Oil Viscosity Basics: Understanding the Heart of Lubrication
Introduction Well, when it comes to lube, oil viscosity is everything. The resistance of a fluid to flow is known as its viscosity and will influence the ability to lubricate, protect, and cool machinery. In this article, we will explore the basics of oil viscosity, its measurement, its application, and the factors that influence it. Armed with a good understanding of these fundamentals, you can make better choices about which equipment to lubricate and how to maintain it in an industrial setting. What is the Viscosity of Oil? Viscosity is the measure of the internal friction of the fluid, or how gunky it is. In oils, it specifies the flow of the oil at an established temperature. Some oils are called high-viscosity oils because they have a high relative resistance to flow, and others are low-viscosity oils, which are thin and can flow easily. This property is critical to proper machinery lubrication because it influences oil film formation, lubrication efficiency, and wear prote...