Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/629709
L u b r i c a t i o n P r o g r a m s ffective lubricant selection must strike a balance between quality, application and affordability. In order to achieve and maintain this balance, lubricant specifications should be created to serve as a guideline for what to purchase and how to use it. This article will discuss the necessary steps for creating lubricant specifications and how they can lead to sustained machine reliability. What Are Lubricant Specifications? Lubricant specifications are internal documents that contain the technical standards, performance requirements and industr y approvals for ever y lubricant used in the facility or fleet. They may include information on product safety, proper disposal or alternative products available on the market. Among the lubricants typically found in these speci- fications are gear oils, turbine oils, hydraulic fluids, compressor oils, greases, solid lubricants, multi-purpose bearing oils, engine oils, cutting fluids, total-loss lubricants and others. For small facilities or fleets, creating lubricant specifica- tions can be a relatively simple exercise. However, the complexity often increases according to the facility's equip- ment diversity or the number of sites involved. The more complex the facilities or the higher the number of sites involved, the greater the value of creating specifications. Elements of Lubricant Specifications Depending on the needs of the plant or fleet, lubricant specifica- tions may consist of the following elements: Scope of Application This defines the lubricant's general function or purpose as well as the material type. It also describes specific applications within the facility. For example, the lubricant defined by this specification is an API Group II mineral gear oil containing extreme-pressure additives. It is intended for use in gearboxes operating at temperatures up to 160 degrees F and which are lubricated by bath or circulation systems. Physical and Chemical Properties These are the intrinsic physical and chemical properties of the lubricant. Here it is important to identify not only the testing parameters used but also the expected test results. An ASTM or appropriate test method should also be referenced. Examples include ISO viscosity grades (ASTM D2422), minimum viscosity index (ASTM D2270), aniline point (ASTM D611), flash point (ASTM D92) and thickener type. Performance Properties These refer to bench and laboratory tests that the lubricant formula should pass at a minimum level. Examples include copper corrosion protection (ASTM D130), demulsibility (ASTM D1401) and dropping point (ASTM D2265). Product Compatibility This describes the concerns or characteristics of the product's compatibility with other lubricants as well as with synthetic mate- rials existing in machine lubrication systems, such as seals and gaskets. This section may have added importance when the stan- dard refers to synthetic lubricants or special formulas, since they may require specific procedures when switching to other lubricants. For example, this product is manufactured with polyalkylene glycol (polyglycol) base stock, which is not compatible with mineral oils and other synthetics such as polyalphaolephins. Product Approvals These are the lubricant approvals or endorsements required by the specific machine(s) in which the product is intended to be used. B y A l e JA ndro me z A | Nori a Corpor at ioN PERSPECTIVE LUBRICANTS E Lubricant specifications are effective guidelines for selecting and using the right lubricants in the right applications. Selecting Based on SPECIFICATIONS 50 | January - February 2016 | www.machinerylubrication.com