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Chapter 3: Lubricants
3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.5.1 3.5.2 3.5.3 3.6 3.6.1 3.6.2 3.6.3 3.7 3.7.1 3.7.2 3.7.3 3.7.4 3.7.5 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 Introduction Terminology Function of Lubricants Characteristics of an Ideal Lubricants Classification of Lubricants Solid Lubricants Semi-solid Lubricants Liquid Lubricants Mechanism of Lubricants Fluid Film or Thick Film or Hydrodynamic Lubrication Thin Film or Boundary Lubrication Extreme Pressure Lubrication Testing of Lubricants Viscosity and Viscosity Index Flash and Fire Point Cloud and Pour Point Saponification Value Acid Value Additives for lubricants Selection of lubricant Quick Recap Solved Examples University Questions (with hints)
3.2. Terminology: Before we start with lubricants we must have a glimpse and understanding of
commonly encountering terms. They are as follows(a) Viscosity: is the property of a fluid by the virtue of which a fluid (liquid or gas) offer resistance to its own flow. We know that, highly viscous fluids flow slowly. Lubricants must have adequate viscosity, for proper functioning. Too low viscosity (lubricant may leave the surface easily) and too high viscosity (may offer some resistance) will not serve the purpose. (b) Viscosity index: It is the rate of change of viscosity against temperature raise. It is in fact the measurement of tendency to maintain its viscosity against temperature increase. Oil becomes thin on heating i.e. their viscosity decreases. If the decrease in viscosity is less, the oil is said to have high viscosity index and vice versa. A good lubricant should have high viscosity index. (c) Flash point: is the temperature at which the oil gives out enough vapors that ignite for a moment when a small flame is brought near it. It must be comfortably high above the room temperature or working area temperature, to avoid any risk of fire. 2
(d) Fire point: is the temperature at which the oil gives out enough vapors which burn continuously at least for five seconds, when a small flame is brought near it. Obviously it must be comfortably high above the room temperature or working area temperature, to avoid any risk of fire. (e) Cloud point: is the temperature at which the oil becomes cloudy or hazy in appearance. It must be comfortably below the working area temperature. Other wise viscosity and lubricating property will be affected. (f) Pour point: is the temperature at which oil ceases to flow or pour. At this point most of the fraction of oil solidifies. This oil may harm the machine if used as lubricants due to friction. So this point also must be below the working area temperature. (g) Saponification Value: Saponification value of an oil is the number of milligrams of KOH, required to saponify one gram of oil. It is the characteristic property of vegetable/ animal oils. Since they are triglycerides of mixed fatty acids they can be saponified to glycerol and soap. But mineral / synthetic oils can not be saponified, because they are not glycerides but simply hydrocarbons. In Oils these fatty acids are mostly unsaturated e.g. Oleic acid, linoleic and linolenic acid but in Fats they are mostly saturated e.g lauric, myristic palmitic etc. (h) Acid value: is defined as the number of milligrams of KOH required to neutralize free fatty acids present in one gram of oil. The vegetable / animal oils contain fatty acids in combined form as triglycerides of mixed fatty acids. Unsaturated sites in fatty acids tend to absorb oxygen on exposure to air and form carboxylic acids. These acids if present even in small quantity harm machine during lubrication.
3.3. Functions of lubricants: The main purpose of a lubricant is to keep the sliding / moving
surfaces apart so that the frictional resistance and consequent destruction of metal can be minimized. Along with that following purposes are also solved. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) It reduces wastage of energy and there by increases the efficiency of machines. It acts as coolants, by reducing the frictional heat generated. This reduces expansion of metal by local frictional heat. Acts as sealant (in IC engines) as it does not allow the escape of gases from engine under high pressure. It prevents the attack of moisture on machine surfaces. This helps in preventing corrosion of the moving machine parts. 3
(v)
Acts as cleaning agent, by washing off solid particles produced due to combustion or wear. It helps in preventing corrosion of the moving machine parts.
