Tribology

Mechanical Systems ll

Student: Braulio Bernardo Valadez Sanchez

Registration: 170734
Career: Mechatronics Engineering (IMT)
Teacher: Mario Alberto Macias Hernández
Subject: Mechanical Systems ll

19/07/2022
 Introduction
Tribology studies the science and technology of surfaces that interact in relative motion. Within
the tribology is any aspect that is related to the design of the components of a machinery, such as
friction, wear, lubrication, etc.

Tribology is a multidisciplinary area covering biology, chemistry, engineering, materials science,

mathematics, and physics. Its main application is to the rolling or sliding components of an
equipment, such as bearings, flat bearings, gears, cams, brakes and seals.

This document contains the research about the lubrication, how monograde and multigrade oil is
differentiated, and its characteristics. Also how the base lubricants have different characteristics:
kinematic viscosity, freezing point etc. All other characteristics are broken down in detail within
the present investigation.

Grease is another very important part since there are different types of greases and their
applications are varied according to the use that will be given pro it is also important to know the
techniques of application of lubrication either oil or grease.
 Monograde Oil
Single-grade oils are those that only have one degree of viscosity, either for high or low temperatures so
they are recommended for applications with low temperature margins in which the oil can fulfill its
functions. (Catrol, 2022)

Multigrade Oil
Modern engines are becoming faster and are built with lower mounting tolerance between parts, so oils
with the fluidity are needed to circulate freely and form films with a thinner thickness, without losing
lubrication. (Catrol, 2022)

Multigrade oils keep the viscosity level of the oil stable in the face of temperature changes, so they reach
the moving parts faster to lubricate them, even if the engine is still cold. In this way, the cold start of the
engine is faster, with less risk of wear and with savings in fuel consumption. (Catrol, 2022)

In general, multigrade oils have viscosity enhancing additives to achieve good cold operation, and that
continue to work correctly when the temperature increases, so that the viscosity remains stable, regardless
of changes in ambient temperature. (Catrol, 2022)

Multigrade oils can be used all year round since they are more stable at the thermal level and do not
decompose before the temperature variations that occur in the lubrication circuit of the engine, where we
can find components such as the crankcase, where the temperature is 90 ° C, while in other areas the heat
can increase up to 250 ° C so an oil that adapts to the changes of Temperature is essential to maintain the
protection of the engine against different environmental conditions. (Catrol, 2022)

Base Oils
There are different types of lubricating substances: liquid products such as mineral oils and synthetic oils,
semi-solid products such as greases, solid lubricants such as graphite, molybdenum sulfide or talocyanins
and finally, air is an example of a natural gaseous lubricant. (Weaver, 2022)

A lubricant is made up of the base and additives. The base confers the background properties and the
additives adapt the properties to the specific requirements of the application. Two lubricants with different
applications may have the same base and differ in additives. When a lubricant is designed, it is not done
randomly but with the aim of exceeding certain specifications, which usually include laboratory tests and
engine tests. (Weaver, 2022)

Characteristics:

The characteristics of the lubricating bases are fundamental in the different applications, and the way to
measure these properties is very important when manufacturing finished oils. The standards that are
commonly used are the standards published by the North American Standards Body (ASTM), which are
internationally accepted. (Weaver, 2022)

The most important features are as follows:

- Kinematic viscosity: The most important aspect when choosing a lubricant correctly is its
viscosity (fundamental characteristic of the lubricant). It is measured in centistokes (cSt),
 at a certain temperature that are usually 100 and 40 ºC. This property indicates how
heavy is the lubricating base. The lightest bases have a viscosity around 2 cSt (at 100 ºC),
while the heaviest ones are around 45 cSt (at 100 ºC). The bases are usually named for
their viscosity, one of ISO 32 degree (International Standards Organization) means an oil
with a viscosity 32 cSt (at 40 ºC), while an ISO 15 has a viscosity of 15 cSt at the same
temperature. However, the most widely used nomenclature in the commercial world is
the so-called Saybolt viscosity. Thus an SN 150 base has a viscosity of 150 SSU (second
Saybolt Universal) at 40 ºC (equivalent to an ISO 32).(Industrial Blog, 2021)
Viscosity is essential to ensure proper hydrodynamic lubrication. For example, in the
case of flat bearings (they operate at high speeds and high loads) and in low-pressure
hydraulic systems low-viscosity mineral oils are required. A sewing machine also requires
a low viscosity oil. When working with higher loads and lower speeds, oils with higher
viscosity (heavy-duty track equipment; high-pressure systems) are needed. A coolant
requires a lubricant that retains its properties at low temperature, while in a steam
turbine the lubricant has to be resistant to oxidation at high temperatures.

