Book Bits

From "Wear Debris Analysis":

Different systems exhibit different trends. For instance, the wear debris generated from a system involving gears and bearings may well be quite high initially, particularly if no attempt has been made to 'run-in' the system. Thus, there is a gradual reducing level of debris until the system settles in. Then comes the acceptable very low wear rate associated with well lubricated surfaces, which perhaps increases just slightly. Finally, the machine begins to show signs of fatigue or fracture and particle generation increases at an ever increasing rate.

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Today's Tip

• In 2002, many people will make New Year's resolutions to reduce or eliminate certain unhealthy foods from their diet. This is good advice for your lubricants as well. Resolve to remove and exclude contaminants such as particles, water, air and heat from your lubricants and you'll have great results next year. Here are links to a few articles that will help:

  What Particles Mean and Why They Need to Be Monitored and Controlled
  Water - The Forgotten Contaminant

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Q & A

"I've read somewhere that oil can last forever if the oil is reclaimed and the additives are replenished. Is this true?"

Some used oils can, in fact, be restored to "like new" condition through the cleansing of contamination, including water and acid products. In certain instances, additive reconstruction is prescribed and is remarkably effective.

But oil does not improve over time or even remain stable. In typical service, oil faces many of its archenemies, and with each encounter, something is sacrificed. Water, heat, metal debris, entrained air, pressure, and mechanical action are the forces that lead to stress, distress, and eventually dysfunction of the oil.

In its origin deep beneath the earth's surface, oil endures the ravages of millions of years. Despite the heat and exposure, one contaminant is generally missing from its environment, preventing degradation. This, of course, is oxygen. Without air, lubricating oil would not need many of the additives so common in modern formulations. Anti-oxidants, rust inhibitors, corrosion inhibitors, and over-based additives all battle the consequences of oxidation–some proactively, others reactively.

While it is a bit too much to expect lubricants to "last forever," there is every reason to expect them to perform better and last longer– much longer.

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