Industrial gear oil is a critical factor in permitting the industrial engine’s smooth operation through its function as an anti-wear and anti-friction element. However, its flammability is critical, especially in applications that require high heat levels or equipment with moving parts.
An appreciation of the flammability of industrial gear oil is useful in avoiding casualties and appropriate use and storage. Although not all oils are created equal, identifying safer ones can shield workers and equipment in high-stress situations.
Understanding Industrial Gear Oil
Lubricants are classified in several ways, and the basic distinction should imply that not all of them are the same. You wouldn’t put gear oil and grease in the same bottle, would you? The same should apply to automotive and industrial lubricants. But why?
When choosing the right lubricant, hardly ever can there be a more vital factor than viscosity or the thickness of the oil. There are some similarities in the viscosity, for instance, SAE 90 gear oil and SAE 50 engine oil. And yet, despite all appearances, they are the same thickness. However, that does not mean you can change them bare-faced without a second thought.
This is because while oils may be the same thickness, their composition varies. It’s like using coconut-scented tanning oil in the oven or gear oil instead of regular engine oil. The only difference is in the presence of additives in the two varieties of the dressing.
Automotive and industrial lubricants must perform protection and cooling services in contrasting environments. Industrial gear oils are exposed to high heat levels, high pressure and or contamination from the format. They need to develop a heavy layer between the gears so that various machines can operate smoothly despite the conditions around them.
Types of Industrial Gear Lubricants
Features of gear oil include the following: Related to the application of industrial gear oil, additives change how they perform. Fubex Lubricants industrial gear lubricants into several types: Extremely Pressure (EP) Gear oils, Synthetic Gear oils, Synthetic EP Gear oils, Synthetic Polyglycol Gear oils, Compound Gear oils and H1-Food Grade Gear oils.
EP or Extreme Pressure Gear Lubricants
EP gear lubricants have other additives known as Hypoid, which protect gears under high loads that cause such conditions as tiny crack age known as micro pitting. These oils should be used only when your equipment requires them since these are not always required.
Synthetic EP Gear Lubricants
It is EP or special performance gear oils used where gearboxes are under very high pressure and temperatures in which normal EP oils may not perform adequately.
Synthetic Gear Lubricants
EP additives do not exist in synthetic gear oils. They shield parts from wear and sludge in systems where EP oils are likely to cause difficulties, particularly where bronze or brass is used to construct the parts.
Polyglycerol gear lubricants are special chemical compositions synthetically used in marine gears.
Polyglycerol base oils are not derived from oil and are good in protecting gears, bearings, and compressors. They are safe to be used together where the parts are made from bronze, copper or brass but incompatible with aluminum-bronze gears.
Compound Gear Lubricants
These oils are thicker, so they are employed with worm gears since they require more lubrication. They have 4-6% fat or synthetic fatty acids to assist them function optimally.
Category – Food Grade Gear Lubricants
These are special lubricants for the food and drink industries. For instance, the oil may come into contact with food.
If you face any difficulty as to which gear lubricant will suit your machine better, kindly contact the specialists at Fubex Lubricants.
Composition and Purpose
Industrial gear oil comprises two main things: base oils and additives. The base oil is either natural (from petroleum) or synthetic (made in a lab). Additives are special chemicals mixed in to help the oil work better.
They protect gears from wearing out, stop rust, and help machines stay cool by reducing friction. The main job of industrial gear oil is to keep machines running smoothly, even when there’s a lot of heat and pressure. Without this oil, the gears in the machine could break down quickly.
Flammability of Industrial Gear Oil
Industrial gear oil does not tend to burn quickly when used under normal conditions. However, like most oils, it can easily catch’ fire’ if it is overheated or placed near a flame.
Petroleum-based oils are more flammable than synthetic ones since they include mineral-based oils. Although these oils do not combust quickly, precautions must be taken with them and they should not undergo heat or fire exposure.
Factors Determining Flammability
Several things can make industrial gear oil more or less flammable:
- Type of Oil: Petroleum-derived or mineral oils are more likely to ignite than synthetic oils.
- Additives: It’s possible to find some additives that will help the oil not burn up as quickly at high temperatures or some that will enable it to ignite more easily.
- Temperature: The higher the oil temperature, the greater the probability of oil catching fire.
- Environment: It becomes even easier for the oil to catch a spark or flame or be exposed to hot places.
That way, you’ll know what does or does not cause the oil to be flammable to ensure that you’re using the oil safely.
Bottom Line
It is necessary to note that while industrial gear oil is considered non flammable in most situations, it is necessary to consider certain limitations. It was established that the type of oil, additives and the environment in which the oil is subjected can change the flammability of the oil.
Choosing the right gear oil, how you store it and being very careful where there is heat or fire is all that one requires to keep the machines and workplace safe. Whether you are using synthetic or mineral oil, it is very important to pay attention to safety and avoid having some or other types of accidents and incidents which may make your machinery and tools stop working properly.
FAQs
Q1: Are there alternative lubricants available that are less flammable than industrial gear oil?
Ans: Other types of lubricants are less likely to catch fire than industrial gear oil. For example, synthetic lubricants are made in a lab and are usually safer for fire. They have special ingredients that help them not burn easily, making them a good choice for machines that get very hot.
Q2: Is industrial gear oil flammable in all conditions?
Ans: Not flammable when used normally. Water or foam might make it foam up. Use water to cool down containers near a fire and spread out vapors. You can also spray water to wash away spills and keep them away from people.
Q3: What precautions should be taken when storing industrial gear oil?
Ans: Always keep lubricants at a normal temperature and away from dust and moisture that can make them dirty. It’s best to store them in a big tank or container to keep them clean and make them last longer.
Q4: Is there a difference in flammability between synthetic and mineral-based industrial gear oils?
Ans: Yes, there is a difference! Mineral-based oils come from natural sources like petroleum and can easily catch fire. On the other hand, synthetic oils are made in a factory and are usually less explosive. This means they are safer in high-heat situations because they are less likely to catch fire.
