Resources for synthetic lubricants

Eastman Chemical to Acquire Solutia

2012-02-02T08:11:59-06:00

Eastman Chemical Company and Solutia Inc. have entered into a definitive agreement under which Eastman will acquire Solutia, a performance materials and specialty chemicals company that offers a range of products including heat-transfer fluids and aviation hydraulic fluids.

The transaction, which was approved by the boards of directors of both companies, remains subject to approval by Solutia’s shareholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals as well as other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2012.

“The acquisition of Solutia is a significant step in our growth strategy and one that I am confident will strengthen Eastman as a top-tier specialty chemical company with strong, stable margins,” said Jim Rogers, chairman and chief executive officer of Eastman. “The addition of Solutia will broaden our geographic reach into emerging geographies, particularly Asia Pacific, establish a powerful combined pla

Extending Oil Service Life

2012-01-25T09:10:00-06:00

"Can I expect a synthetic engine oil to extend the service life above that of a mineral oil? Also, can the service life of oil be extended by increasing sump capacity? For example, if we double the sump capacity, can we then expect the service interval to be doubled or is there a ratio?"

Synthetics can have extended drain intervals. However, the factor at which the extended drain would be assumed depends on many factors, including contamination control and exclusion, typical operating conditions of the vehicle, temperature, etc.

A larger sump equates to more additives and detergents for the same engine. Therefore, a larger sump will extend the service life. Assuming all conditions are the same, twice the oil in the sump should provide twice the service life.

Klüber Lubrication Introduces Hydraulic Oil for Injection Molding Reservoirs

2012-01-10T08:33:35-06:00

Klüber Lubrication has introduced Klüberfood 4 NH1-46, the only NSF H1-registered fully synthetic hydraulic oil that is approved for use on Husky injection molding equipment.

Compared with mineral hydraulic oils, Klüberfood 4 NH1-46 reduces contaminant build-up and valve blockages, resulting in longer oil change intervals and lower operating costs in hydraulic systems.

Husky Injection Molding Systems has approved Klüberfood 4 NH 1-46 in its range of injection-molding machines for use on all generations of Husky machines.

"After a successful two-year test, we were pleased to see that our oil met or exceeded all of the performance criteria for both Husky and the end-user,” said Kimberly Eldridge, food market manager, Klüber Lubrication North America L.P. “Our product is now the only NSF H1-registered synthetic oil to attain Husky approval."

Klüberfood 4 NH 1-46 was designed to provi

Calumet Purchases Lubricant Business from Hercules Inc.

2012-01-06T08:18:03-06:00

Calumet Specialty Products Partners LP has announced that its subsidiary, Calumet Missouri LLC, has completed the purchase of the aviation and refrigerant lubricants business from Hercules Incorporated, a subsidiary of Ashland Inc. The purchase price was not disclosed. Under the terms of the agreement, Calumet Missouri obtains a 22-acre parcel that includes the manufacturing facility in Louisiana, Mo., which the company plans to continue operating.

"We are very pleased to be in the synthetic lube business and look forward to transitioning Hercules into the Calumet family," said Jennifer Straumins, Calumet president and chief operating officer. "Calumet is focused on the refining of crude oil into specialty petroleum products, and the Hercules acquisition will help to strengthen our business for both customers and shareholders."

An independent producer of high-quality, specialty hydrocarbon products, Calumet processes crude oil and other feedstocks int

Houghton Introduces New Soluble Oil Lubricants

2011-12-30T09:31:11-06:00

Houghton International recently introduced heavy-duty soluble oil lubricants designed to extend tool life and reduce maintenance costs for drawing and stamping applications.

Houghto-Draw 7060 lubricates ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including difficult alloys such as titanium. It is compatible with hard water and runs clean with low foaming, which reduces disposal costs and downtime associated with maintenance. The bio-stable formula assures long, odor-free sump life and resists biological attacks to improve maintenance conditions for operators. Houghto-Draw 7060 also is engineered to improve surface finishing and lead to increased tool life due to its in-process corrosion protection of machinery and parts.

Drawsol WM 2800 contains highly refined petroleum oils, extreme pressure agents, fatty lubricants and rust inhibitors to handle most heavy-duty stamping and drawing processes. It also offers anti-corrosion protection, which helps improve part storage life. Drawsol W

ExxonMobil Announces Consolidation Plans

2011-12-28T10:48:50-06:00

ExxonMobil Corporation recently announced that its board of directors is anticipated to approve the consolidation of ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing Company and ExxonMobil Lubricants and Petroleum Specialties Company into ExxonMobil Fuels, Lubricants and Specialties Marketing Company, effective Feb. 1, 2012.

In addition, it is expected that the board of directors will appoint A.J. (Alan) Kelly, current president of ExxonMobil Lubricants and Petroleum Specialties Company, as president of the consolidated company. Kelly has served as president of ExxonMobil Lubricants and Petroleum Specialties Company since 2007, when he was also elected as vice president of the corporation.

For more information, visit www.exxonmobil.com.

