Stainless Steel Circlips,Retaining Washers Circlips,Black Circlips Silver,Rings For Shafts Circlips Kunshan Zhonggu Precision Hardware Co., Ltd. , https://www.zgfastener.comSimple Identification Methods for Lubricants
Lubricants play a crucial role in the smooth operation of machinery. Proper identification and selection of lubricants are essential to ensure equipment performance and longevity. This article provides a simplified guide to identifying the quality of lubricants, including both oils and greases.
**1. Identification of Lubricating Oil**
- **Moisture Test**:
Take a small amount of lubricating oil and place it in a test tube. Observe its clarity. If it appears cloudy or turbid, it may contain water. Next, fill half the test tube with the oil and heat it to around 100–120°C. If you hear noise, see bubbles, or notice condensation on the walls, this confirms the presence of moisture. Another method is to add anhydrous copper sulfate into the test tube. If it turns blue and settles at the bottom, it indicates that water is present in the oil.
- **Viscosity Check**:
Place a drop of the lubricant on a clean, flat glass surface. Compare it with a standard lubricant. Tilt the glass and observe the flow speed and distance. A faster flow suggests lower viscosity, while slower movement indicates higher viscosity. Alternatively, place the oil in two test tubes and seal them. Shake them and observe how quickly they return to their original state.
- **Lubrication Performance**:
Rub the lubricant between your thumb and index finger. If it feels sticky, it has good lubricating properties. If it feels rough or grainy, the lubrication function may have deteriorated.
- **Mechanical Impurities**:
Dilute the lubricant with gasoline and filter it to check for impurities. Any residue or particles indicate contamination.
**2. Identification of Grease**
- **Base Soap Test**:
Apply a small amount of grease onto a copper sheet and immerse it in hot water. If the grease does not dissolve and the water remains clear without emulsification, it is likely calcium-based or lithium-based grease. If the grease dissolves quickly and forms a milky solution, it is sodium-based. If it dissolves slowly but completely, it may be calcium-sodium based.
- **Fiber Network Integrity**:
Place the grease-coated copper sheet into a test tube filled with water and shake it. If no oil separates from the water, the fiber network is intact. If oil floats on the surface, the network structure may be damaged, leading to poor adhesion and reduced performance. This can happen due to improper storage, vibration, or long-term exposure.
- **Mechanical Impurities**:
Take a small amount of grease between your fingers and roll it. If it feels gritty or contains foreign particles, it may be contaminated. Spread a thin layer of grease on a bright glass plate and examine it under light to detect any mechanical impurities.
Proper use of lubricants is critical to the life and performance of mechanical systems. Regular inspection and correct application help prevent equipment failure and extend service life.
**Related Bearing Knowledge**
- Several common classification methods for rolling bearings
- NSK bearing noise and improper handling
- IKO bearing failure causes and routine observation analysis
- The imitation experiment of the bimetal thermometer to detect the correctness of the bearing temperature of the coal mill
This article is sourced from China Bearing Network.
Please visit [http://www.chinabearing.net](http://www.chinabearing.net) for more information.
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Source: China Bearing Network | Time: 2013-11-03