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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
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A. The National Lubricating Grease Institute issued a regulation to classify grease lubricants on the basis of their consistence, or rather, the penetration level of a standard cone that was dropped into the product. In compliance with the ASTM D 217-97 standard, at every penetration interval (expressed in millimeter decimals) corresponds a NLGI Grade and a specific category. The following scheme can help you visualize: |
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Q. What do the acronyms "ISO VG" stand for? A. The ISO: International Organization for Standardization issued a regulation known as "ISO 3448 Liquid Industrial Lubricants" that classifies lubricants on the basis of their kinematic viscosity value at 40°C ( expressed in mm2/sec). Different numbers mark different ISO VG (VG=Viscosity Grade) levels coming close to its viscosity interval value. The following scheme can help you visualize: |
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Q. Why and when should we buy high-cost synthetic lubricants? A. In reality, synthetic lubricants guarantee technological improvements. As regards their cost higher if compared with traditional lubricants mineral based it depends by the considered base; polyalphaolefines, esters, silicones, polygliycolis, perfluorinepoliyetheris, polyisobutylenes etc. You can quantify the economical advantage by comparing the cost with the actual benefits received by using synthetic lubricants. We are not able to assume lower usage or longer duration benefits for each singular instance but we can report certain technological improvements: -improved fluidity at low temperatures -improved oxidation-resistance at high temperatures -reduced viscosity changes due to temperature variations -improved biodegradability -improved chemical compatibility with rubber and plastic compounds -improved chemical inertia -reduced evaporation -lower risks of forming of harmful compounds during use -increased ageing-resistance We must also acknowledge that there is a constant increase in the use of synthetic lubricants bases, in substitution of mineral oils, in lubricant industry. This goes to show the continuous developing of the demand of lubricants with more performances and efficiency. Q. Manufactures recommend a certain name-brand lubricant so as to guarantee a good functioning of the machinery or vehicle system They warn that using any other lubricant will bring an end to the warranty limit. Is this possible? A. Manufactures have the responsibility to guide their clients in choosing the ideal fluid and lubricant for a optimal functioning of their machinery. Nevertheless, European regulations on free-competition prohibit manufactures to impose a specific brand on consumption and maintenance products. A clear lead should be provided so as to indicate specific characteristics that a product should possess without, though, imposing a certain brand. Granted, since there are no specific international regulations, it is considered lawful and acceptable a manufactures guide-list including varied tested products and brands. In this case the manufacture should be willing to accept products and brands not included in their guide-list. Q. Do lubricants have an expiration date? A. There is no international technical regulations that codify expiration periods. The onset of any problems linked to using an aged lubricant depend mainly on its formulation typology; great care should be given to the product condition in its original package. You can also consider these physical aspects and changes as a sign of non-use: -grease: abundant oil that floats on the top surface -soluble oils: noticeable separating of compounds or the presence of strong smells -solvent products: base concentration with solvent separated or evaporated -lubricating oils: noticeable separating of compounds or additive precipitation Even if there are no particular problems regarding expiration date, you should always keep lubricants in a dry storage room, in the original packages and use the aged products first. |