Champion Receives GSA Approval for Lubricants

2011-12-22T08:48:27-06:00

Champion has been awarded a General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule 51-V Contract to provide products and services to the U.S. government.

Under the five-year contract, Champion will be listed as a preferred government-approved vendor and can provide numerous types of gasoline and diesel motor oils, brake fluids, greases, aerosols and engine additives to all of levels of government and military.

“The GSA Schedule 51-V award is validation of Champion’s commitment to offer ‘purpose-built’ solutions for its federal, state and local government customers,” said Mike Reddick, Champion vice president of sales and marketing. “We specifically designed our Schedule 51-V Contract to meet the government’s needs for top-tier chemicals and lubricants while using cutting-edge technological solutions. We look forward to continuing our support to our commercial and industrial customers while providing our government colleagues with

Ultrachem Food-Grade Lubricants Certified to Halal Standards

2011-12-20T08:43:57-06:00

Ultrachem Inc. has received certification that the company's food-grade synthetic lubricants, oils and greases meet the requirements of halal certification as established by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA). IFANCA halal certification provides an independent, third-party quality step, assuring food processors that a company's products meet stringent hygiene and sanitation standards in their manufacture.

"With halal certification, Ultrachem further enhances our portfolio of quality certifications," said Bob Whiting, president of Ultrachem. "In adding to our NSF, kosher and GOST-R endorsements, we've verified the global reach of our product family of synthetic greases and lubricants."

Utrachem's Omnilube food-grade products meet all of the requirements of the USDA and FDA H-1 regulations, 21 CFR 178.3570, and conform to the requirements of NSF. They are also approved by the Orthodox Union for kosher use. Recentl

The Basics of Synthetic Oil Technology

2011-12-19T09:53:25-06:00

In the 1930s, Dr. Hermann Zorn of Germany was searching for a lubricant with the properties of natural oils derived from crude oil but without the undesirable properties (high pour points, tendency to gum or gel in combustion engines, low oxidation resistance at higher temperatures, etc.). Germany was also in need of a product that was not derived from crude oil, as the nation’s access to crude oil was becoming increasingly scarce. By the mid-1940s, the fruit of Dr. Zorn’s labor included more than 3,500 different blends of esters, including diesters and polyolesters.

The first real-world trial for these lubricants came during World War II when both Germany and U.S. forces began using synthetic base oil in aircraft engines. They noticed the synthetics made engine starts much easier in colder climates (due to the high viscosity index) and significantly decreased soot deposits that would build up in oil radiators when using conventional (crude oil-derived) lubricants.

Fluoramics Introduces Rust-inhibiting Lubricant

2011-12-16T09:54:13-06:00

Fluoramics Inc. has developed a rust-inhibiting lubricant that is solvent-free, non-aerosol-based and odor-free. HinderRust is a multi-use product that is designed to extend the life of equipment by keeping it moving and rust-free. The lubricant can benefit any industry that employs machinery and tools, including manufacturing and maintenance, mining, automotive, offshore drilling, farming, marine, construction/ grading/excavation, transit and light rail.

Frank Reick, the inventor of HinderRust, is the original developer of Tufoil, which has been called "the world’s most efficient lubricant" by the Guinness Book of World Records. HinderRust uses the technology from Tufoil to lubricate any working, moving parts, such as motors, joints and bearings.

In addition to gett

Simrit Develops New Radial Shaft Seal Material for Industrial Gears

2011-12-13T08:30:16-06:00

Simrit has created an advanced fluoroelastomer material (75 FKM 260466) to address the compatibility requirements of synthetic lubricants used in industrial gears. The new material, a wear-resistant FKM, was developed for use in radial shaft seals that interact with aggressive oils in various industrial gearbox sealing applications.

FKM material blends are commonly used in applications containing synthetic oils because they offer superior high-temperature and chemical resistance compared to other material blends. However, when previous blends encountered synthetic oils, they could demonstrate wear and material degradation, reducing the service life of the entire application.

"In order to make full use of the advantages of high-performance polyglycol-based lubricants in industrial gears, we had to develop a solution that could withstand the aggressive nature of these oils," said Joel Johnson, Simrit’s global vice president of

Switching to H1 Food-grade Lubricants

2011-12-09T09:36:51-06:00

"I work in a food environment, and our health and safety officer has suggested we switch to H1 food-grade lubricants? Is this a sound decision?"

If this is taken to its logical conclusion, all machinery, including that of transport vehicles and sub-contractors’ machinery, would have to comply at great expense. More importantly, apart from the premium cost of food-grade lubricants, which are sometimes four times more expensive, their performance is, in certain cases, inferior to common mineral or synthetic formulated lubricants, potentially reducing the life of the equipment. In addition, as an H1 lube ages, oxidizes and becomes contaminated, it may not maintain its H1 status.

There is a tendency to assume that the H1 lube is a fail-safe option or simply a convenient su

Shell to Build Qatar Petrochemicals Plant

2011-12-07T16:21:07-06:00

Shell and Qatar Petroleum have signed an agreement for the development of a world-scale petrochemicals complex in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar. The complex will produce cost-competitive petrochemicals products to be marketed primarily into Asian growth markets.

