Oil chiller　Technical Information　3-1.Basics of oil functions

There are many types of oil, and their uses are diverse.
Particularly at manufacturing sites, different types of oil are used for a variety of purposes, such as as lubricants for various equipment and as power transmission media for various hydraulic devices.
The oils used like these made by the hydrocarbon oil as the base by adding various additives on the purpose of use. However, the properties of oil made to suit its purpose change depending on temperature, additives added, substances mixed in, and deterioration over time.
If the characteristics of oil that was originally created to suit its purpose change, it will no longer perform to its full potential, which will not only cause problems in the process, but in the worst case, lead to damage important manufacturing equipment.
We will summarize information to help you deepen your understanding of these changes in oil.

Roles, types, components, and characteristics of oils

The core of oil's role is "viscosity"

Oils used for industrial purposes are generally divided into "mineral oils" (petroleum-based hydrocarbons = natural ingredients) and "synthetic oils" (artificially processed oils that do not exist in nature).
Flame-retardant and water-soluble oils that cannot be used in oil chillers are included in "synthetic oils."
Various types of industrial oils are available depending on the purpose, as shown below.
Oils used in industry have many different roles, but the most basic function of oil is its viscosity.
The greatest effect on the viscosity of the oil is temperature.
As the temperature increases, the viscosity decreases, and when the viscosity decreases, the oil cannot perform its expected functions, so the oil must be cooled.

Types of industrial oil

●Lubrication, cooling, corrosion prevention (rust prevention), etc.
General-purpose oil (machine oil), lubricating oil, spindle oil, dynamo oil, cylinder oil, turbine oil, hydraulic oil (brake fluid, etc.), bearing oil, gear oil, sliding surface lubricating oil, refrigeration oil, compressor oil, heat media oil, heat treatment oil, grease engine oil, cutting oil, insulation oil, silicone oil

There is no mineral oil that does not contain "lubricating oil additives"

Mineral oils, which are generally used as lubricating oils and hydraulic oils, are not functional enough as they are as natural ingredients (base oils), so they are formulated with lubricating oil additives that have a variety of functions.
These "lubricating oil additives" are composed of ingredients (compounds) that meet the requirements of lubricating oils, such as anti-oxidation, anti-wear, and anti-rust.
No mineral oil is free of such lubricant additives.

Deterioration of oil can be harmful to equipment.

Industrial oil deteriorates for a variety of reasons, including oxidation and other deterioration, as well as contamination with foreign substances such as water and dust.
Degraded oil not only loses its originally expected functionality, but can also harm the equipment itself and related equipment such as oil chillers.
Therefore, it is necessary to pay close attention to oil deterioration.

Next item: 3-2.About oil viscosity