Operating of all kinds of machinery on a ship, including the main engine itself, requires the use of good quality lube oil. When the parts come in contact with each other, friction and other kinds of stresses are created. Any harmful effect of this friction overcome through the use of quality lube oil. Many different lube oil grades are available depending on the machinery and operational requirements. There are various providers for them as well. Hence it is important to choose a certified and reputed Marine lube oil company and to choose the right lube oil specifications after doing proper research.
Essential Marine Lube Oil Properties To Know
The quality and specifications of marine lube oil are important for the optimum functioning of marine engines and machinery. For instance, the marine engine oil should work well for the crankcase (engine part that was the most sensitive components) and the cylinder. When the marine lube oil is chosen on the basis of properties, the wear rate is reduced while engine operation is improved. Some of the important marine lube oil properties are given below.
Alkalinity- Sulphuric acid is produced during the burning of fuel. The resultant acidic environment is a cause of corrosion in marine engines, components, and machinery. Lube oil is used for liner and piston lubrication in the 4 stroke engines and trunk piston engines. Hence, the lube comes in contact with the fuel as well. If the lube oil has adequate alkalinity, acidic corrosion can be prevented.
Oxidation Resistance- Lube oil remains in contact with air and oxygen and hence is prone to oxidation. At higher temperature, the level of oxidation increases further. The result is bearing corrosion, sludge formation, and acidic environment. Therefore lube oils should have adequate additives to control or prevent oxidation.
Load Carrying Capacity- The lube oil should have enough viscosity to withstand the load bearings within the engine. With insufficient load-bearing capacity, the oil will be expelled and the metal parts and components will come in contact with each other.
Detergency- Additives are also added to the lube oil so that the combustion space remains clean and the deposits (especially from the ring pack area) are removed. The metallic-base additives, when added to the oil, prevent the small deposit build-ups that may get formed on the surface of the metal.
High Flash Point- The oil should also have a higher flash point, which is the minimum temperature reaching which the oil will get vaporized to form an ignitable air mixture. Higher flash point provides for prevention of fire hazard.
Lube oil should also possess other properties, including thermal conductivity (for keeping the engine cool), and disperency that does not allow impurities to mix with each other and provides for their easy removal. Only a leading and experienced lube oil and grease manufacturer can provide you high-quality oils, with all the properties and specifications required.
About the author
Petrogulf Oil Manufacturing LLC, based in the UAE, is a Petroleum & Energy company, manufacturing and marketing a vast range of premium Quality Automotive, Industrial, Marine, lubricants for gasoline, diesel engine oils, gear oils, hydraulic, outboard, 4 strokes lubes applications and speciality products.