The complex is scheduled to include a world-scale steam cracker with feedstock coming from natural gas projects in Qatar, a mono-ethylene glycol plant of up to 1.5 million tons per annum, 300 kilotons per annum of linear alphaolefins and another olefin derivative. Qatar Petroleum will have an 80-percent equity interest in the project with Shell having the remaining 20 percent.

"This agreement marks the beginning of another partnership with Qatar Petroleum for the development of a world-scale petrochemicals project in Qatar," said Shell CEO Peter Voser. "Coming on the heels of the inauguration of Pearl GTL, this new venture demonstrates the commitment of both parties to deepen our relation

Lubrizol to Acquire Chemtool

2011-12-06T13:17:06-06:00

The Lubrizol Corporation has announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase Chemtool Incorporated, a leading manufacturer and supplier of custom formulated greases to the lubricant industry. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011 following the completion of regulatory approvals.

Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Rockton, Ill., Chemtool offers a wide variety of lubricating greases to meet customer needs in markets ranging from aviation to transportation. The company has focused on providing its customers innovative technologies and services that improve performance, extend service life, support process improvements and reduce the overall cost of running their facilities.

The transaction supports Lubrizol's vision to help its customers be more successful and is consistent with its Lubrizol Additives Custom Solutions business model. With an ever-growing number of customers choosing to outsource the manufacture of their grease products, the

How to Determine if Wrong Oil Has Been Added

2011-11-30T11:52:48-06:00

"We suspect that a small amount of an electrohydraulic control (EHC) phosphate ester fluid was added to a reservoir containing a polyalphaolefin (PAO) synthetic. What is the best way to figure out if this has in fact happened?"

For oils that have wildly different base stock chemistry, the simplest method is usually Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR looks for functional groups in the oil sample. These functional groups act as molecular fingerprints to identify different components in the oil, as well as common contaminants such as water, fuel and glycol.

In the case of phosphate ester contamination of a PAO, you would be looking for a peak in the FTIR spectrum around the 1,700 to 1,800 wave number corresponding to the phosphate functional group. Because this

Nestle Waters Reports Results of Hydraulic Fluid Conversion

2011-11-17T12:02:33-06:00

Nestle Waters North America recently released the results of a collaborative program designed to eliminate servo-valve failures in its Husky HyPET 500 units, which caused downtime and multiple component replacement. The program also intended to extend drain intervals, reduce energy consumption, reduce bottom-line costs and be environmentally intelligent and appropriate for use in a food/beverage plant.

After two years, the program demonstrated that use of Hydrotex SYN-Nth hydraulic fluid in this application, when combined with the principles of lubrication management, significantly reduced incidence of valve failure and improved energy efficiency. For the second year of monitoring, there were no servo-valve failures, the fluid analysis indicated no wear metals or oil degradation, and the energy efficiency improved by more than 13.5 percent after 13,000 hours of operation.

"With our conversion to the new SYN-Nth hydraulic fluid, we have increased the mean time betwee

Pennzoil Releases Ultra-Class Synthetic Motor Oil

2011-11-10T14:00:15-06:00

Pennzoil recently released a new formulation of its most technologically advanced full synthetic, Pennzoil Ultra. The proprietary formula of Pennzoil Ultra motor oil with hyper-cleansing technology is designed to far exceed automobile manufacturers' most stringent standards for cleanliness and protection.

The new formulation of the brand's ultra-class synthetic product is the result of a global team of scientists pursuing the goal of producing products that provide the ultimate clean for ultimate performance.

"Our goal in formulating Pennzoil Ultra is to design an oil that far exceeds the toughest standards for engine cleanliness, engineered to help keep a car's engine in pristine condition, close to the way it was the day it left the factory," said Bree Sandlin, Pennzoil’s global brand manager.

When it comes to pistons, the most difficult part of your engine to keep clean, Pennzoil Ultra helps keep pistons up to 65 percent cleaner

When is It Hot Enough for a Synthetic?

2011-11-04T13:50:47-05:00

"My supplier is pushing hard to move his synthetic gear oils into my operation. His position is that the units run too hot for long-term use of mineral oils. At what temperature should I switch to a synthetic lubricant for a non-circulated gearbox?"

First, the term synthetic is very broad, so we assume you are referring to lubricants that are formulated using polyalphaolefin (PAO) synthetic base oil.

There is no single temperature point that dictates a time to move to synthetics. The decision is dependent on equipment continuous loads and shock loads, equipment availability for routine maintenance, criticality of the application, component life cycles, lubricant life cycles and failure modes among other things.

Generally, the rate of lubricant degradation dou

Shell Tops Lubricant Supplier List for Fifth Straight Year

2011-11-04T09:26:23-05:00

Shell Lubricants has topped the list of the world’s leading lubricant suppliers for the fifth consecutive year, according to new research into the global lubricants market. The research, which was conducted by Kline & Company, found that Shell had more than 13 percent of the market by volume in 2010 and a 2-percent lead over its nearest competitor.