3.4. Characteristics of an Ideal Lubricant: An Ideal lubricant prevents the machine surface
from wear & tears due to friction under all severe working conditions. For that, Ideal lubricant should have following characteristics. (As an assignment you should try to find out the reasons for these characteristics) (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) High oiliness Adequate viscosity & high viscosity index. Flash & fire points should be higher than the working temperature of the machine in which the lubricant is used. The pour point should be lower than the working temperature of the machine in which the lubricant is to be used. Acid value should be very low. Saponification value should be low. Emulsion made by oil with water should be unstable & should break easily at work Oxidation stability should be high.
3.5. Classification of Lubricants: On the basis of their physical state lubricants may be
classified as follows: (1) Solid lubricants (2) Semi solid lubricants or greases (3) Liquid lubricants or lubricating oils.
3.5.1. Solid lubricants: We are familiar with liquid (for example castrol engine oil) and semi solid
lubricants (grease). Question arises what are solid lubricants? Where they are used? How do they work? Let us have a look on it. Graphite, Mica, Teflon, Molybdenum disulphide, chalk, talc etc. are the examples of solid lubricants. Where they are used? a. When machinery is to be operated at high speed and moderate load or high load and low speed. b. When the design of machine is intrinsic i.e. machine parts are not easily accessible. c. These can be used at high working temperature and pressure. d. Contamination of lubricating oil or grease is unacceptable, e.g. in commutator bushes of electrical generators and motors. 4
e. Combustible lubricants must be avoided. Most commonly used are Graphite, Mica, Teflon, Molybdenum disulphide, chalk, talc etc. How do they work? If we look at the structure of Graphite, Mica, Teflon, Molybdenum disulphide, chalk, talc etc. it becomes very clear that their lubricating action is due to their layered structure lattice. Let us discuss in detail.
Molybdenum disulphide possesses a sand witch like structure in which a layer of molybdenum
atoms lie between two layers of sulphur atoms. These layers slide over each other when used as lubricants in a machine. Fig 3.2
Aquadag: It is a dispersion of graphite in water. Mostly used in air compressors, & in equipments
used for food processing.
Oildag: It is a dispersion of graphite in oil .Commonly used in internal combustion engines. Teflon: It is a polymer of tetra flouro-ethylene and has a very low coefficient of friction. It is widely
used in gasoline gear pumps, underwater machineries, oxygen valves, etc
3.5.2. Semi solid lubricants: We are very much familiar with semi-solid lubricants greases,
waxes etc. Where they are used? They are used under working conditions, such as, (i) Low speed & high pressure (ii) Machineries used in textiles mills, paper & food products manufacturing etc. where spilling & spurting of lubricant is harmful to the product. (iii) Machines where liquid lubricants cannot be maintained in position due to intermittent operation of machine parts such as shaft etc (iv) Where bearing has to be sealed against entry of dirt, water, dust & grit. How they are manufactured? Greases & Vaseline are most widely used semi-lubricants. Greases are manufactured by Saponification of Fatty Oils with an Alkali. For manufacturing, fatty oil is mixed with Mineral oil to form a homogenous solution which is then subjected to saponification with respective alkalies. Properties of a good Grease: (a) Pour point should be as low as possible (b) Resistance to oxidation should be as high as possible (c) Consistency of greases should not alter to a great extent at working temperature. Properties of various Greases: Grease Calcium Soap Sodium soap Aluminum soap Lithium soap 1500 C Optimum temperature 650 C 1750 C 900 C Properties good resistant to oxidation high temperature sustenance good oxidation stability Uses water pumps, tractors etc have high affinity for water where high adhesiveness is desired i.e. where speed & load is high good oxidation stability, high Special applications only i.e. temperature sustenance & high Air crafts mechanical stability Barium High M.P., high oxidation & Automobiles 6 & farm
high consistency equipment Cheap & water insoluble & In delicate high temperature sustenance high load
equipments
