Many factors must be considered when selecting a lubricant for an application. High in priority is the likely operating temperature of the component; some applications operate cyclically between a maximum and minimum temperature, others are more consistent and operate at a fairly steady nominal temperature.
In all cases, the nominal, maximum and minimum temperature of operation must be considered in order to determine the most appropriate lubricant.
Simplistically both oils and greases evaporate or degrade at elevated temperatures, some types more than others. Synthetics are generally more thermally stable and resistant to extremes of temperature, however, for all lubricants a good rule of thumb is that for every 10-15°C rise in temperature, you typically half the life of the lubricant.
Another factor to consider is the viscosity and also the Viscosity Index (VI) of the lubricant. The Viscosity is basically how ‘thick’ the fluid is at a set temperature (usually 40°C) and is measured in Centistokes (cSt). The Viscosity Index is a measure of how the viscosity changes with temperature. Fluids become thicker at lower temperatures and thinner at higher temperatures, the ideal lubricant offers a more stable viscosity throughout a wide temperature range, a high VI.
The key to choosing a lubricant with the correct viscosity is knowing the operating temperature and the viscosity can then be chosen to give an adequate lubricant film at that temperature.
Mineral oils are less resistant to degradation than synthetic oils, however, additives can also be used to enhance the VI and resistance to oxidation.
When we consider grease lubrication the base oil properties must still be considered but we must also be careful when selecting the ideal thickener and additives. Some soaps are more thermally stable than others, some will melt at relatively low temperatures rendering the product useless, some are not compatible with certain materials and some are more resistant to water washout, there are many factors to consider.
What is High Temperature?
Obviously what we consider as a high temperature is relative and varies from industry to industry, application to application, however, a simple guide is as follows:
The typical operating temperature range of various synthetic oils are shown on an attached PDF download (see download tab above). Greases can be formed from these base oils to give similar operating temperatures.
Usually, the larger the operating temperature requirement, the more costly the product, however, it is the cost effectiveness that we must consider. Using the correct lubricant for the application can save on re-lubrication costs, reduce machinery down-time, extend product life and reduce wear and failures leading to increased productivity and savings.
IKV Lubricants are specialists in high temperature lubricants, oils greases and dry film coatings. Please contact us for details of the most suitable product to meet your application requirements.
IKV Group are specialists in high temperature lubricants, oils greases and dry film coatings. These include ester oils, fluorinated fluids, greases and dry film coatings. See below some examples.
IKV TRIBOFOOD CHN 310 MT is a high temperature, fully synthetic bakery chain oil used widely in tortilla ovens, naan bread production and other flat bread applications which require NSF H1 certified lubricants.
Our IKV TRIBOCHAIN range of synthetic, ester, bakery chain oils is ideal for bakery chains running at extreme temperatures where minimal lacquering and re-lubrication, coupled with long chain life is the goal. These oils can either be applied automatically, or brushed on manually. We also supply these products in aerosol form.
IKV TRIBOCHAIN 100 HT is a special synthetic ester oil with an extremely low evaporation rate even when working in temperatures of 200°C to 260°C. It’s excellent resistance to oxidation and extremely well balanced additive package make it very stable in a large range of temperatures and helps avoid lacquer residues at high temperatures.
IKV TRIBOCHAIN 100 HT provides excellent anti-wear and extreme pressure protection. It was developed specifically for the lubrication of chains and bearings which are operating at temperatures between 170°C and 280°C in continuous use. It can also be used as a high temperature oil for circulation or total loss oil applications up to 280°C and can be applied manually or automatically, by spraying, dosing, brushing, wiping or by drip oiler.
Typical applications include:
IKV TRIBOCHAIN 150 HT is a special synthetic ester oil which does not form coking residues when subjected to high temperatures.
IKV TRIBOCHAIN 250 HT is also a special synthetic ester oil with an extremely low evaporation rate which can be used up to 280 °C as a high temperature oil for circulation or total loss oil applications.
IKV TRIBOCHAIN 320 HTN is a totally synthetic oil with a viscous structure and an extremely low evaporation rate even when working continuously in temperatures of 200°C to 260°C.
For very high temperature chain applications we would recommend IKV TRIBOGRAF 1417, a black liquid containing additives which are specially selected to protect against corrosion and the development of bacteria. A semi-colloidal suspension in water, it contains solid lubricants with a pure synthetic graphite base and is recommended for the lubrication of chains subjected to temperatures in excess of 300°C, up tp 500°C.
IKV TRIBOGRAF 1417 can be used in forging with dilutions of up to 3% depending on the complexity of the components, it can be diluted with water in varying proportions depending on the consistency required and is then applied through an automatic lubrication system or manually applied using a pump spray or brush. After the evaporation of water, IKV TRIBOGRAF 1417 leaves a film of dry solid lubricant which is clearly visible.
IKV TRIBOPASTE HT-1 is a lubricating paste composed of pure black solid lubricants in a synthetic oil that ensure the lubrication of mechanical parts when operating under boundary lubrication conditions up to 1000°C. Over 200°C the base oil will progressively evaporate leaving a film of dry solid lubricants. This paste will not ignite when coming into contact with hot surfaces as it has a high thermal stability and excellent adhesive properties, permitting long intervals before regenerating the lubricant film.