In addition to maintaining its leadership position in 2010 on an overall volume basis, Shell also led in the branded lubricants category. Mark Gainsborough, Shell’s head of lubricants, said the company’s distinctive approach to selling lubricants through distributors was paying dividends.

“In 2010, we more than doubled average distributor volumes compared to 2009,” Gainsborough explained.

Global demand for lubricants as a whole grew by nearly 6 percent over 2009, indicating a slight recovery from recession. According to Kline, the Asia-Pacific region continued to show the most robus

When to Switch to a Synthetic Oil

2011-11-02T10:13:31-05:00

"I am considering replacing the mineral oil in my engine with a synthetic oil. The engine has 50,000 miles on it. I have heard that the mineral oil and synthetic oil are compatible. Is this true?"

Generally, the reference to synthetic oil for an engine means a lubricant is formulated with a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base oil. PAO, which is often called synthesized hydrocarbon, is pure and is compatible with mineral base oils.

However, because the PAO base oil does not dissolve additives effectively, it is usually formulated with an ester co-base (usually diester and/or polyolester). The additives are soluble with the ester, and the ester is soluble with the PAO.

Likewise, the PAO tends to cause seal shrinkage, and the ester causes seal swelling, so the effects a

Can Additives Be Replenished?

2011-10-27T16:38:53-05:00

"What happens to the additives in oil over time and is there any way to replenish them?"

Over time, additives are depleted performing the function for which they were intended, degraded by hydrolysis, mechanical shearing, condensation settling, water washing, particle scrubbing, etc.

The rate of depletion or degradation depends upon the application and the environment. In particular, heat, pressure, shear rate, fuel sulfur, soot, dirt, water, aeration and the presence of catalytic metals (copper, iron, etc.) affect the rate of depletion.

Regarding replenishment, whenever you top-up a system, you are replenishing additives. Likewise, you can perform a partial drain and replacement (often referred to as bleed-and-feed).

A bleed-and-feed strategy c

Lubricating Gearboxes at High Temperatures

2011-10-18T08:38:16-05:00

“We have a cooling tower fan gearbox that runs very hot (more than 180 degrees F) due to the operating environment. We recently inspected the gearbox and found a lot of sludge and deposits and a strong sulfur smell. Someone suggested we use synthetic oil instead of the mineral oil currently used to prevent this from reoccurring. Would this help?”

While it is true to say that synthetic oils can be used at higher temperatures, because they do not thin out as quickly as the corresponding grade of mineral oil and provide better oxidation resistance, this may not be the best solution in this instance. This is particularly true because the sulfur smell you refer to is likely the thermal breakdown of the EP additive in the oil. Switching to a synthetic oil will do not

ExxonMobil to Build Synthetic Base Stock Plant

2011-09-28T10:36:08-05:00

ExxonMobil Chemical recently announced that it will build a new world-scale facility to manufacture its metallocene polyalphaolefin (mPAO) synthetic lubricant base stocks at its integrated refining and chemical complex in Baytown, Texas.

The facility will have the capacity to produce 50,000 tons per year of high-viscosity SpectraSyn Elite mPAO. Engineering, procurement and construction activities for the new facility have begun. Completion is expected in 2013.

“The drive for greater energy efficiency, improved durability and extended drain intervals is creating demand for high-performance lubricants made with advanced synthetic base stocks,” said Habib Quazi, synthetics global vice president. “This new metallocene Hi-Vis PAO manufacturing capacity demonstrates

Triangle Manufacturing Unveils Teflon Oil Bearing Balls

2011-08-24T11:14:00-05:00

Triangle Manufacturing has introduced the option of impregnating bearing balls with an additive and a synthetic lubricant — Zonyl MP1100 and Chemlube 645. When combined, these lubricants can extend the life of the bearing while decreasing wear and weathering.

DuPont’s technical information describes Zonyl MP1100 as a fluoroadditive that is a white, free-flowing PTFE powder. It can provide improved lubricity and increased wear resistance. When it is added to lubricants, it can enhance performance under severe or abnormal conditions.

This PTFE oil, along with Chemlube 645, a synthetic-impregnating lubricant, is beneficial because of the low evaporation rate that allows bearings in electric motors to last longer. This, combined with oxidation stability and a wide temperature range

How to Distinguish Between Mineral and Synthetic Oils

2011-08-23T08:14:12-05:00

“Relating to gearboxes on trucks, if the owner or driver doesn’t know if the gear lubes are synthetic, is there a fool-proof way to determine this without having to send a sample to the lab? Some oil manufacturers color their synthetic oils, while others don’t. What would happen if the oils were to be mixed or topped off with the wrong oil?”