Why Needed? For machines working under severe working condition i.e. in Aircraft engines, there is the need of a lubricant which can be useful between very wide range of temperatures such as -500 C to + 1500 C. Pre-requisites: For such lubricants viscosity index, flash and fire points should be as high as possible where as their pour point should be as low as possible. The resistance to oxidation & corrosion should be high & their oiliness & thermal stability should be very high. Since lubricants discussed so far can not serve this purpose, we need synthetic oils having all necessary properties. Examples: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (i) (ii) Chlorinated and fluorinated hydrocarbons (chlorinated diphenyl compounds) Siliconised oils(silicones): can be used up to 2000 C Derivatives of polyhydroxy alcohols(polyethylene glycols, their ethers and esters): can be used up to 3000 C Organo-phosphatic esters (tricresyl phosphate) can be used up to 1500C. Highly inflammable High cost Limitations:
Fig 3.3. 3.6.2. Thin film or Boundary lubrication: When it is used? The machine is to be operated at comparatively low speed or during operation a shaft starts moving from rest at fixed intervals, or the machine is operated under high load. Because under such working conditions a thick continuous film of liquid lubricant can not persist between two moving surfaces. How do they work? A thick film of lubricating oil is applied in the clearing space of the moving surfaces. This film gets adsorbed on metal surfaces due to physical or chemical or both the forces & covers all irregularities of metal surfaces (Fig 3.4). It remains there & can bear high load as well as high temperature. The coefficient of friction is reduced to the extent of 0.05 to 0.15. Examples: (i) Soaps of Vegetable or animal oils, as they possesses a great tendency of adsorption on surfaces. But at high temperature they get decomposed, hence can not be used in internal engines. (ii) (iii) At high temperature mineral oils blended with fatty oils or fatty acids are used as their thermal stability is high. Graphite, molybdenum disulphide either alone or their stable suspension in oil is also used.
Fig 3.4 3.6.3. Extreme pressure lubrication: When they are used? At working condition where sliding / moving surfaces are under high pressure and speed and surfaces normally attain high temperature. Since liquid lubricants may not stick to the surfaces & it may decomposes at that high temperature, and losing its lubricating capacity. There might be some loss of lubricant due to vaporization. Generally mineral oils with special additives (known as extreme pressure additives) are used to improve specific characteristics of lubricating oil. Substances such as Chlorinated esters, sulphurised oils or phosphates (like tri cresyl phosphate) are mostly used as additives. How do they work? The metal underlying the film of lubricant reacts with these additives & form metal chlorides, sulphides, or phosphide which sticks to metal surfaces with greater force of attraction. These metal compounds have very high melting points. Hence the film of lubricant remains on the surface of metal providing adequate lubrication under such extreme pressure & temperature.
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Table 2.0 1 2 3 4 Chemical testing Acid value Saponification Value Aniline point Emulsification Method used Titrimetry Titrimetry Aniline point apparatus Steam emulsion number (SEN)
3.7.1. Viscosity & Viscosity Index: Viscosity is the property of a fluid by the virtue of which a fluid (liquid or gas) offer resistance to its own flow. We know that, highly viscous fluids flow slowly. Lubricants must have adequate viscosity, for proper functioning. Too low viscosity (lubricant may leave the surface easily) and too high viscosity (may offer some resistance) will not serve the purpose. Since it is impossible to select oil having same viscosity over a wide range of operating temperatures, we can select oil whose variation in viscosity with temperature is minimum. For this we must know the concept of Viscosity index. Viscosity index is the rate of change of viscosity against temperature raise. It is in fact the measurement of tendency to maintain its viscosity against temperature increase. Viscosity index is the numerical expression of the average slope of the viscosity temperature curve of a lubricating oil between 1000F to 2000F. Oil becomes thin on heating i.e. their viscosity decreases. If the decrease in viscosity is less, the oil is said to have high viscosity index and vice versa. A good lubricant should have high viscosity index. Generally oils with higher molecular weight show higher viscosity. Viscosity and Viscosity index are measured by Redwood viscometers in commonwealth countries (in India also) and by Saybolt viscometer in USA. Redwood viscometers no 1(for thin oils) & 2(for thicker oils) are used to measure the viscosity & it is expressed in terms of seconds of the respective apparatus because the viscosity is measured as time taken for a fixed volume of oil to flow through orifice of the oil cup of the apparatus. Redwood Viscometer no 1: It consists of following essential parts: Oil Cup, Heating bath, Stirrer, Spirit level, Leveling screws, and Kohlraush flask. Fig 3.5 11