- Viscosity Index: This index indicates the ability of a lubricant to keep its viscosity
constant over a wide range of temperatures. It is determined from the viscosity values at
40 and 100 °C (it is an arbitrary measure of the way viscosity varies with T and is
determined by comparison with a pattern). A high IV indicates that the viscosity change
with the T is small, while a low IV indicates that the oil changes its viscosity a lot with the
temperature variation. Normally you want the IV to be as high as possible, as that means
that the lubrication of the surfaces is relatively similar to all temperatures. The values of
this property are usually greater than 90, being its usual value between 95 and 105 for
conventional bases.

- Flash point: It is the temperature from which a substance burns if a flame is applied to it
for at least 5 seconds. This value limits the temperature to which the oil should be
exposed. The heavier the oil, the greater its Ti. For the lighter the Ti is around 105 ºC.

- Freezing point: It is the temperature at which the product freezes and indicates the
minimum temperature of use. Conventional bases have a freezing point around -9 ºC,
but that of synthetic bases is considerably lower (-20 to -60 ºC).

- Volatility: It is the percentage of product that, under certain temperature conditions,

evaporates. This test is particularly important for bases that must work at high
temperatures, such as engine oils. Too high volatility implies high evaporation and with it
a variation of the physical properties throughout the life of the oil, which is undesirable.

- Sulfur: The sulfur content measures the degree of lubricating base refining, the lower
the sulfur content, the greater the refining. The current trend is a progressive decrease
in sulfur until its practical absence.

- Hydrocarbon composition (only for conventional bases): The hydrocarbon composition

marks the properties of the base. What is desirable is a high content of saturated
hydrocarbons (linear and branched) that provide a high IV. Aromatics have low IV and
their volatility is higher than that of saturated ones.
 Industrial greases
Lubricating greases have traditionally been used to keep vehicles, boats, machines, and their components
lubricated. However, there are different types of fat that produce different results depending on their
properties and characteristics. Because of this versatility, lubricants have many different applications and are
used in a wide range of industries. (Industrial Blog, 2021)

Types of lubricating greases:

- Calcium fat: It is one of the first fats that was manufactured for general use. Some of the
key features of this multipurpose grease are: Water resistance, Good corrosion
protection and Great stability.
However, this lubricant is best used at lower temperatures, as high temperatures can
cause changes in its structure. Currently, calcium and calcium complex fats are mainly
used in marine, industrial, automotive, and agricultural applications.
- Lithium grease: It is a multipurpose grease known for its durability, high viscosity, and
stability. It is designed to provide long-lasting protection against oxidation, corrosion,
extreme temperatures and wear. They are characterized by: Withstands very high
temperatures, is water resistant, presents good shear stability, Prevents rust, corrosion
and oxidation.
These greases are used in the food industry, but they also offer excellent results in
automotive, steel milling, construction, and agriculture.
- Barium complex fat: It is a high-performance fat widely known for:
Mechanical stability, High temperature resistance, Ability to withstand heavy loads and
high speeds, Excellent water tolerance, High oxidation stability and Chemical resistance.
- Clay fat: It is developed with the help of bentonite clay. It is usually called a lubricant
that does not melt because it does not have a known drip point. Its main properties are:
Resistance to temperature change, Great protection against wear, Water tolerance,
Good mechanical stability or shear, and Good adhesion.
- Polyurea grease: It is a trend due to its amazing characteristics: Excellent water
resistance, Great oxidation stability, Rust and corrosion prevention, Durability, Versatility
Good mechanical stability, and Performance at high temperatures.
- Sodium fat: It is formulated by mixing sodium soap with additives and base oils. Such a
mixture provides: Solid shear stability, High drip point, Excellent wear protection and
good lubrication and Low water resistance and oxidation stability.
Due to its drawbacks, it is mainly used for the lubrication of specific bearings. It is
normally mixed with other fats to produce fat of higher quality and value.
These types of grease can be called multipurpose greases (MP), extreme pressure
greases (EP), marine greases, high load greases, special greases, car greases, industrial
 greases, etc., depending on the unique properties. of base oils, additives and thickeners
used in the manufacturing process.

(Industrial Blog, 2021)

Viscosity
Viscosity refers to the internal friction, or resistance to flow, of a fluid. All real fluids have an internal
resistance to flow which can be seen as friction between fluid molecules. In the case of liquids, viscosity is
due to short-range cohesion forces and in gases, it is due to shocks between molecules. The viscosity
resistance of both liquids and gases depends on their velocity and could be directly proportional to it in
some cases. However, the relationship varies depending on the conditions; for example, the resistance is
approximately proportional to v 2 or v 3 in turbulent flow. The SI unit of viscosity is the Poiseuille (1 Pl = 1 Pa
·s). (Labomat, 2022)

Analysis of Lubricating Oils

Knowing the state in which the equipment is operating is of vital importance, and it is possible through the
analysis of oils. Oil analysis can detect possible sources of failures, which are hidden from our eyes, such as:

- Abnormal wear, contamination, wrong lubricant, degraded lubricant, high operation,

fatigue.

