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  Wednesday, March 10, 2004 Mar 10 Issue  VOLUME 1 ISSUE 141 
THIS WEEK'S QUICK READ TOPIC


Properties of Lubricating Oil

By BRETT WINBERG

Oil is made in many different forms. To know what oil you need may be difficult. While we can't tell you the best oil, we can enlighten you on the make up of different oil types.

It Takes Two
Lubricating oil is made up of two basic parts...
BASE OIL -- To lubricate moving parts.
ADDITIVES -- To protect the base oil from contamination.

The need to change oil is caused by the base oil getting contaminated. Base oil does not break down. The additives get depleted from picking up all the contamination in the lubricating process.

Lubricating Oil Functions:

  • Friction Control -- Separates Moving Surfaces
  • Wear Control -- Reduces Abrasive Wear
  • Corrosion Control -- Protects Surfaces From Corrosive Substances
  • Temperature Control -- Absorbs and Transfers Heat
  • Contamination Control -- Transports Particles And Other Contaminants To Filters / Separators

There are two types of Mineral Oil Properties:

1. Paraffinic: Viscosity Index of 95-105, Applications Include:

  • Crankcase Oils
  • Hydraulic Fluids
  • Turbine Oils
  • Gear Oils
  • Bearing Oils

2. Naphthenic: Viscosity Index of 30-70, Applications Include:

  • Locomotive
  • Engine Oils
  • Refrigerant Oils
  • Compressor Oils
What About Synthetics?
Synthetic lubricants are man made fluids with the following unique properties:
  • Scientifically Designed Molecules
  • Molecules Have Identified Structures
  • Fluid Properties Are Very Predictable
  • Made By Polymerization (To Make Larger Molecules)
  • Group ll And Group lll Oils
  • Higher Flash Point
  • Lower Pour Points
  • Lower Friction
  • High Shear Strength
Bring On The ISO Codes
ISO Contamination Code:

ISO 4406:87

  • R2/R5/R15 ISO "Old" Standard
  • R4/R6/R14 ISO "New" Standard

New Standard Is More Severe When It Comes to Cleanliness.

Examples of Particle Counts:

Size (microns)
Count Larger than size per ml
1
1752
2
1396
5
517
10
144
15
55
20
25
50
1.3
75
0.27
100
0.08

Example Comparison Of Clean And Dirty Oil From An ISO Reading:

  • Clean: 14/12/10
  • Dirty: 21/17/14

It's generally recommended an ISO count (Particle Count) should be used in testing/analysis of hydraulic oils.

Manage your subscription to LubeTalk, using the SUBSCRIPTIONS area of this newsletter. You can also signup by visiting lubetrak.com. For more information, call toll-free 1.866.LUBETRAK (1.866.582.3872)

Brett Winberg, Editor, LubeTalk Newsletter
LubeTrak™ 2000-2004 • 11255 South 1740 East •
Sandy, UT. 84092
Toll Free 1.866.582.3872

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