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Evaluation of Industrial Lubricants: Key Insights
In the challenging world of industrial machinery, lubricants do much more than reduce friction. They are engineered materials that must be carefully selected. The evaluation of Industrial lubricants must also be carried out on an ongoing basis to ensure the safe and reliable operation of each piece of equipment. Making the right decision on lubrication requires a deep, structured analysis of every relevant factor, from environmental conditions to chemical compatibility and operational stress
Once you’ve established your equipment’s lubrication needs and matched them to suitable lubricant types, the next step is selecting the right brand or formulation. This decision can be complex—synthetic oils, for example, are often marketed as superior, but what’s best for your business may not simply match marketing claims or supplier suggestions. Manufacturers offer lubricant recommendations based on extensive performance testing, and brands typically provide detailed specifications and results for each product. Navigating these numerous test results can be overwhelming, especially since many tests may appear to measure similar traits. However, the variety of tests exists for good reason: each one assesses a particular property, and when analyzed collectively, they build a complete picture of how the lubricant will perform in real-world use. In short, this comprehensive approach to the evaluation of Industrial lubricants reflects the complexity of modern lubricants and the varied needs of today’s equipment, helping ensure you make an informed and effective choice
Explore the key principles behind effective lubrication. For a deeper understanding, read our article: Understanding the Fundamentals of Lubrication
OEM Requirements in the Evaluation of Industrial Lubricants
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) set precise performance and operational standards, such as load, speed, and temperature, for their products. They also specify which lubricants are suitable, based on those that pass strict performance tests aligned with equipment needs. These tests, defined as critical by the OEM, ensure both optimal operation and long-term reliability, since each machine is engineered for specific use-cases and conditions, and the lubricant must fully support those objectives
Compatibility in the Evaluation of Industrial Lubricants
Lubricants must be chemically safe for seals and gaskets, since the wrong formulation can cause swelling, brittleness, or leaks. Likewise, the oil must not corrode, stain, or otherwise damage the metals, paints, or coatings of sensitive machine elements
The evaluation of industrial lubricants ensures that the lubricant remains stable and effective across the full temperature range encountered in service, whether under arctic cold starts or in high-temperature process lines
Compliance with global standards
Industry trends now require lubricants to be more than just functional—they must be certified, safe, and sustainable. Each selected lubricant should carry credible documentation that backs up its ISO, DIN, SAE, or OEM approvals, ensuring traceable, repeatable quality
Environmental concerns motivate the choice of biodegradable, low-toxicity lubricants whenever possible, especially in ecologically sensitive or food-contact environments. Strict adherence to REACH, RoHS, and similar chemical safety laws is essential in regulated markets. The evaluation of industrial lubricants plays a key role in the process of achieving this regulatory compliance
In-Service Lubricant Periodic Analysis
Laboratory analysis is not a one-time step. Real equipment can stress oils in ways bench tests cannot predict, so ongoing monitoring is fundamental to predictive maintenance. If the oil sample is analyzed at scheduled and regular intervals, it can be a very effective method for monitoring the condition of different machines and can alert us before a major problem occurs in the system or the oil itself. Detecting a minor issue that has occurred in the machine can prevent bigger failures in the system and, consequently, prevent the high costs that would be incurred due to the breakdown of the entire system. Research recently conducted in North America shows that the value of oil analysis is such that it returns more than 250 percent of the costs incurred
The main objective of oil analysis is to obtain information about
Assessing the physical and chemical properties of new oil, such as viscosity, the correct concentration of additive elements, cleanliness, absence of water, and comparing these results with the specifications provided by the oil manufacturer
Determining the physical and chemical condition of oil that has been stored for an extended period and comparing it to the properties of new oil
Assessing the physical and chemical condition of used oil
Most oil analysis programs focus primarily on oil that is currently in servic
There are three main reasons for performing routine tests on in-service oil
To monitor the condition of the oil
To monitor the condition of the equipment operating with that oil
To monitor contamination levels present in the oil
Examples of the Advantages of Regular Oil Analysis
By measuring the amount of silicon in engine oil, the condition of the air filtration system can be determined
The presence of iron and aluminum in the oil serves as a warning indicator of piston and cylinder wear, before serious damage occurs to the engine
Through oil analysis, the rate of bearing wear can be identified, allowing necessary maintenance decisions to be made before major damage occurs to the crankshaft
Oil analysis can also detect oil dilution by fuel, as well as water and coolant leakage into the oil, before significant damage is done to the system
The presence of contamination and carbon particles in the oil may indicate blockage in the air intake system, ineffective oil filtration, incomplete combustion, or an excessively high air-to-fuel ratio
In hydraulic systems, transmissions, gearboxes, differentials, and other lubricated systems where combustion does not occur, oil analysis is routinely performed. In these systems, the presence of aluminum in the oil can indicate pump or injector failure
Slippage in the hydraulic system can also be identified by high levels of copper in the oil. A high amount of chromium in the oil may indicate scoring on hydraulic cylinders or wear of gears and bearings
The cleanliness of the hydraulic oil system is very important. Because the permissible wobble between the pump parts, control valves, pistons, and cylinder walls is very small. Approximately 75% of hydraulic system failures are attributed to oil contamination resulting from dust, moisture, and environmental dirt. For this reason, the amount of these contaminants should be measured on a regular schedule. Oil analysis also effectively determines the optimal interval for oil and filter change
In summary, selecting and managing lubricants for industrial systems requires more than choosing the right type; it involves continual evaluation of industrial lubricants, compatibility checks, adherence to standards, and regular analysis to ensure optimal equipment function, reliability, and cost-effectiveness
In the second part of this article, we will discuss the tests that are commonly performed in periodic oil analysis in more detail
Want to ensure your lubricant management is as safe as possible? Check out our in-depth guidelines for best safety practices in this field
Evaluation of Industrial Lubricants : FAQ & Answers
Regular monitoring detects early signs of lubricant degradation, helps prevent equipment failures, and extends the useful life of both the lubricant and the machinery
Manufacturers base their guidance on lab testing, performance standards, and operational requirements defined for each type of equipment to ensure proper function and durability
Incompatible lubricants can cause seals to deteriorate, leading to leaks, unplanned downtime, and potential damage to other machine components
By identifying contamination, wear particles, or changes in oil properties, oil analysis can predict equipment issues before they lead to major malfunctions or operational stoppages
Other important factors include thermal and chemical stability, additive formulation, compatibility with system materials, and compliance with safety or environmental standards
Yes. Many industries must choose lubricants that comply with regulations such as REACH or RoHS, and often prefer options with reduced toxicity and environmental impact
Definitely. Exposure to contaminants or extreme temperatures during storage can degrade lubricant quality, reducing its effectiveness and potentially harming equipment
Monitoring contaminants helps identify system vulnerabilities, maintain cleanliness, and schedule maintenance tasks more effectively
International standards ensure lubricants perform reliably under varying conditions and help companies meet both regulatory and operational requirements
Not always. The right oil depends on equipment design, manufacturer specifications, and operating conditions—not just brand or premium labels
:Reference
The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication. 4th Edition. 2012, Robert Scott, Jim Fitch, Lloyd Leugner
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