Don’t blame me if you mix up your lubricants—no one warned you!
发布时间：2022年03月14日 14:51
Recently, many friends have called to ask whether it’s okay to mix lubricants of different specifications. Regarding this question, Mr. Qingjie feels it’s really necessary to provide a special explanation. Mixing lubricants can compromise their performance, causing your machinery to run in a “suboptimal” state without you even realizing it. In severe cases, this could even damage your equipment. If your machinery exhibits any of the following symptoms after mixing lubricants, be sure to pay close attention: promptly empty the oil tank and replace the oil with a uniform specification.
Oil film strength is affected: increased wear, higher temperatures, overheating, vibration, or unusual noises.
Reduced demulsification capability: Lubricating oil originally had excellent demulsification properties—when it came into contact with water, it could quickly separate from the water. However, after mixing, the lubricating oil’s demulsification capability deteriorated, leading to emulsification of the lubricant.
Color changes: It is normal for the color and transparency of lubricating oil to change during use. However, if the lubricating oil shows color changes, reduced transparency, and darkening even before it has been used much, you should consider whether an incompatible lubricant has been introduced.
The issue of bubble formation: One of the symptoms that can result from lubricant incompatibility is a decline in the lubricant’s ability to “handle” air—manifesting as reduced anti-foaming properties, failure of air to escape from the oil, and an increase in foam.
The formation of insoluble substances—such as flocculent particles, precipitation of additives, paint films, sludge, sediments, and fouling layers left behind on sight glasses or oil sumps after the oil level has dropped—along with premature clogging of oil filters, can all be byproducts of lubricant incompatibility.
Premature oxidation of lubricating oil: There are many symptoms of oil oxidation, including a sudden increase in acid value, a sudden change in viscosity, accompanied by sludge formation and a sour, rancid odor.
A sudden increase in particulate matter: The source of the particulate matter is unclear—possibly precipitates from additives, or reaction products resulting from chemical interactions between additives and base oils.
Phase Separation: Oil phase separation can be detected by visual inspection through a sight glass or by analyzing oil samples, resulting in abnormalities in color, viscosity, and refractive index.
Formation of gel-like substances: Certain lubricants, after being mixed, can form gel-like substances that adhere to filters, oil tanks, and sight glasses. As a result, the machinery may not receive sufficient lubrication, and oil pressure could even drop.
Leakage: If oil leaks occur in multiple areas of the system, it could also be due to cross-contamination of lubricants. Incompatibility between lubricants can cause changes in their viscosity and surface tension.
The oil’s texture is uneven: Under normal circumstances, lubricating oil should have a uniform texture. If you notice layering, sedimentation, or an uneven texture, you should consider whether incompatible lubricants have been mixed in.
/ Related News
Can't find the service you're looking for? Please contact us!
To inquire about our products, please leave us your email, and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
Phone:
Email:
Business Address:
Room 1905, Quanshun 186 Office Building, Zhanlan Road, Luolong District, Luoyang City