The Importance of the Machine Oil Viscosity Level in Industrial Machines
There is much that goes into the smooth running of an industrial machine. While lubricants are not thought of as a main player in machine running, without them, machines would destroy themselves through friction and overheating. The most important indicator of good oil for lubricant is viscosity. Viscosity can be determined by many factors, and the right level of viscosity is different for different machines.
Definition of Viscosity
What characteristics of oil make it such a useful tool in the lubrication of heavy duty machines? While there are many characteristics of oil, such as its oxidation stability and ability to separate from water, the most essential characteristic of an oil is its viscosity. Viscosity is the measure of oil’s resistance to different forces under certain conditions. The higher the level of viscosity, the better quality the oil will be as a lubricant in industrial machines.
Factors of Oil Viscosity
Viscosity has a number of factors. Temperature is a key factor that determines whether oil will have a high or low viscosity level. The higher the temperature, the lower the viscosity, as the particles are moving more quickly and separate from each other more easily. Other factors include oil concentration – that is, how much oil there is present in the lubricant – and pressure applied to the oil. For viscosity levels to stay constant, outside factors must remain consistent and predictable.
Why Oil Viscosity is Important in Industrial Machines
The oil viscosity in industrial machines is much different from that of cars and lawnmowers. Unlike oil used in motors, industrial oil tends to run cold, making the viscosity level high. The level of viscosity needs remain consistent, as too high of a level will cause the lubricant not to spread, and too low of a level will cause it to spread too thin. While high-level viscosity oil is necessary for the running of industrial machines, too high of a level will cause the pieces to rub against each other, just the same as low-level viscosity oil.
It takes a lot for industrial machines to run smoothly, and the viscosity level of oil in the machine’s lubricant is a good indicator of how well it will run. Without high viscosity oil, gears would grind together, causing damage and overheating of the machines. To ensure the machines are working to the best of their ability and will last for a long time, high viscosity oil is required.
