Machines with moving components and those where faces rub one against the other require lubricants to ensure smooth and optimal operation. Lubricant chemicals act to lubricate, cool, clean and seal engines and machinery gears and other parts. Without them, the wear, oxidation and other issues that can negatively affect a piece of equipment would reduce the mechanism’s perceived lifetime.
Basic Factors in the Selection Process
Lubricant chemical blends are additives. They are combined with the lubricating base oil at a specific treat rate. This ranges between less than one and up 35 percent. The amount depends upon the lubricant chemicals and the intent as well as the properties of the base oil or grease basestock used. The decision to introduce a singular additive or deploy multifunctional additives also impacts the treat rate.
Common Lubricant Chemical Additives
While there are multiple additives available for implementation, the following five are the most common:
- Anti-wear: To reduce wear on the mechanisms
- Anti-corrosion: To control corrosion
- Lubricity: Toreduce wear on such engine constituents as the fuel pump
- Antifoam additives and defoamers: To decrease any foaming within the fluid
- Friction modifiers: To reduce the friction coefficient of the various surfaces
Lubricant Chemicals
Lubricant additive blends are introduced to enhance and/or introduce specific qualities to the base oil. The process may be simple or complex. It may require the formulation of a custom-made option. To ensure the right choice is made, it is always best to consult and work with qualified and knowledgeable professionals.