The color of the lube is simply a dye. There are no standards, and manufacturers can and do change colors whenever they please. Unfortunately, there is no reliable way of differentiating between mineral and synthetic in the field. However, because synthetic base oils are white (meaning transparent) as compared to mineral oils, which have a darker natural color (due to aromatics, sulfur and other impurities), this may be a disti

Reduce Gearbox Heat with Synthetic Lubricants

2011-07-05T09:52:55-05:00

“Can synthetic lubricants help reduce heat in gear drives? I've heard that they will, but I'm not sure if it justifies the higher price.”

There are many performance and economic reasons to change to a higher-priced lubricant for gear drives. Heat is the critical factor from a mechanical perspective.

As the heat goes up in the gearbox, the viscosity thins. As the viscosity thins, there is an increase of boundary conditions (metal-to-metal contact), which generates more heat. The frictional heat serves to further thin the lubricant, causing a circular decay in the effectiveness of the lubricant.

Synthetics generally have higher viscosity indices (VIs). This serves to resist the problems associated with hot drives. Synthetics have been used

Sprayon Launches ‘Join The Revolution’ Sweepstakes

2011-06-22T08:50:05-05:00

Sprayon® Products is asking all industrial and MRO end-users to join its new industrial revolution at Sprayon.com for a chance to win $5,000 or one of five iPads.

To enter, simply fill out the online form (no purchase required) by Oct. 31, 2011. For more chances to win, forward an invitation to other members of your crew. In return, the company only asks that you spend a little time on its site to learn about Sprayon's high-performance products and how they have been integrated with the Sprayon System.

In 2010, Sprayon® Products integrated its high-performance lubricants and chemicals with revolutionary packaging and point-of-use elements based on the principles of 5S

Lubricant Market Expands to Wind Turbines

2011-05-17T09:11:01-05:00

Valvoline Launches New Line of Recycled Oil

2011-05-13T09:04:26-05:00

Mixing Synthetics With Other Oils

2011-05-02T11:25:04-05:00

Worldwide Industrial adds grease, oil and lubricants to its marketplace

2011-04-08T08:52:48-05:00

Ultrachem Certified to Russian GOST-R Standards

2010-12-08T14:54:46-06:00

Ultrachem Inc. announced that it has received obligatory certification that the company’s synthetic lubricants, oils and greases meet the requirements of Russian GOST-R for use in Industrial and Food Grade applications. Certification to the Russian GOST-R quality standard is essential for products to enter into the Russian Federation and to be sold in Russia. Compliance to GOST-R also assures that the goods delivered in Russia, and/or the production line where they were manufactured, conform to the Russian Safety Standards.

History Channel to Feature Innovative Technology Behind Production of Bio-Based Grease

2010-09-21T13:41:22-05:00

A University of Northern Iowa patent-pending technology will be filmed this week for a segment of "Modern Marvels" on the History Channel. UNI researchers worked with an Iowa-based industrial microwave company to make bio-based grease by using microwaves, which is not only safer, but cuts manufacturing time and improves product quality. This discovery and UNI-National Ag-Based Lubricants Center director Lou Honary – a co-inventor of the technology – will be featured in the segment for the popular documentary television series, which celebrates ingenuity, invention and imagination.

Ultrachem Updates Online Resource on Synthetic Lubricants

2010-08-16T12:09:56-05:00

An extensive synthetic lubricants cross-reference guide makes it easy for knowledgeable professionals to select the proper oil for a particular application, cross-referencing Ultrachem’s solutions with the products offered by dozens of competitors. The site also lists Ultrachem’s range of military specification and NSN lubricants, including assembly fluid, fire-resistant hydraulic fluid and petroleum base hydraulic fluid, along with a variety of lubricating oils.

Case Study: Pizza Plant Goes All In

2010-08-06T13:44:17-05:00

Synco Chemical Marks 30 Years of Lubricant Manufacturing

2010-04-26T14:31:06-05:00

While it may be hard to believe in today’s service-based economy, there still are manufacturers thriving on Long Island, N.Y. In Synco Chemical Corporation’s case, growth and success has persisted for three decades. What makes the 30th anniversary even more significant for the manufacturer of Super Lube synthetic greases and oils is the fact that the company has retained some of its original employees and has never had a layoff. Furthermore, the company’s founders – president Sal Randisi Sr. and his wife, treasurer Hilda Randisi – never once thought about moving the company from its 18,000-square-foot Bohemia, N.Y., headquarters to a lower operating cost geographical area. This is despite the fact that Synco is now marketing its products in more than 40 countries worldwide.

Kluber to Showcase Gear-oil Products at WINDPOWER Show

2010-04-26T13:44:10-05:00

Klüber Lubrication, a worldwide manufacturer of specialty lubricants, will showcase three significant gear-oil products for the wind power industry at the WINDPOWER 2010 trade show during May 23 through 26 in Dallas. Following extensive R&D and a comprehensive test program, the company has developed a line of products to meet the severe requirements of gear oil for wind turbine drives:

Conventional vs Synthetic Oil

2010-03-30T23:04:57-05:00

Petroleum base mineral oils have some limitations, depending upon the type of base stock used, the level of additives blended, and the operating conditions encountered. The main service difficulties within mineral oils are:

The presence of waxes, which can lead to poor lubrication at low temperature.
Poor oxidation stability at continuously high temperatures, which can lead to sludge and acid buildup.
The dependence of viscosity on temperature, which can cause the base oil to thin excessively at high temperature.
A natural high temperature application limit of about 320°C (608°F), above which the base oil decomposes and begins to coke (turns to a sooty substance). Under severe operating conditions, such as extremely high temperatures, or in very cold operating climates, the difficulties noted above are important factors in the selection of lubricants.

