What are Aerospace Lubricants?

On May 30, 2020, NASA and SpaceX partnered to send American astronauts from US soil to the International Space Station for the first time since 2011. As a new era spaceflight begins, government entities like NASA and private enterprises like SpaceX will work to innovate their rockets and push boundaries for human space flight. Lubricant manufacturers are tasked with the same challenges to create lubricants that will aid in the journey to reach our ambitious goals.

What are Aerospace Lubricants?

Lubricants in used in aerospace applications such as, space travel, commercial airlines, and defense, are like other lubricants, but face more stringent performance demands. In order to be classified as an aerospace lubricant, products must pass tests that are created by the Department of Defense (DoD) known as “MILSPECS.” To ensure safety and performance for aerospace applications, the MILSPECS create standardization to meet DoD objectives. These MILSPECS test different performance factors such as: corrosion protection, shear stability, compatibility, and water sensitivity.

What Differentiates Aerospace Lubricants?

In addition to meeting various MILSPECS, aerospace lubricants are engineered specifically for aircraft engines and fuel systems. The key difference between aerospace lubricants and non-aerospace lubricants is weight. In space operations, weight is crucial because more fuel is needed, which can become costly. It could also put a strain on how many other supplies could be included in the launch. As the safety of astronauts and functionality of equipment is vital, these lubricants cannot fail.

In space applications, lubricants face the most demanding tests. With temperatures in space at near Absolute-Zero and reentry temperatures reaching 5000 F, lubricants must perform in a wider-range of temperatures than their Earth-bound equivalents. Additionally, lubricants must be able to operate in a vacuum environment. This is on top of all of the crucial navigational and life-supporting machines that make space travel possibly. These machines cannot suffer any breakdowns or down time as they support life and other functions both in space and on Earth. Aerospace lubricants must have a long life to maintain these critical operations.

In defense operations, completing the objective is key and your lubricant must perform to ensure the objective is met. These lubricants have to: withstand extreme-temperature jet engines, cargo aircraft landing gears, precise navigational tools, and other wide-temperature components. By selecting lubricants that meet the right MILSPECS you can ensure proper performance and success in your aerospace operations.

Aerospace Lubricant Manufacturing

Aerospace lubricants in today’s markets can be in the form of liquids or greases. Most use synthetic base oils to achieve desired results and improve efficiency. Most of these lubricants are made of perfluoropolyether (PFPEs) or Multiply Alkylated Cyclopentane (MACs). Several large manufacturers produce these products that meet various MILSPECS. Twin Specialties has access to a wide variety aerospace and MILSPEC lubricants from Shell and Castrol. Contact us to learn more about our catalog.

What are Friction Modifiers?

What are Friction Modifiers?

Friction modifiers are mild anti-wear additives used to minimize light surface contact, such as sliding and rolling. These can also be referred to as boundary lubrication additives. These additives are used in lubricants to modify the coefficient of friction (hence the name, Friction Modifiers). Friction modifiers are deployed to prevent wear on metal surfaces. Mostly used in transmission fluids and engine oils, these additives help slow down wear and increase fuel economy.

How do Friction Modifiers Work?

Source: Machinery Lubrication – Noria

A friction modifier molecule consists of two parts: a polar end (head) and an oil-soluble end (tail). The head attaches itself to the metal surface to create a cushion for the metal surface against another metal surface. The tails stand up like a carpet; vertically stacked besides each other in a Nano-sized sheet covering the metal surface. These molecules hold up when cushioned surfaces come in light contact with each other. This forms a thick boundary film that is softer than metal surfaces.

These additives have multiple functions beyond friction modification. They work as antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors as well. As the contact or load becomes heavier, the polar molecules are brushed off, thus rendering the additive useless in reducing friction.

Friction Modifier Applications

Friction Modifiers are typically used in engine oils and automatic transmission fluids. In engine oils, friction modifiers are deployed to improve fuel economy by reducing friction. In transmission fluids, friction modifiers are deployed to improve engagement on clutches. Some situations require some traction to operate properly.

Their use in engine lubricants increased in the 1970s due to the oil embargo. The lack of fuel led the automotive industry to improve fuel economy, thus reducing fuel usage. Continuous development has led to lower viscosity lubricants. Now, lubricants require robust friction modifiers to reduce wear and friction to offset the lower viscosity.

