Function of Oil

The Function of Oil

Although the ability to minimize friction and wear is the number one concern of a lubricant, there are other major functions that must be considered. A lubricant is likely to also be required to:

Clean - Maintain internal cleanliness by suspending contaminants or keeping contaminants from adhering to components.

Cool moving elements - Reducing friction will reduce the amount of heat that is generated, which will lower the operating temperature of the element or component. We also rely on the lubricant to absorb heat from the contact surface area and transport it to a location in which it can be safely dissipated.

Prevent contamination (seal) - We rely on the lubricant to act as a dynamic seal in locations such as the piston, piston ring and cylinder contact areas. This minimizes combustion by-products (for example) from contaminating the lubrication system. We also rely on the lubricant to support mechanical seals found elsewhere, minimizing external contamination and fluid loss.

Dampen shock - A lubricant may be required to cushion the blow of mechanical shock. A lubricant film can absorb and disperse these energy spikes over a broader contact area.

Prevent corrosion - A lubricant must have the ability to prevent or minimize internal component corrosion. This can be accomplished either by chemically neutralizing the corrosive products or by setting up a barrier between the components and the corrosive material.

Transfer energy - A lubricant may be required to act as an energy transfer median as in the case of hydraulic equipment or valve lifters in an automotive engine.

 

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