IKV TRIBOPASTE HT-1 is ideal for high temperature chain lubrication, lubricating threads on bolts and screws submitted to high temperatures and for the lubrication of journals and bearings running at slow speeds and having a high functional play. The product is also well suited for the initial lubrication of riding rings on rotary kilns.
Our IKV TRIBOCHAIN 250 HT Spray is based on a high temperature resistant base oil and colloidal Molybdenum Di-sulphide. The spray application ensures excellent penetration down to the pins and brushes of roller chains.
IKV MOLYFILM is a dry film lubricant containing Molybdenum Di-sulphide (MoS2) for temperatures up to 450°C. It provides a lubricating film with excellent endurance, is extremely adherent and is ideal for applications with heavy loads and temperature changes. It ensures smooth sliding and minimises the co-efficient of friction.
IKV’s fluorinated oils and greases offer the ultimate in lubricant performance throughout a wide range of industries and applications where conventional and other synthetic lubricants are not able to survive.
IKV FLUOR MPA 2H is a non-flammable white grease developed from a thermally stable fluorinated oil, tetrafluoroethylene telomers and an anti-corrosion additive. The grease provides an extraordinary combination of properties which include:
The IKV FLUOR MPA 2H is suitable for the lubrication of bearings or articulations subjected to the extreme temperatures and aggressive atmospheres able to degrade conventional lubricants. It is especially designed for the lubrication of bearings in drying, stabilisation or polymerisation ovens and processing equipment in the glass, textile, plastic film, paint, chemical, nuclear, robotic and packaging industries.
IKV FLUOR MPA 2H is also ideally suited to the lubrication of electrical switches or as a dielectric agent and is available in tubs, cartridges, drums or in aerosol spray form for ease of application.
Useful temperature range: -30 to 300°C.
ZAROX TYA 511 is an NLGI grade 1, non-flammable white grease developed from a perfluoroalkyl polyether type oil, a micronized PTFE thickener and an anti-corrosive additive (not sodium nitrate). It is totally inert both physically and chemically in the presence of aggressive liquids or gases (except for fluorinated solvents) and thermal or ionising radiation. ZAROX TYA 511 is compatible with all widely used elastomers, seals, gaskets, plastics and metals. Applications include:
Useful temperature range: -30 to 300°C
ZAROX TYA 512 is a PFPE / PTFE grease that has been developed especially for the lubrication of bearings and components at high temperatures and harsh environments. It is based upon a very high viscosity, thermally stable PFPE oil, thickened with high grade PTFE and with the addition of a special corrosion inhibitor. The product is non-toxic and includes only NSF H1 approved ingredients as required by the food industry.
PFPE / PTFE greases have become the industry standard for the lubrication of critical high temperature bearings. The long life and exceptional stability of these greases allows maximum life with long re-lubrication intervals. ZAROX TYA 512 can massively extend re-lubrication intervals over conventional greases and is available in a wide range of packs and sizes. The most popular pack is the 800g grease cartridge but 10 and 35kg pails are also available.
ZAROX TYA 512 has been specifically developed for the lubrication of bearings running at extreme high temperatures and under heavy loads. The product is also ideal for applications requiring chemical resistance or resistance to solvents, acids or radiation. It is completely compatible with all plastics and elastomeric seal materials.
IKV FILMSEC 1084 is a dry film designed to render a long lasting surface treatment utilizing the base functions of Lamellar hexagonal graphite. In normal conditions a very light coat is applied, creating a film inferior to 20 um (microns). A thick coat will have a much longer drying time and may cause the product to run, reducing its adherence. During frictional contact the product is transformed into a stabilized and durable leaf of protection.
IKV FILMSEC 1084 comes in an aerosol and may be applied in the same manner as spray paint. The surfaces to be treated must be completely degreased and cleaned before application, as the presence of silicone products, even in small amounts may cause adherence problems.
IKV FILMSEC 1084 may be applied to all surfaces that are compatible with ethanol. To improve adherence the materials surfaces may be roughened by sand or glass bead blasting, or chemically, using the appropriate product.
Operating temperature: >1000°C.
See the IKV bentone thickened grease/ gel range. Bentone is an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate, essentially a fine clay used as a non-melting thickener. Bentone has a high drop point – up to 300°C and is used as a thickener to give grease/gels good water resistance as well as good mechanical operating stability.
Bentone gels have a low sensitivity to temperature variations and therefore provide greater dynamic viscosity and temperature stability. The range of lubricants includes:-
IKV TRIBOSTAR MGI 462, a high viscosity mineral oil with bentone thickener. It does not melt or become fluid at high temperatures, has good anti-corrosion properties and good resistance to high loads. It is compatible with most good quality seals and therefore is ideal for use on bearings, slides and gears operating at high temperatures.
IKV TRIBOSTAR MGI 462 BM is a medium to high viscosity oil with bentone thickener. It is reinforced with Molybdenum Di-sulphide (MoS2) as a boundary lubricant and EP additive. It is non-melting and ideal at high temperatures.
IKV TRIBOSTAR PGI 42 is a PAO with bentone thickener. It is ideal for use on bearings subject to high temperatures or high rotation speeds where a weak torque resistance is required.
IKV TRIBOSTAR PGI 102 contains a medium viscosity synthetic base oil with bentone thickener offering excellent corrosion protection, resistance to high loads and good mechanical stability.
IKV TRIBOSTAR EGI 102 GM is a synthetic ester with bentone thickener for use on bearings subject to very high temperatures and heavy loads.