James (Jim) Holden, PE, Technical Director, Energy and Engineered Solutions, and Lisa Marston, Regional Technical Service Engineer, Cortec Corporation, discuss how lubricants play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency, preventing breakdowns and supporting sustainable practices in industrial operations.
What role do lubricants play in the lifespan of any machinery?
Holden: Any manufacturer of rotating equipment will specify the type of bearing and the type of lubricant to be used in their machinery. The main functions of the lubricant are to minimise friction between stationary and moving components and to extend the life of these components by preventing excessive wear and premature failures.
Which are the key areas in any machinery that should be protected by the grease or lubricants?
Holden: Anytime there is relative motion between two pieces of metal, such as bearings and shafts, a lubricant should be used. There are generally three categories of lubricants – lubricating oils, lubricating greases, and general-purpose penetrating lubricants. Each of these has different applications.
Tell us about your products that offer corrosion prevention in machinery. What makes them unique?
Marston: Cortec has products that serve various needs in lubricating systems. One major category of products is oil additives with contact and vapor phase corrosion inhibitors that are designed to provide enhanced corrosion protection in addition to the lubricating oil itself during long term storage and intermittent operating conditions for gearboxes, steam turbines, pumps, etc. Cortec also offers greases that are formulated with vapor phase corrosion inhibitors, some of which are derived from renewable resources. Additionally, Cortec manufactures general purpose lubricants with corrosion inhibitors that can be used on valve bushings, fasteners, and packing glands, as a few examples. The addition of contact and vapor phase corrosion inhibitors in these products ensures consistent corrosion protection throughout the equipment, even when components may not be in direct contact with the lubricant.
How often should lubricants of any kind be changed for effective functionality?
Holden: OEMs and/or lubricant suppliers will recommend operating cycles, how often to inspect the oil, and what tests to run to ensure the oil is healthy for continued operation of their equipment. As part of day-to-day operations, it is also typical to try to minimise the water content in the oils
through purification.
How can sustainability be incorporated in lubrication systems?
Marston: The two major ways that come to mind include:
1. Extending the life cycle of your oil and your equipment to avoid wasted capacity of the assets. This can be done by keeping the oils and systems clean, monitoring the health of the oils over time, and inspecting the equipment on a routine maintenance schedule.
2. Using environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors and lubricants where possible. Cortec offers several biobased products including EcoLine CLP, a multi-functional penetrant/lubricant made with 89 per cent USDA certified biobased content, and EcoLine Biobased Grease powered by Nano-VpCI which contains 86 per cent biobased content and is formulated from vegetable oils.
What are the advancements made in the field of lubricants that can positively impact productivity of heavy machinery?
Lubricants are indispensable for maintaining smooth machinery operation and preventing costly breakdowns. By reducing friction between moving parts, they minimise wear and tear, extending the lifespan of equipment. Additionally, lubricants absorb shocks, dampen noise, and mitigate corrosion, ensuring optimal performance even in challenging environments. With less friction comes reduced heat generation, further safeguarding against damage and enhancing overall efficiency. In essence, the strategic use of lubricants not only facilitates seamless operation
but also safeguards against unplanned downtime and unexpected expenses. We are looking forward to continued development of biobased and biodegradable alternatives to traditionally petroleum-based products, which are safer for handling and the environment.