(i) Oil cup: It is silver plated cylinder, open at top; 90 mm in height 46.5 mm in diameter. The agate jet with bore of diameter 1.62 mm & 10 mm in length is fitted at the bottom of oil cup. The jet can be opened or closed with a valve rod, which is a small silver platted brass ball, fixed to a long stout wire. The cup at its upper end is fitted with a pointer to check the level of oil. The cup is provided with a lid having an opening for thermometer, to record the temperature of oil. (ii) Heating Bath: is a cylindrical copper container filled with water, surrounding the oil cup. Heater is provided at the bottom to heat the water. (iii) Stirrer: A stirrer with four blades is provided, to heat the water uniformly. To prevent the splashing of water a shield is provided with it. (iv) Spirit level: The lid of oil cup is provided with spirit level for vertical leveling of the jet. (v) Leveling screws: are provided to level the apparatus. (vi) Kohlrausch flask: It is a wide mouth flask measuring definite quantity of oil (generally 50 ml) Working / Procedure: (i) The oil cup is cleaned, leveled & filled up to the pointer mark. The agate jet is closed with valve rod and water bath is filled with water at room temperature. (ii) A clean Kohlrausch flask is arranged under the agate jet. The temperature of oil is recorded. The valve rod is shifted to open jet so that oil starts flowing out of the oil cup. (iii) The stop watch is started at this moment. The time in seconds is recorded for 50 ml of oil to flow out. The agate jet is closed with valve rod & oil cup is again filled with oil. (iv) Water is heated using electric heater and different readings at various temperatures ( differing by 10oC ) are taken for 50 ml of oil each time. Similarly with falling temperature also the procedure is repeated. (v) Then a graph is plotted between temperature v/s time (Redwood seconds) (vi) It is a linear curve, because as the oil on heating become thin, their viscosity decreases & hence time taken for definite quantity of oil to flow out of the agate jet reduces.
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Temp 0C 3.7.2. Flash & Fire points: Both are very important properties of a lubricant oil, because these help in knowing the highest temperature up to which an oil can be used as lubricant. These are determined by using PenskyMartens flash point apparatus. Pensky-Martens flash point apparatus: Its essential parts are Oil cup, Shutter, flame exposure device, Air bath, Pilot burner Fig 3.6 (i) Oil cup: It is about 5 cm in diameter and 5.5 cm deep, with oil level pointer. The cup lid is provided with four openings of standard sizes. One for thermometer, and second for introducing test flame. Through third opening passes a stirrer carrying two brass blades. The fourth is meant for admission of air. (ii) Shutter: is a lever mechanism provided at the top of the cup. It helps in bringing the flame over the oil surface. (iii) Flame exposure device: is connected to the shutter by lever mechanism. (iv) Air bath: Oil cup is supported by its flange over an air bath which is heated by a gas burner. (v) Pilot burner: Working / Procedure: i) Oil under examination is filled up to the mark & heated by heated air bath. ii) At every 10C rise of temperature, flame is introduced for a moment by working of shutter. iii) The temperature at which a distinct flash (a combination of flame & sound) appears inside the cup, is recorded as the Flash point. iv) The heating is continued there after & the test flame is applied as before. When the oil ignites & continues to burn for at least 5 seconds, the temperature reading is recorded as the Fire point of the oil. 3.7.3. Cloud & Pour points: These characteristic physical constants indicate the suitability of oils at lower temperature, or in cold regions. Both the points should be lower than the working temperature. Otherwise the oil may get solidified at working temperature & this may cause jamming of the machine parts. These are measured by using a special apparatus as shown in Fig 3.7 13
Apparatus consists of a broad jar, which is used as a cold bath. The oil is taken in a flat bottomed hard glass test tube. This test tube is kept in an air jacket. Two thermometers are suspended, one in oil tube & other in cooling mixture in the jar to note the respective temperatures. Working: i) The oil tube is filled with oil up to the level generally half the length of tube. The jar is filled with cooling mixture surrounding the air jacket. Two thermometers are suspended through the wooden corks & the temperature of oil & cooling bath is noted. j) Initially for every 20C fall in temperature of oil, the tube is taken out of air jacket, wiped with filter paper from outside & the oil is viewed for checking the transparency. The temperature at which oil looses its transparency ie it appears cloudy is recorded as cloud point. k) The cooling is continued further. Now with every 10C fall in temperature, the oil tube is taken out and tilted to check the flow of the oil. The temperature at which oil hardens ie. ceases to flow along the sides of the tube is recorded as Pour point.
