From the time of the earliest known civilizations, some form of lubrication was used to decrease the friction between two surfaces. Lubrication also prevents heat from developing which is the primary cause of abrasion. When abrasion exists, the parts can become unmovable which is called ‘seizure.’ Lubricants prevent two moving surfaces from touching or rubbing against each other which in turn promotes efficiency.

Today, lubricants are used in various ways depending on their purpose. We now have industrial, automotive, aviation and marine to name some of the different types. The entire lubrication process has become an indispensable part of the smooth and ongoing operation of many different pieces of equipment that are a part of our every-day life.

Composition:

Lubricants are composed of different ingredients such as base oil, base thickener, performance additives and adhesives. All of these materials are combined together in various amounts to form oil with particular consistencies and properties. Ninety percent (90%) of the product is base oil which is the building block of lubricants. This is a by-product of crude oil solvent extraction and hydro-treatment. Through the refining process, heavy hydrocarbon and other benzene-based chemicals are eliminated to become base oil which then is categorized into vegetable, synthetic and mineral.

Ten percent (10%) of the composition of lubricants is additives that are utilized to boost the base oil to make it more efficient. There are viscosity modifiers to alter its cohesiveness under increased temperature, friction modifiers to decrease the friction between two rubbing surface, anti-wear additives to hinder the direct contact between two metallic substances and metal deactivating agents to prevent the oil from oxidizing.

Important Functions:

• Protect against wear – With or without additives, this keeps moving parts from touching and decreasing wear and fatigue on the parts involved.

• Transfer heat – Particularly with liquid versions, the movement of the liquid from normally a cooler part of the engine allows it to transfer heat to that cooler section of the engine and away from where excessive heat would be detrimental to efficient operation.

• Keep moving parts separate – This is perhaps the most typical usage of a lubricant, to provide a barrier to separate moving parts.

• Prevent corrosion – With additives, this product is designed to form a chemical bond with the surface of the moving parts to prevent rust and corrosion.

• Reduce friction – When parts are kept primarily apart, the action of friction on parts is minimized which also reduces heat generated and the formation of wear particles.

• Seal for gases – The liquid displaces anything else that exists between the moving parts and in effect seals this area.

• Carry away contaminants and debris – The movement of the material through the moving parts also acts as an agent to remove any internally-created debris and external contaminants to a filter.

• Transmit power – Hydraulic fluids that are used as lubricants can also serve as the fluid in hydrostatic power transmission.

Effects to the Environment:

One of the main purposes of lubricants is to prevent direct contact between two surfaces, decrease surface friction between those surfaces and reduce the formation of debris. This action provides the benefit of promoting longer-lasting and efficient performance of the moving parts.

What about the residue that this product removes from the system? How is it eliminated and how does that action affect our environment as a whole?

Dumping – The beneficial aspects of all-purpose lubricants is what usually comes to mind, no matter whether the usage is industrial equipment or motor vehicles and we do see it described as being ‘all-purpose.’ On the other hand, the media for decades has alerted us to the inappropriate release of oils into the environment, otherwise know as ‘dumping.’ The lubrication industry is attempting to change that perception and become eco-friendly by conforming to strict regulations for the avoidance of environmental hazards with this product’s waste material.

Common Disposal Methods – Lubricants can be disposed of in at least three ways: through recycling, combustion and discharge to water, commonly to bodies of sea water. Obviously the latter has had several huge impacts on the environment in the form of oil spills. Another common environmental problem that exists is the result of improper disposal produced by tailpipe emissions. Many environmental protection guidelines exist to regulate the proper disposal of this commodity. These rules and regulations are not only implemented in the United States but all over the globe due to the negative effect to the environment.

Soot Contamination – In addition, soot contamination is an ever-present problem resulting from diesel engines as used in commercial dump trucks. Soot is a black-colored colloidal substance that is released during combustion. This substance is released through tailpipe emissions and poses a great danger to the environment.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) – The good news is that soot contamination is being reduced thanks to a system called Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR). The primary function of this device is to filter and reduce the level of soot contamination. It may not eradicate it completely but it will decrease soot contamination in the atmosphere

Better Filtration Systems – The bad news is that the soot is now being collected in the engine oil which is contributing to greater diesel engine wear. Work is being done on the filtration system to try to collect a great amount of the particles being produced as the liquid passes through the filter.

Lubricants definitely provide a very beneficial contribution to the functioning of machinery in general and engine motors in particular. Over the years, engine manufacturers and oil engineers have worked to keep lubricants continually improving and the future holds even more hope for advancement in this field to keep all moving parts in motion!