In the past, oil analysis was mainly used to detect the condition of the lubricant. Modern oil analysis
techniques are used not only to assess the condition of the lubricant but also to assess the condition of the
machinery.

Among the types of wear are:

- Abrasive wear.
- Adhesive wear.
- Corrosive wear.
- Fatigue wear.

The use of adequate lubrication, good filtering equipment and good maintenance significantly reduce wear
and tear inside the equipment. Certain potential problems can be identified with other techniques such as:
vibrations, thermography, and motor analysis.

In many cases, oil analysis manages to detect problems before other techniques do. When implementing an
oil analysis program, it is important to select tests that will detect abnormalities in the oil. Some of the tests
performed on lubricating oils are:

- Viscosity.
- Particle count.
- Acid number.
- Water Content.
- Spectrometric analysis.

(TAAG, 2022)
 Lubricating grease analysis
During their analysis, fats and oils behave similarly. Although both contain important information, it is more
difficult to interpret the results of the fat analysis. The following tests represent the most important
technologies in the analysis of lubricating greases. (Ferris wheel, 2022)

- Atomic emission spectrometry

- PQ Index (Particle Quantifier)
- Infrared spectrometry by Fourier transforms
- Water by Karl Fischer
- Bleeding test (separation of oil from thickener)
- Penetration test
- Sulphated ashes
- Cut stability, apparent viscosity
- Drip point
- Linear scan voltametry
- Solvent extraction (Soxhlet)
- Neutralization number (AN)
- Water resistance
- Copper corrosion
 Lubrication methods
In general, there are three methods of lubrication of LM systems: manual lubrication using a grease gun or a
manual pump, lubrication with pressurized oil with the help of an automatic pump and lubrication by oil
bath. To achieve effective lubrication, it is necessary to mount the greaser or the articulation of the greasing
nozzle according to the installation direction.

Manual lubrication: Generally, grease is replenished periodically through a greaser found in the LM system
with a grease gun. (Fig.1) For systems with many points to lubricate, set up a centralized piping system and
supply grease periodically from a single place with a manual pump. (Fig.2)

Pressure lubrication: In this method, a certain amount of pressurized lubricant is introduced at certain
intervals. Normally, the lubricant is not collected after use. (Fig.3 ) Although a special lubrication system with
a pipe or similar design is required, this system reduces the chances of forgetting to replace the lubricant.
This method is mainly used for oil lubrication. If you use grease, it is necessary to examine the proper
diameter of the pipe and the required consistency of the grease. (THK, 2022)
 Conclusion
Lubrication is very important within the mechanics as it helps to prolong the useful life of the mechanisms
that make it up, but not because it has lubrication it will not have this wear so it is very important to know
the type of lubrication to be applied. It is essential to know about the studies to determine the state of the
oil and the machine after the analysis of the oil, at this point enters the tribology that studies chemistry,
engineering, materials sciences, mathematics, and physics, where it is focused to obtain the greatest
efficiency in design to achieve more complex lubricants.

It is essential as a mechatronics technician to know the types of oil and greases for industrial use in addition
to their characteristics and advantages, to be able to determine what to use and to know the studies that
must be applied to check the useful life of the oil since it has to be changing in a certain type according to
the manufacturer's indications .
Bibliography
Industrial Blog. (July 29, 2021). Industrial Blog. Obtained from www.antala.es:
https://www.antala.es/tipos-grasas-lubricantes/

Catrol. (July 19, 2022). Castrol. Obtained from Castrol: https://castroldistribuidor.com/conoce-las-

diferencias-entre-aceite-mono-grado-y-multigrado/

Labomat. (July 19, 2022). www.labomat.eu. Obtained from Lambomat Instruments & Specialites:
https://labomat.eu/es/preguntas-mas-frecuentes/824-que-es-la-viscosidad.html

Ferris wheel. (July 19, 2022). Noria.mx. Obtained from Noria.mx: https://noria.mx/lublearn/las-
mejores-pruebas-de-laboratorio-para-el-analisis-de-grasas/

TAAG. (July 19, 2022). termogram.com. Obtained from Termogrem:

https://termogram.com/servicios/analisis-de-aceites-lubricantes-y-dielectricos

Tejedor, A. S. (July 19, 2022). Industrial Organic Chemistry. Obtained from www.eii.uva.es:
https://www.eii.uva.es/organica/qoi/tema-13.php

THK. (July 19, 2022). THK.com. Obtained from THK.com:

https://tech.thk.com/es/products/pdf/es_a24_005.pdf