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Significance: This value help us to know the stability of oil in aqueous / alkaline medium if in case machine parts face such conditions. It must be low for better suitability as lubricating oil.
3.7.5. Acid Value: is defined as the number of milligrams of KOH required to neutralize free
fatty acids present in one gram of oil. The vegetable / animal oils contain fatty acids in combined form as triglycerides of mixed fatty acids. Unsaturated sites in fatty acids tend to absorb oxygen on exposure to air and form carboxylic acids. These acids if present even in small quantity harm machine during lubrication. Thus it is important to determine the content of free acids in oil. Ideally it should be minimum. Determination: The oil sample is weighed (W g.) and mixed with absolute alcohol (ideally 50 ml for 1 gm of sample). The mixture is warmed for 10-15 minutes on water bath. The mixture is then titrated against 0.1 N KOH solution, using phenolphthalein indicator. Acid value = Volume of KOH (ml) (NKOH 56) / W gm
minimizing formation of resins 4 5 6 Corrosion inhibitors Oiliness Viscosity acids and sludge Organometallic compounds ex. Protecting metal surfaces from
Sulphurised terpens corrosion Fatty acids, vegetable oils and Long chain polymers such as Increasing viscosity and viscosity 15
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index improvers polystyrene, polyisobutylene index Pour point Wax alkylated phenols and Lowering pour point of the oil depressant naphthalene Anti foam Glycerol and glycols additives Emulsifiers Preventing formation of stable foam
Sodium salts of organic acids, Help the formation of emulsion of monoesters alcohols. of polyhydric oil with water
3.9. Selection of Lubricating Oils: 3.10. Quick Recap: Solved Examples with step by step solving strategy Problems on Acid value:
Example1. 2.5 gm of an oil sample require 2.5 ml of N/100 KOH to neutralize fatty acids in oil. Find the acid value. Solution: Step by step solution require following attention: (1) First of all carefully read the problem and write all given data. (2) Then write the formula to determine Acid value. (3) Now we can easily trace the required quantity. (4) Important quantities in this problem are volume and normality of KOH. These will be given either directly, as in this example or indirectly. (5) Generally weight of oil sample is given directly. Some times volume of oil sample taken is given. In this case density will also be given. We can get the weight of sample just by simple calculation. Weight = density volume Let us start: Acid value Acid value = 0.56 mg/g = Volume of KOH (ml) (NKOH 56) / W gm = 2.5 (1/100 56) /2.5 Given data: Volume of KOH = 2.5 ml, NKOH = N/100, W = 2.5 gm
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Example 2. 20 ml of an oil was dissolved in alcohol solution was titrated against 0.1 N KOH solution. At the end point burette reading was 2.5 ml. Calculate the acid value of the oil. (Density = 0.86 g/ml) Solution: Acid value Acid value Given data: volume of oil = 20 ml, density = 0.86g/ml, Volume of KOH consumed in titration = 2.5 ml, NKOH = 0.1N = Volume of KOH (ml) (NKOH 56) / W gm = 2.5 0.1 56 / 17.20 Weight of oil = 20 0.86 = 17.20 g = 0.814 mg of KOH / g of oil
In Blank reading, 40 ml of 0.5 N HCl 40 ml of 0.5 N; KOH (both are 1: 1 electrolyte) 80 ml of 0.25 N KOH Thus blank = 80 ml KOH Similarly for Back reading, 20 ml of 0.5 N HCl 20 ml of 0.5 N; KOH (both are 1: 1 electrolyte) 40 ml of 0.25 N KOH Back reading = 40 ml of KOH Thus KOH consumed in saponification = 80 40 = 40 ml Now, Saponification value = Amount of KOH consumed (Blank - Back) (N KOH 56)/ W = 40 0.25 56 / 2.5 = 224 mg. KOH
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