Why should you care about the ideal viscosity?

In production systems, the ideal viscosity of lubricating oil is one of the most important factors for ensuring the proper operation of machinery. 

It is essential to ensure that the viscosity meets the equipment’s specifications. To achieve this, it must be constantly monitored in order to detect potential failures and determine when an oil change is necessary. Moreover, viscosity plays a role in the sealing effect of the product, which helps prevent component wear. 

Viscosity also indicates how freely the oil flows at certain temperatures. More viscous oils are thicker, while less viscous oils are more fluid. 

Problems Caused by Inadequate Viscosity 

If the oil’s viscosity is higher than required, some parts of the equipment may not receive adequate flow to form the lubricating film. This can result in: 

• Increased friction and heat dissipation, which accelerates oxidation, shortens the fluid’s lifespan, and increases energy consumption. 

• Greater wear and tear, leading to more frequent production stoppages. 

• Higher energy demand at start-up, increasing the risk of damage during equipment ignition. 

On the other hand, if the lubricating oil’s viscosity is too low, the fluid may not sufficiently protect the equipment’s components. The lubricating film may break easily. Consequences include: 

• Increased wear, resulting in more frequent repairs and replacements. 

• Higher friction and heat dissipation, accelerating the oxidation process. 

• Greater susceptibility of machinery to damage and failure, especially at high operating temperatures. 

• Increased likelihood of particle contamination (remember that oil also performs a sealing function). 

Want to know more about viscosity and its importance? Check out our special webinar on the subject here.

Author: Pedro Hernandes