Comparing Petroleum Grease vs. Synthetic Grease

2010-02-25T08:44:59-06:00

This video provides a technical explanation of the difference between petroleum grease and synthetic grease.

Access this 7-minute, 48-second video by clicking on the link below.

Alcoa’s Herington Proved to Be Perfect Fit for Plant’s Lubrication Role

2010-02-19T09:03:21-06:00

Lou Herington, the subject of this issue’s “Get to Know ...” section, is the plate mill lubrication technician at Alcoa’s Davenport Works in Iowa. He has worked 32 years at Alcoa (“pretty much my entire working career,” he says), serving as an inspector before moving into maintenance in 1998.

Industrial Lubricants for Wind Turbines

2010-02-19T08:41:13-06:00

This video explains Mobil's industrial lubricants for wind turbine applications.

Access this 5-minute, 2-second video by clicking on the link below.

Phosphate Ester Fluids - Benefits and Limitations

2010-02-19T08:40:17-06:00

Since the discovery of their excellent anti-wear and fire resistance properties in the 1940s, the use of phosphate esters by industry has steadily increased.

Phosphate esters are used primarily as fire-resistant basestocks in several applications including hydraulic systems, turbines and compressors. The first commercial products were synthesized from coal-tar derivatives and were consequently composed of a mixture of various isomeric aryl phosphates, including the neurotoxic orthotolyl phosphate. Today, other raw materials are used for the synthesis of phosphate esters. Modern technology affects better control of the manufacturing process, and the toxicity of the final product is normally low.

Fire-Resistant Fluid
Phosphate esters are the most fire resistant of the non-aqueous synthetic basestocks in common use. Their high ignition temperatures, excellent oxidation stability and very low vapor pres

LE's New Synthetic Oil Protects Wire Rope

2010-02-19T08:33:47-06:00

Lubrication Engineers Inc. has introduced Wirelife Almasol Syn Coating Lubricant, an extremely tacky, non-asphaltic synthetic lubricant with exceptionally high film strength.

A Condensed Guide to Compressor Lubricants

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

To combat the stressful conditions, compressor lubricants need several defense mechanisms. Learn about the different options and requirements for compressor lubricants.

Is Synthetic Oil Better?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Hmmm. That’s a tough question. The answer is not as simple as “yes” or “no”. A better question would be: Is synthetic oil the best choice for this application? All types of synthetic base oils can be the best choice for certain situations. The trick is identifying those situations where they make sense or provide value.

There are plenty of potential benefits to using synthetic oil vs. mineral oil, but that doesn’t mean that synthetics are necessarily better. In order to get value from using a higher-priced synthetic oil, you must ensure that you are utilizing the potential improved performance of those products; and to make those determinations, you need to understand the conditions that allow synthetics to provide that value.

To more fully understand this issue, first consider the major advantages of common types of synthetic base oils and then identify the conditions for which these advantages become benefits.

For the sake

Are Synthetics Always a Wise Choice?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

In a previous issue we published an article entitled "Choosing Between Synthetic Lubricants and Conventional Oils." In this article, the author did an excellent job explaining some of the potential benefits of using synthetics lubricants. But are synthetic lubricants always a wise choice?

To answer this question, we must take a critical look not just at the benefits of synthetic lubricants, but also the potential pitfalls. For example, synthetic lubricants are typically made by taking small building-block molecules and joining them together, a process referred to as polymerization.

Additional Cost
Because of the amount of work required to convert these starting ingredients into finished base oils, synthetic oils are generally more expensive than conventional mineral oils, from three to fiv

Choosing Between Synthetic Lubricants and Conventional Oils

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Synthetic lubricants continue to gain market share, thanks to higher performance properties that, for many uses, trump higher per-drum costs. Demand in the United States has grown to $2.2 billion per year, and is a resulting benefit of stricter environmental and worker safety requirements.

Virtually all customers revisit the debate of "mineral oil vs. synthetic lubricants" on a regular basis. In certain situations, it is part of an overall demand planning exercise; other times, it's simply to assure the facility is receiving the best life cycle value. Acculube encourages this process, and assists customers in completing the math based on their specific situation, therefore finding the best program to fit their needs. Processes and products change, and the price volatility of crude at the producer level substantially impacts the equation; therefore a fresh look, at least annually, is worth the effort.

