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Lubricating oils

Lubricating oil is a liquid lubricant that forms an oil film on sliding and rotating parts of machinery, reducing friction, wear and heat generation, and preventing rust and corrosion. It is made by adding additives such as anti-wear agents and antioxidants to a base oil. Base oils include mineral oils as well as synthetic oils such as PAO (polyalphaolefin) and esters; synthetic oils offer superior performance at high and low temperatures and better oxidation stability. By application, there are chain oils, gear oils, hydraulic fluids and others. For food plants, NSF H1-registered products, which allow incidental food contact, are also used. For conveyor chains and in-oven chains, the viscosity and base oil are selected according to operating temperature and load.

How to choose Lubricating oils

  1. 1. Match the viscosity grade to the machine specification

    ISO VG is a viscosity grade classified by the midpoint kinematic viscosity at 40°C, such as VG 68, 100 and 220. If the viscosity is too low, oil film breakdown causes wear; if it is too high, penetration is insufficient and power loss increases. First confirm the grade specified by the machine manufacturer, and choose a higher grade for high loads.

  2. 2. Also check viscosity at high temperature

    Oil viscosity decreases as temperature rises, so check the kinematic viscosity at 100°C as well as at 40°C. Listed products range from 9 to 25 mm2/s. For applications at high temperature, such as in-oven chains, selecting a product that retains sufficient viscosity at high temperature helps maintain the oil film.

  3. 3. Confirm the operating temperature range suits the environment

    Products are rated for different temperature conditions, such as high-temperature, medium-temperature and low-temperature environments. Check not only the maximum temperature but also the minimum temperature for startup in freezers or cold regions. At high temperatures, evaporation and sludge formation are issues, while at low temperatures, reduced fluidity becomes a problem.

  4. 4. Select a base oil suited to the application

    Mineral oils are general-purpose and easy to handle, PAO offers low-temperature fluidity and oxidation stability, and esters offer low evaporation at high temperature and minimal residue. Listed examples differentiate use as follows: mineral oil for medium temperature, ester-based for high temperature, and PAO-based for low-temperature or humid environments.

  5. 5. Check the pour point at low temperature

    The pour point is a guide to the lowest temperature at which oil remains fluid. Listed products range from -50 to -30°C. In freezing and refrigeration equipment or outdoor cold environments, selecting a product with a pour point well below the minimum operating temperature prevents lubrication failure at startup.

  6. 6. Verify certifications for food and pharmaceutical plants

    Production lines in food and pharmaceutical manufacturing may require NSF H1-registered lubricants, which permit incidental food contact. Silicone-free products may also be specified near painting processes. Confirm the certifications and labeling match the plant's hygiene standards and process constraints.

This guide was written by AI based on the listed products' documents and specification items. Check each manufacturer's documents before adopting.