However, friction modifiers in these applications act differently based on shear conditions. This ensures equipment does not wear while also preventing too much slippage. This smooths the transition from a dynamic condition to static condition. For example, this is used in a gear change in a transmission.

Anti-Wear and Extreme Pressure (EP) Additives

As loads become heavier, engineers must adjust their lubricant to meet the tougher demands of heavier loads and higher temperatures. You should switch to a modifier that is classified as an anti-wear additive. A common and effective anti-wear agent is Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). These additives react with metal surfaces once the environment reaches a high enough temperature.

As loads continue to increase, in addition to metal contact, the friction modifier must become more robust. In this instance, your lubricant must include extreme pressure (EP) additives. These additives are either temperature-dependent or not. Temperature-dependent EP additives activate as the metal surface temperature increases due to the extreme pressure. The reaction is driven by the heat produced from friction.

Final Thoughts

Lubricants with friction modifiers create more efficient operating environments. This leads to less wear, downtime, and carbon dioxide emissions. As friction modifier additives improve, lubricant manufacturers will aim to reduce to viscosity to reduce shear conditions. Conversely, this creates more components operating in thin boundary lubrication conditions. We will see continuous innovation of these additives to meet the performance and efficiency demands.

How Mineral Base Oils are Made

Oil-based liquid lubricants are composed of two (2) key ingredients: base oil and additive packages. Additive packages in a lubricant will tend to vary based on applications. This post will focus on the main ingredient, base oils. Base oils will comprise typically 80-99% of an oil-based lubricant. Before we look at the base oil in a finished lubricant, we have to understand how oil gets from a drilling site to a refinery and finally into your lubricant.

Extracting and Transporting Crude Oil

After crude oil is extracted from the ground at wellhead or platform drilling sites, it is transported via rail, ship, or pipeline. It is then stored at a terminal or hub. Oil & Gas Manufacturers then take the crude and refine it to meet product specifications. Some of these products include gasoline, heating oil, fuel oils, asphalt and road oil, and lubricants.

Separating the Crude Oil

The typical barrel of crude is 42 gallons. According to the American Petroleum Institute, only 0.5 gallons of crude oil in each barrel are used to make lubricants.

This is because lubricants require longer chain hydrocarbons. Most lubricants have hydrocarbon molecules with 26-40 carbon atoms. Crude oil is heated and vaporized then condensed; this process is known as distillation. The distilled oil is easily separated by hydrocarbon chain lengths. Shorter molecules rise to the top and longer molecules sink to the bottom. After the hydrocarbons with 26-40 carbon atoms are separated, they are sent to a refining process specific to lubricants.

Refining the Crude Oil

The distilled oil is refined using two different processes: extraction and conversion. Extraction involves four steps:

  1. Deasphalting: Takes residue at the bottom and separates into tar and compounds similar to lube distillates.
  2. Solvent Extraction: Remove most the aromatics and undesirable constituents of oil distillates. Results in neutral oil base stocks called reaffinates.
  3. Dewaxing: Reaffinates are dewaxed to produce a wax and dewaxed oil. The dewaxed oil becomes base stock for lubricants.
  4. Hydrofinishing: Changes polar compounds in oil by a chemical reaction. Oil becomes lighter in color and exhibits improved chemical stability.

The conversion process involves three steps and is becoming popular for refining. This process involves converting undesirable products into desirable products using hydrogen, heat, and pressure:

  1. Hydrocracking: Distillates are subjected to a chemical reaction at high temperatures and high pressure. The aromatic and naphthene rings are broken and joined using hydrogen to form an isoparaffin structure.
  2. Hydrodewaxing: A hydrogenation unit is used to deploy a catalyst that converts waxy normal paraffins to desirable isoparaffin structures.
  3. Hydrotreating: The first two processes broke chemical bonds, therefore it is necessary to saturate unsaturated molecules. By adding more hydrogen, the molecules saturate and become more stable and better able to resist oxidation

Classifying Refined Oil

This results in mineral oil base stocks that are classified into three different groups. API Groups I, II, and III are all mineral oil-based, but differ based the level of refining. The chart below gives a breakdown of each of the 3 mineral groups.