Mineral Oils
Many factors differentiate

Lubricant Realizes Long Air Compressor Service Life

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Selecting the right lubricant for machinery operations positively impacts the plant's bottom line. By providing processing equipment with correct lubrication, companies can extend equipment life, increase productivity and avoid unnecessary repair work related to mechanical degradation. What should companies consider when employing a lubricant? The key is to look for a lubricant that meets the requirements of plant operations.

One gas manufacturer understands the importance of selecting the right lubricant. The company converted to Anderol BDC 68 polyolester (POE) synthetic compressor oils to reap significant performance benefits.

Shanghai Shidongkou Gas Making Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Shanghai Fuel Gas Group, is a gas supply plant built to implement Shanghai's five-year development plan for domestic and industrial gas production. The company utilizes four Frick/York RWB II-856 oil-injected, twin-screw compressors, each with a dis

Enterprise Products Improves Reliability With Lubricant Upgrades

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Enterprise Products Partners L.P. is one of the largest publicly traded energy partnerships with an enterprise value of more than $14 billion, and a leading North American provider of midstream energy services to producers and consumers of natural gas, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and crude oil. Enterprise transports natural gas, NGLs and crude oil through 32,500 miles of onshore and offshore pipelines and is an industry leader in the development of midstream infrastructure in the deepwater trend of the Gulf of Mexico. Just eight years ago, Enterprise Products operated 200,000 brake horsepower of equipment, most of which was at its Mont Belvieu facility in Texas. Today, Enterprise Products operates equipment totaling in excess of 1.6 million brake HP.

Figur

Are Synthetic Lubricants Really That Good?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

One of the most common questions I'm asked when teaching lubrication courses is "are synthetics any good?" Oftentimes, the basis for this is question is a specific machine or group of machines, where a conversion from mineral to synthetic has either recently occurred, or is being planned. In doing so, the questioner is looking for validation of a decision that he or she has made, or advice on whether such a change is warranted for machines currently using a conventional mineral-based lubricant.

No Magical Solution
First, let's set the record straight. No lubrication problem due to poor system design, poor PM practices or lack of fundamental contamination can be solved by the use of synthetics. The notion that selecting a different lubricant can some how magically make up for under- or overgreasing, inattention to lubricant condition or an inadequate breather or filter is fundamentally flawed. But for those machines where the

PAGs are Rising to the Top of the Synthetic Market

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

For centuries, lubricants have been utilized as a way to reduce friction and wear on moving parts. In 2005, 40 million tons of lubricants were produced. While natural mineral oil-based fluids represent the majority of the market demand, many technological advances in equipment and machinery would not be possible without the benefits offered by improvements in synthetic lubricants, which currently make up only two percent of the market. While polyalphaolefins (PAOs) fill some of these needs, a growing number of applications are demanding higher performance requirements, or require unique specifications that are not met by traditional lubricants.

One o

Making Good Environmental Choices for Lubricants

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Making good environmental lubricant choices does not have to compromise equipment reliability or functionality. This article discusses several options to consider.

Selecting Lubricant Formulations - Matching the Application

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Synthetic Lubricants for Automotive Components

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Changing Oil Preference - Synthetic vs. Mineral Oils

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Protecting Idle Equipment from Corrosion Above the Oil Level

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

China Star Bullet Train Project on Track

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Motor Oils - Fuel Economy vs. Wear

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Conventional wisdom states that engine oils that increase fuel economy allow less friction and prolong engine life. The purpose of this article is to challenge conventional wisdom, particularly concerning modern (GF-3 ILSAC/API Starburst) engine oils.

Fuel Economy: Does Anyone Really Care?
First, we should face the fact that the American consumer does not typically care about fuel economy except during difficult economic times. The No. 1 selling passenger vehicle is the Ford F-Series Pickup. Five of the top 10 best-selling vehicles are trucks, and trucks outsell cars. Some of the trucks are called sport-utility vehicles, otherwise known as SUVs, because their owners don’t want to admit they are trucks. The mass (size, weight) of these vehicles is not c

Biodegradable Oils - How to Apply and Maintain

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Lubricant Requirements, Properties and Maintenance for Natural Gas Compressors

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Synthetic Lubricant Advice for Off-Highway Crankcase Applications

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Justify Lubricant Upgrades with Energy Savings

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Synthetic Gear Oil Selection

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Synthetic Lubricants, Contamination Control and Oil Analysis Team Up

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

The combination of oil analysis and effectively deployed lubrication management and machine maintenance has enabled the reliability team at Northampton Generating to deliver real benefit to the organization. By identifying problem areas and dealing directly with the issues, machine reliability is on the rise, and maintenance costs reduced.

The Northampton Generating Plant, located in Northern Pennsylvania, is a 110 megawatt cogeneration facility that has been providing electricity to GPU Energy since August of 1995. In addition to providing enough electricity for 110,000 homes, the plant processes steam for use in Ponderosa Fibres' recycled liner-board mill. The Northampton Generating Plant fires "culm," the waste by-product of mining anthracite coal. Approximately 545,000 tons of culm are burned each year in circulating fluidized-bed boile

Semi-Synthetic Metal-Cutting Lubes Resist Bacteria and Foaming

2009-07-30T00:00:00-05:00

Henkel Corporation has introduced two new water-soluble Multan metal-removal lubricants formulated to generate minimal foam and be used continuously for years with minimal biological degradation. Users of traditional metal-cutting fluids often experience problems with foam buildup and bacteria growth. Excessive foam causes lubricant overflow and waste while bacteria growth generates odors, degrades the lubricant, and can cause operator health and safety concerns.

