic failure. Why Viscosity Maintenance is Crucial It is important to ensure proper Lubricant Viscosity for reasons like: Stop lubricants from breaking down: Contamination,...