The key factors are: sulfur (%), saturates (%), and viscosity index. Some refer to Group III base stocks as “synthetic” due to the chemical processes they undergo. The natural chemical structure is altered from the natural structures found in mineral oil. However, the API classifies Group III oils as mineral because they originate from crude oil

The conversion process is more effective in reducing aromatic content, but the process is more expensive. Typically, the costs are passed along to end-users, but they get a higher quality base oil and better performance. Group II and Group III are becoming more prevalent as preferences shift towards conversion processes rather than extraction processes. Once refined, base stocks are blended with additives and additive packages to form a final product lubricant.

A Guide to Grease Thickeners

Used for over 3000 years, grease is a key lubricant used to operate a variety of machines and bearings. Over 80% of the world’s bearings are lubricated with grease. Grease is an excellent lubricant to use when liquid lubricants fail to do the job. Greases are made of three main components: base oil (70-95%), thickener (3-30%), and additives (up to 10%). We are going to examine the second component: thickeners. Thickeners are essential as they are the “sponge” that holds the base oil and additives.

What are Thickeners?

When combined with the base oil and additives, the thickener forms a semi-fluid structure. Conventional thinking suggests the structure indicates the grease is mainly thickener, however, the thickener is a material that holds the lubricant until it is dispersed. As mentioned above, the overwhelming majority of any grease is composed of base oil. There are many types of compounds that can be used as thickeners.

Greases are classified into two major families: soap and non-soap thickeners. Over 90% of greases worldwide are classified as soap thickeners. Soap-based thickeners are produced via an acid-base reaction known as saponification. The end-result is a soap and water mixture. The water is removed and the remaining soap is used as a thickener for grease. The type of soap thickener will depend on which acids and bases are used in saponification. Some common compounds used are:

  • High molecular weight fatty acids: Stearic and 12 Hydroxy Stearic Acid (12 HSA)
  • Short chain complexing acids: Tallow, Azelaic, and Sebacic Acid
  • Most bases are a metallic hydroxide compound (i.e. lithium, calcium, etc.).

Types of Soap Thickeners

Simple Soap: This results from the reaction of one fatty acid and a metallic hydroxide. The most common soap, lithium soap, is produced

Types of Soap Thickeners – Source: NYE Lubricants

with 12 HSA and lithium hydroxide. The metallic hydroxide defines the thickener and other types besides lithium can be used.

Mixed Soap: Less common than simple soap, mixed soap is created in similar fashion as simple soap. However, the “mixed” characteristic is derived from mixing multiple metallic hydroxide compounds with a fatty acid. A common mixed soap is Ca/Li soap, which is made with calcium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide.

Complex Soap: Like simple soaps, complex soaps use a single metallic hydroxide. In order to create the complex-thickened grease, a fatty acid is combined with a short chain complexing acid. The acid mixture is then combined with a metallic hydroxide to for a complex thickener. Lithium complex grease, the most popular in North America, is made with lithium hydroxide, 12 HSA, and azelaic acid. These thickener types have an advantage over simple soap because of better high-temperature properties.

Types of Non-Soap Thickeners

Urea: Also known as polyurea, these thickeners are a reaction product of di-isocyanate combined with mono and/or diamines. The ratios of the ingredients will determine the characteristics of the thickener. This classification includes diurea, tetraurea, urea-urethane and others. Since there are no metallic elements in polyurea grease, the grease is ashless and subsequently more oxidatively stable. Polyurea greases are the most popular non-soap grease today.

Organophilic Clay: Also referred to as organo clay or clay thickeners, these thickeners are mineral based usually made from bentonite, hectorite, or montmorillonite. The minerals are purified into a clay and treated to be compatible with organic chemicals. The clay is dispersed in a lubricant to form a grease. Clay greases have no melting point and are traditionally used in high-temperate greases (however the oil will oxidize quickly at elevated temperatures).

Other: Polyurea and clay thickeners are the most used non-soap greases, but there are some other specialty thickeners that are used. These include:

  • Teflon
  • Mica and silica gel
  • Calcium sulfonate
  • Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
  • Carbon blacks
NLGI Grades – Source: Noria

NLGI Classifications

In addition to composition, the other key classification for grease is quite obvious: thickness. Defined as consistency, a grease’s consistency is its resistance to deformation by applied force. This is measured by penetration. A standard test, specifically ASTM D217, measures cone penetration after five (5) seconds for a grease at 77 F (25 C). The unit of measure is tenths of a millimeter and the NLGI classifies grease based on its penetration. The range of grades is 000 to 6. See the chart to the left for a full breakdown NLGI grades.

Most greases today fall in between the 1 and 3 grades with NLGI 2 being the most common. High penetration greases such as 00 and 0 can be used in central systems and colder environments.

Selecting the Appropriate Thickener and Grade

The right grease could vary greatly depending on your application, operating environment, and other factors. High temperature environments may require firmer (higher NLGI grade) greases and certain thickeners with high-temperature properties. It is best to consult OEM guides or speak with your grease manufacturer or distributor to get a recommendation.

Switching and mixing greases could either prove to be extremely costly. Most thickeners do not mix together and there are specific greases that are not compatible with others. It is recommended to match “like-for-like.” If you plan to make a switch, it is best to completely drain your equipment before applying new grease.

What is Viscosity Index?

While researching lubricants, there are many factors to consider in selecting a lubricant: viscosity, flash point, pour point, and oxidation stability. Viscosity is the most important parameter since the viscosity grade can be the difference between optimal performance and machine breakdown. However, the ISO Viscosity Grade (VG) is determined at 40⁰C and will fluctuate depending on operating temperature. Viscosity index is a measure of how much the viscosity will change as temperature rises or falls.

Viscosity Index Explained

Viscosity requirements are based on things such as: component design, loads, and speed. Machine recommendations do not account for operating temperatures and temperature ranges. Therefore, it is imperative to take into account average operating temperature when selecting a viscosity. To account for changing temperatures, the viscosity index was developed to measure viscosity stability as temperatures change. Viscosity index is a unit-less number that is derived by measuring a fluid’s viscosity from 40⁰C to 100⁰C.

The higher the viscosity index, the greater the stability of the lubricants viscosity. As shown in the chart below, the difference in viscosity index could greatly affect lubricant viscosity and performance:

Source: Machinery Lubrication, Noria

As temperatures move towards extreme highs and lows, the difference in Oil A and Oil B is magnified. Oil B, which has a VI of 150, maintains a viscosity closer to its ISO VG of 150 as temperatures rise and fall. On the other hand, Oil A fluctuates much more and could adversely affect performance at extreme temperatures. If your operation will have fluctuating loads, speeds, temperatures, etc., it is imperative to select a lubricant with a higher viscosity index.

Viscosity indexes, which can be found on most product data sheets, typically range from 90 to 160, but can exceed 400 and be as low as -60. The viscosity index can also give insight into the type of base oil and its quality. More refined mineral oils and synthetics will have higher VIs than lower quality base oils. Some products may include viscosity-index improver additives to help stabilize the lubricant in extreme conditions. VI-improver additive molecules adopt a coil shape in cold temperatures and have little effect on viscosity. In higher temperatures, the molecules uncoil and thicken the oil to stabilize viscosity. However, it is important to note that oils with VI-improvers will see permanent loss of VI and viscosity over time.

When Should You Opt for Higher VI

If your operations are going to have variable loads, variable temperatures, variable speeds, and other environmental variables, it is important to select a lubricant with a higher viscosity index. As these variables change, so will the lubricants viscosity. Therefore, it is crucial to invest in a lubricant that will maintain an optimal viscosity across different operating conditions. Conversely, if your operation is fairly consistent, it may suit you to select a lubricant with a lower viscosity index in order to save money.

Some machines may not possess data to identify the optimum viscosity, which could be problematic as ISO viscosity grades are separated by 50% increments between grades (e.g. 46 → 68, 100 → 150). With such large increments, finding the precise optimal viscosity becomes even more difficult. This problem is magnified at lower temperatures, where differences in lubricant viscosity are much larger (as shown in the chart above).

Calculating VI

If you are unsure of a lubricants viscosity or viscosity index, there are online calculators available to help you. If you are unsure of a viscosity index, simply enter the viscosity at two different temperatures and it will return the viscosity index. If you are unsure of a viscosity at a given temperature, enter a known viscosity, known temperature and viscosity index to find the desired temperature to find the new viscosity.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion some of the key reasons to have a lubricant with a higher viscosity index include:

  • Optimal operating viscosity is unknown
  • Varying operating temperatures and/or extreme operating temperatures
  • Other operating variables such as speed and load
  • You want to increase energy efficiency
  • You want to extend oil service and machine service life

Most of these involve improving performance that may be adversely affected by operating uncertainties. In these instances, it is ideal to opt for lubricants with higher VI. In the following instances, using cost-effective lower VI lubricants may prove beneficial to your bottom line:

  • Constant speeds and loads
  • Operating temperature remains the same
  • Optimal viscosity is known and can be consistently reached

If there is more certainty with your operating process, it may not be necessary to invest in a lubricant with a higher VI. It is important to evaluate your operating processes and consult machine manuals to understand your operating conditions. If you are faced with uncertainty and variance in your operations, a higher viscosity index will help smooth operations and increase performance across different loads, speeds, and temperatures.

What are Lubricant Detergents?

Detergents Defined

Detergent additives perform two key functions. Like household detergents, the additives keep metal components clean and free of deposits. Additionally, detergents neutralize acids that form in the oil. This is key for systems where component cleanliness is essential. Originally developed for engine oils, detergents addressed carburetor deposits that could hamper performance. Detergent additives were also found effective in fuel injectors. The detergents reduced deposits that affected fuel spray patterns.

How do Detergents Work?

Detergent additives are basic in nature, thus serve as a neutralizer for acidic contaminants that may arise in your lubricant. In the past, these detergents were barium-based, however modern chemistry has allowed manufacturers to move to different formulations. Today, most additives use either calcium-based chemistry or magnesium-based chemistry. As an oil is subjected to oxidation, it will start to collect acids. As these acids build up, the oil’s Total Acid Number (TAN) will increase. The basic and alkaline detergent will neutralize the acids and reduce the TAN. However, as the detergent is used, the Total Base Number (TBN) will decrease to point where the oil will need to be replaced. Therefore, measuring TBN is crucial to engine performance and lubricant effectiveness.

In high-temperature applications, metal compounds leave an ash deposit when burned. This residue buildup requires many OEMs to require low-ash oils. Detergent additives are used to clean these deposits. However, dispersants are included as well to help clean the engine. Dispersants are used to keep engine soot particles suspended and prevent agglomeration (forming larger soot deposits). The dispersant and detergent work together to suspend contaminants and neutralize acids. Eventually, the additive capacity will exceed its limit and require users to change the oil and replenish the additives.

Detergent v. Non-Detergent Oil

How do you know if you need a lubricant with detergent additives? Usually, an OEM will specify whether the equipment needs a detergent oil or non-detergent oil. Applications that could face high levels of water and contamination are good fits for detergent oil. Some examples include: off-road equipment, marine equipment, trucks & fleets, and many more. The high levels of contamination need to be neutralized with dispersants in order to keep pumps and valves clean and running.

Sometimes, OEMs require oils to not have detergent additives. Some manufacturers will produce special Non-Detergent oil to meet these specifications since, most oils now have detergent additives for better performance. Non-detergent oils are used in bearings and chains in non-critical once-through systems. It is also recommended for gas-powered appliances such as lawnmowers and tractors. Some non-detergent oils are not recommended for automotive gasoline engines (detergent oils are recommended).

Detergent Oil Today

With the developments in detergent and dispersant technology, most oils now have some sort of detergent additive to help combat high TANs and prevent sludge build-up. Even though non-detergent oil is still marketed today, it is only required for a few specific applications and not recommended by many OEMs. When selecting your lubricant, detergency is important to consider because high detergency will protect your parts, keep your system clean, and maximize performance. If you are using non-detergent oil, consider making the switch to an oil that has detergent additives.

Twin Specialties offers both detergent and non-detergent oils to meet your specifications and OEM requirements. We also offer a variety of motor oils and heavy duty engine oils with high-quality detergent additives to meet your specifications and budget. Contact us today for more information.

A Guide to Food Grade Lubricants

In the food and beverage industry, health, safety, and quality are of the utmost importance. The ever-evolving standards of food and beverage safety make it important to ensure your plant is deploying the proper lubricants and cleaners. Not only do you have to meet performance standards, you also have to monitor leakage to ensure that final products are not getting contaminated. We will examine the evolving standards of food-grade lubricants and cleaners as well as the challenges in finding the right products to meet both health and performance standards.