Both Multan B 236 and B 414 are semi-synthetic metal-removal fluids for machining and grinding ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. These lubricants are designed for applications where soft water or process requirements make foam control difficult. These fluids provide superb wetting characteristics to maintain equipment, tooling and part cleanliness.

Suitable for most water conditions and multi-metal applications, Multan

The Truth About Synthetic Oil: Separating Fact from Friction

2009-06-03T00:00:00-05:00

Today’s automotive technology is pretty amazing. Yet, many racers often don’t give any thought to the oil they use. The fact is the oil you use can have a significant impact on not only your engine’s protection but your car’s performance as well..

Read the full article from Modified Mag magazine by clicking on the link below:

The Super Slippery Realm of Synthetic Motor Oils

2009-06-03T00:00:00-05:00

Motor oil is the lifeblood that keeps your Corvette’s engine running, literally. Without oil, the engine would seize and lock-up in a matter of minutes, if that long. While the primary purpose of motor oil is to lubricate and protect, it also functions to keep your engine cool and running clean.

Read the full article from Corvette Enthusiast magazine by clicking on the link below:

Semi-Synthetic Metal-Cutting Fluids Resist Bacteria, Foaming

2009-05-04T00:00:00-05:00

Henkel Corporation has introduced two new water-soluble Multan metal removal lubricants formulated to generate minimal foam and be used continuously for years with minimal biological degradation. Users of traditional metal-cutting fluids often experience problems with foam buildup and bacteria growth. Excessive foam causes lubricant overflow and waste while bacteria growth generates odors, degrades the lubricant, and can cause operator health and safety concerns.

Both Multan B 236 and B 414 are semi-synthetic metal removal fluids for machining and grinding ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. These lubricants are designed for applications where soft water or process requirements make foam control difficult. These fluids provide superb wetting characteristics to maintain equipment, tooling and part cleanliness.

Suitable for most water conditions and multi-metal applications, Multa

Study: Synthetic Diesel Oil Increases Fuel Economy Up to 3%

2009-04-27T00:00:00-05:00

AMSOIL Inc. of Superior, Wis., recently upgraded a line of its Synthetic Diesel Oil for extended service life highlighting documented fuel efficiency benefits. This premium diesel oil for model year 2007 and newer heavy-duty and pickup truck diesel engines requiring API CJ-4 emission quality oil standards delivers extraordinary lubrication in diesel engines found in commercial, fleet and personal vehicles.

Formulated with the latest additive technology and the most advanced synthetic base oils, AMSOIL Premium API CJ-4 Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Oil exceeds the higher performance demands of modern engines. This fuel efficient formula withstands the stress of heat, soot and acids to h

AMSOIL Upgrades CJ-4 Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Oil

2009-04-03T00:00:00-05:00

AMSOIL INC. recently upgraded its Premium API CJ-4 Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Oil for extended service life highlighting documented fuel efficiency benefits. This premium diesel oil for model year 2007 and newer heavy-duty and pickup truck diesel engines requiring API CJ-4 emission quality oil standards delivers extraordinary lubrication in diesel engines found in commercial, fleet and personal vehicles.

Formulated with the latest additive technology and the most advanced synthetic base oils, AMSOIL Premium API CJ-4 Synthetic 5W-40 Diesel Oil excee

AMSOIL Introduces Extended Life Synthetic Diesel Oil

2009-03-23T00:00:00-05:00

AMSOIL has introduced a new Premium API CJ-4 Synthetic 15W-40 Diesel Oil. The new oil is an upgrade to the company’s most popular 15W-40 viscosity, now re-formulated for the 2007 CJ-4 specifications without sacrificing its extended service life. The new emission-compliant oil is backward compatible, thus offering maximum protection in all diesel applications including those with exhaust treatment devices.

AMSOIL Premium API CJ-4 Synthetic 15W-40 Diesel Oil is formulated using the latest, high-quality synthetic base oils and most advanced additive chemicals. Its heavy-duty detergent/dispersant additives and high 10.4 TBN control soot thickening from exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and blow-by to protect against corrosion, cylinder bore polishing (wear) and varnish/sludge deposits. AMSOIL Premium Diesel Oil is shear stable and provides exceptional oxidation stability to resist heat and breakdown from continuous operation and high load. In addition, the low sulfated ash formulation promotes

Synthetics: The Industry that AMSOIL Built

2009-03-13T00:00:00-05:00

Nearly four decades after AMSOIL got its start in "a very small space" in Superior, casual consumers are starting to come around to synthetics.

Read the full article from the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune newspaper by clicking on the link below: