02 Dec

Lubricating oil is generally obtained by blending base oils of varying viscosities with a range of specialized additives. These additives may differ depending on the desired performance characteristics of the oil.
For this reason, it is crucial to determine the structural properties that should be considered when selecting additives during the production process. The base oil, on the other hand, is derived from crude oil extracted from the ground and refined to become an integral part of the final formulation.
Intended Use of Lubricants
No matter how flawlessly the parts of the machines are manufactured, it is very difficult to achieve a perfect gloss and smoothness on the surfaces of the parts. Indentations and protrusions called asperities, which can only be seen with a microscope, will definitely form on the surfaces of these parts.
These indentations are the result of two surfaces coming into contact with each other continuously for a long time. They also cause resistance to surface movements and increased friction in parts that do not use lubricants.
The main purpose of using lubricants is to reduce this friction in the best possible way. Mineral oil forms a film layer on the surfaces in contact with each other non-stop and helps the parts to move much more easily by moving the two solid objects away from each other in this way.
How is Mineral Oil Production Made?
One of the products produced by the refining process of crude oil is a lubricant called mineral oil. During its production, after the oil refining process, it is again subjected to special processes and some base oils are obtained as raw materials.
Lubricating oil is obtained by mixing base oils with different viscosities with various additives selected to meet expectations. It is critical to choose the right lubricant for the intended use.
What are the Differences Between Lubricants?
It is possible to find many types of lubricants in the sector and the raw material used in all of these lubricants is the same. However, base oils may differ due to the different materials used in the production of the oils.
There are two reasons for these differences. Differences in the chemical properties of the base oils used in the production of lubricants, the amount and types of solids used are the factors that reveal the distinction.
Classification of Lubricants
Lubricants are classified in two different groups as "Mineral Base Oils" and "Synthetic Base Oils" according to the chemicals and additives they contain.
Mineral Base Oils
It is possible to examine them in 3 groups in terms of their chemical structure and the properties they add to oils.
1. Aliphatics :
Organic compounds and derivatives containing a skeleton in the form of a straight or chained skeleton formed by covalent bonding of various atoms in their molecular structure.
Paraffinic oils are refined through hydrocracking process or extraction method. They show high flash points, low volatility, good color stability. These oils are a good choice for applications requiring stability in terms of properties in high temperature environments and low color.
– Paraffinic :
Paraffinic oils are refined through hydrocracking process or extraction method. They show high flash points, low volatility, good color stability. These oils are a good choice for applications requiring stability in terms of properties in high temperature environments and low color.
– Naphthenic :
Naphthanic oils have a wide range of applications among the lubricant options. This oil has a wide viscosity range and also features flash, payback power and color refinement.
2. Aromatikler :
In paraffinic oil production, aromatic oils are obtained as a result of aromatic extraction. They have dark color, low aniline points, relatively high flash points and high aromatic content. Aromatic oils are used in the lubricant industry in normal applications where some degree of payback is desired for high softening or where they have a plasticizing effect.
3. Aliphatic and aromatic:
It is not possible to ensure complete brightness and smoothness even on the surface of perfectly manufactured parts. For this reason, mineral oil must be used to make the parts bright and smooth.
LUBRICANT OIL TECHNICAL TABLE MINERAL OILS SHC (PAO) POLYGLYCOLS Density (g/ml) at 20°C 0,9 0,8…0,9 0,9…1,1 Viscosity Index (VI) 80…100 100…130 150…270 Freezing Point (°C) -40…-10 -40…-25 -56…-23 Flash Point (°C) < 250 < 250 150…300 Oxidation Resistance Middle Good Good Thermal Resistance Middle Good Good Lubrication Capability Good Good Very good Sealing Element Compatibility Good Middle Good
LUBRICANT OIL TECHNICAL TABLE | MINERAL OILS | SHC (PAO) | POLYGLYCOLS |
Density (g/ml) at 20°C | 0,9 | 0,8…0,9 | 0,9…1,1 |
Viscosity Index (VI) | 80…100 | 100…130 | 150…270 |
Freezing Point (°C) | -40…-10 | -40…-25 | -56…-23 |
Flash Point (°C) | < 250 | < 250 | 150…300 |
Oxidation Resistance | Middle | Good | Good |
Thermal Resistance | Middle | Good | Good |
Lubrication Capability | Good | Good | Very good |
Sealing Element Compatibility | Good | Middle | Good |
Aliphatic compounds are vehicles that react like alkanes, alkenes, alkynes or their derivatives. Aromatic compounds are compounds such as benzene derivatives or benzene heterocyclic.
Note: Oxidation means that the oil starts to sludge. If the lubricant starts to show oxidation, it must be replaced.