From USDA to NSF

The original designations created by the USDA sought to organize food-grade lubricants into three categories. The current standards are listed below for each category:

  • H1 lubricants are used in food-processing environments where there is the possibility of incidental food contact. These lubricants are tasteless, odorless and inert. H1 lubricants are safe for human consumption in small amounts, under 10 parts per million (ppm). They are most often used in for machinery such as conveyors and mixers. Applications of these lubricants include: blending, cutting, bottling, brewing and many more.
  • H2 lubricants are used on equipment and parts where there is no possibility of incidental food contact, such as forklifts. Even though there is no contact, H2 lubricants must adhere to strict toxicology standards. H2 lubricants may not contain trace elements of: carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, mineral acids or heavy metals.
  • H3 soluble oils are used to prevent rust on hooks, trolleys, and similar equipment. These products are typically made of edible oils such as: corn oil, sunflower oil or soybean oil. H3 lubricants are inherently biodegradable and comply with 21 CFR Section 172.860 and 172.878. They also comply with 21 CFR 182 and 184 in regards to GRAS substances.
  • 3H release agents are used on surfaces with direct contact to prevent food from adhering during processing. These lubricants can be used to aid in processes where contact is unavoidable, such as removing baked goods from a mold.
  • HT1 are heat transfer fluids used in primary and secondary heating and cooling systems in food processing facilities. These must comply with 21 CFR 178.3570 and 21 CFR 172.

The USDA served as an authority for approval and compliance. Manufacturers had to prove all components were allowable substances under 21 CFR 178.3570. The USDA stopped issuing registrations on September 30, 1998. Since then, many organizations have adopted and modified these standards.

After 1998, The German Institute for Standardization (DIN) submitted a standard to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Eventually the ISO adopted ISO 21469, which pertains to lubricant manufacturing, and ISO 22000, which pertains to food safety systems. However, the most recognized standards are those put forth by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

As a successor to the USDA, the NSF has updated the USDA standards to improve health and safety for consumers. The current NSF standards are similar to the old USDA standards, using the H1, H2, and H3 designations. Additionally, the NSF created the HX-1 standard for ingredients. These HX-1 ingredients are pre-screened and meet requirements for finished H1 lubricants. The NSF has established itself as the recognized international standard and operates in over 80 countries around the world.

Selecting your Food-Grade Product

In the food & beverage industry, health and safety is by far the most important concern. One contamination, recall, or illness outbreak can do irreparable damage to a company’s brand and business. Therefore, it is imperative to consider selecting products that go beyond required standards. Opting to use H1 lubricants is an excellent example of meeting compliance and protecting your brand. This eliminates the possibility of using an H2 lubricant when an H1 is required. H1 lubricants can act as insurance to your brand’s equity and will reduce liability in the event of equipment or plant issues.

Performance is key when selecting a lubricant, but achieving peak performance may be more difficult with food-grade lubricants. H1 products tended to fall short compared to their H2 counterparts. This was due to the limited number of H1-registered additives compared to H2-registered additives (including zinc-based components).Food & Beverage

New NSF HX-1 additive packages have dramatically improved the performance of H1 lubricants while also meeting the rigorous standards set forth by NSF H1 lubricants. For grease thickeners, aluminum sterate, aluminum complex, organo clay, polyurea and calcium sulfonate meet H1 standards (lithium thickened greases do not). You can now use an H1 lubricant and achieve the high performance demanded from your business. It simplifies the selection process by allowing you to use H1 lubricants throughout your plant.

These additives are now paired with synthetic base oils such as polyalphaolefins (PAOs), polyalkylene glycols (PAGs), and esters. These base oils along with HX-1 additives can deliver premium performance while protecting the integrity of your brand. Selecting a product also depends on your specific processes and it is important to consider unique contaminants that may affect product performance.

Other considerations may include dietary standards. It is important to ensure your lubricant meets any Kosher or Halal requirements. Failing to do so may result in products not suitable for those whose follow Kosher or Halal diets. This results in a smaller customer base and will affect bottom lines. It could damage brand integrity if a product is marketed as Kosher or Halal and is later found to fall short of these requirements.

Takeaways

Although no government is responsible for food-grade lubricant standards, the NSF has established itself as a leader in food-grade lubricant regulations. Operating as a nonprofit in over 80 countries, the NSF ensures that your food-grade lubricants meet their rigorous standards. Modern advancements in additive technology and base oil technology have led to lubricants that are NSF compliant and meet the highest performance standards. There is no need to sacrifice safety for quality anymore.

Twin Specialties offers a wide-range of food-grade products including lubricants and cleaners. We offer products from Castrol, CRC, Lubriplate, and many more to meet your food and beverage manufacturing needs. Contact us to learn more or get a quote.

