Within your facility, you likely have different types of machinery and components. Depending on your equipment, the type of lubricant you need to prevent friction, control temperature and increase longevity will vary. This is why it’s so important to be knowledge about the different kinds of lubricants to use for a specific machine or component. Perhaps industrial lubricant richmond va is what you need to make an informed decision.
Different Types of Industrial Lubricants
Not all lubricants are created equal. Chances are, you’ll need different types for different operations. The most common types of industrial lubricants include:
- Liquid lubricants: Mostly produced from petroleum and synthetic fluids, liquid lubricants can be valuable because they have a propensity to foam in high-speed rotating applications such as turbines or crankcases. Liquid lubricants are also beneficial in industrial applications because they can withstand high-pressure environments. They can help prevent wear that may result when working parts make metal-to-metal contact. Liquid lubricants are typically made up of a 90% oil base and contain a variety of liquids in their makeup.
- Solid lubricants: Also called dry-film lubricants, solid lubricants are useful when temperature or pressure extremes make the use of liquid lubricants impractical. For example, in high-vacuum environments, solid lubricants are often a more viable option. Solid lubricants typically come in the form of powder, paste, films etc.
- Greases: Composed of a liquid lubricant or thickener – usually soap – greases are designed to help equipment resist and withstand corrosion and heat. Because it takes lots of heat for grease to liquefy, it can be useful in high-heat settings. Greases perform well in dry, dusty, wet and corrosive environments.
Choosing the Right Lubricant for Your Equipment Needs
Determining the right industrial lubricants for your facility doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re aware of the different types of lubricants, their applications and environmental safety, then you’re well on your way to making the right decision for your business.