Best Practices for Lubricant Storage

Lubricants are a critical component to any machine, engine, or tool. How you manage and store the lubricants is as important, if not more so than the actual lubricant selection. In controlled situations, higher quality lubricants will consistently outperform their inferior counterparts. This difference is clearly seen in comparisons of oil-based lubricants (Group I-III) and synthetic lubricants (Group IV – V). However, controlled tests are not going be perfectly replicated in the work environment. Proper storage and monitoring can be the difference between high performance and early breakdowns.

The shelf life for lubricants depends on a variety of factors such as: base oil, additives and thickeners. It is often best to consult the manufacturer to determine the shelf life for your lubricants. Regardless of the lubricant’s shelf life, it will never be actualized if it is not stored properly. This leads to many problems on the manufacturing floor that have a major impact on the bottom line. This can lead to increased costs, machine breakdowns and lower-than-expected productivity.

Consistency is Key

What is the key characteristic for storage best practices? Consistency. By having consistent and routine storage practices, you will have the confidence that your lubricants will perform up to manufacturer’s stated standards. A consistent and controlled environment can also help you diagnose and remedy issues that may arise in your lubricant. For example, if your oil analysis shows that there are higher levels of moisture, you can more effectively diagnose the root cause of moisture. In poor conditions, there are many factors that can affect moisture found in oil-based lubricants, but controlled environments eliminate many of these root causes or isolate them to one-off instances (e.g. a loose oil cap, a small leak or the occasional spill).

Creating the Ideal Environment

The best way to ensure an optimal environment is to dedicate a room solely for lubricant storage. The room should be climate controlled thus protecting lubricants from the heat or the cold. As temperatures reach extremes on either end, the lubricant can breakdown and fall short on performance and shelf life. This is especially important with greases where low temperatures can affect additives. Indoor storage also protects lubricants from airborne moisture. Moisture in lubricants reduces reliability and performance and will lead to more machine breakdowns and downtime.

The storage room should be further away from any external entrance such as a shipping and receiving area or an employee exit. Lubricants near these areas are at risk to exposure outdoor weather and particle contamination. Particles in the lubricants must be filtered out or else machinery will experience greater wear and a reduce life expectancy. By storing lubricants away from shipping and receiving areas, this allows facilities to have less congested work areas and allow for efficient movement or parts, supplies, products and people.

What is the ideal environment for storing lubricants? We recommend a cool, dry area that protects the products from moisture and extreme temperatures. This means storing them in a room or floor area that is away from any external windows or doors, in a well ventilated area, and clearly separated from any workstation.

Improving Storage for End-Users

The lubricant storage room should efficiently use space, but also have the capability to expand. It is important to have all lubricants to be easily accessible so you can properly fill up the right amount of lubricant without spilling and potentially contaminating other lubricants. Many machine breakdowns occur when two incompatible lubricants are mixed. This error is preventable and the best way to ensure proper collection is to have clear and visible labels on each container. This includes having manufacturers labels clearly displayed, having color-coded labels to indicate product type, end-use or receiving date.

Another good idea is to organize containers based who uses them at their workstation. If one person uses the majority of a certain lubricant, it is sensible to store that product close to other products he or she may use. This creates an efficient process for people to collect their lubricants and reduces potential confusion and human error.

One of the greatest root causes of lubricant mismanagement and machine breakdown is human error. It happens to all of us. We are not perfect, but it is critical to strive to improve and implements rules and procedures to minimize these errors. Having properly tuned equipment ensures lubricants are properly measured out each time. Another good measure is to limit who has access to the lubricant room and ensure it is locked when not in use. When access is well controlled this reduces spillage, waste and in some cases, theft.

Conclusions

Theses some of the basic measures that can be taken to ensure a stable and consistent environment. We cannot control the weather, but we do have authority on the thermostat. Storing the lubricants in cool, dry area will ensure maximum shelf life. The additive packages will work properly and the performance you seek from a lubricant, will be realized and performance will improve.

Accidents happen and we learn from our mistakes. The most important thing to learn is preventing similar accidents in the future. This may involve changing processes, reworking access, or using different equipment. Making these changes ensure that mistakes are limited. It is important to regularly assess these processes ensure your lubricants are up to specifications and waste or damage is reduced. By following these best practices, your facility will be cleaner, organized and more efficient.