There’s no doubt that viscosity is a critical topic when it comes to lubricating oils. We have even written several posts about this topic, which you can find here. In this post, you’ll read all the essential information on high viscosity and its importance in lubricating oils and maintenance management.
Viscosity is defined as a fluid’s resistance to flow. In lubrication management, understanding the viscosity of a lubricant means understanding the two types of viscosity measurements: kinematic viscosity (KV) and dynamic viscosity (DV). This post focuses on DV and its implications in lubricant analysis. What is Dynamic Viscosity? Dynamic viscosity, also called absolute viscosity, is the measure of a fluid’s resistance to an external force. Simply put, dynamic viscosity is the viscosity value you get if you apply force to a fluid and measure the fluid’s reaction to said force. To illustrate, if you stir an amount of water in a cup, it will react by producing a force, called torque, which resists the stirring force. Now, if you stir
Understanding the concept of kinematic viscosity or KV is essential in making the right lubrication decisions. A lubricant’s kinematic viscosity gives insight into its suitability for use for your machines and equipment. Understanding the different measures of viscosity also helps in understanding viscosity testing and oil analysis. What is Kinematic Viscosity (KV)? Kinematic viscosity is a fluid’s internal resistance to flow under gravitational forces. You can determine an oil’s KV using a standard method that involves a measuring tool called a viscometer. At a specific temperature, a fixed volume of oil is poured into the viscometer and allowed to flow by force of gravity. The time it takes to reach a certain level in the viscometer is measured and used
The viscosity of an oil refers to its resistance to flow. And this resistance is affected by many factors, but especially temperature. Oil thins or its viscosity decreases at high temperatures, and it thickens or its viscosity increases at low temperatures.
As a maintenance manager or technician, you’re likely familiar with viscosity and the problems it can cause. But what are the causes of low viscosity? And more importantly, how can you prevent it from happening in your plant? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the common causes and some tips for preventing them.
Viscosity Index (VI) is the measure of a fluid’s ability to resist changes in viscosity due to temperature fluctuations. In other words, it measures how much the lubricant will thin out or thicken up when subjected to varying temperatures. A high VI rating means that the lubricant maintains its viscosity better over a wider range of temperatures and is less likely to experience significant changes in thickness. This quality is important for industrial lubricants, as it helps ensure that the lubricant continues performing effectively even as the equipment heats up and cools down. Viscosity Index vs. Viscosity Despite their similarities, viscosity index and viscosity are not the same. However, you may hear people use the terms interchangeably, which makes it
To operate efficiently, bearings must have a minimal level of friction. You can achieve this by maintaining the bearing’s lubrication and ensuring that the oil viscosity is correct for the environment in which you use it. If you’re involved in the lubrication management of your facility and equipment, then you likely already know the importance of viscosity to lubrication.
There is a lot of confusion about the difference between viscosity and viscosity index. Some people use these terms interchangeably, and it is often unclear which rating you’re looking at when choosing a lubricant. But, considering lubricant viscosity is its most important attribute, it is critical to understand the difference between these two versions of viscosity.
In very simple terms, viscosity is the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. Fluids with high viscosities flow more slowly than those with low viscosities. The thickness or ‘viscous’ quality of a fluid is determined by its internal resistance to shearing forces. In other words, it reflects the friction that exists between the molecules within the fluid. When it comes to lubrication, understanding and controlling this condition is critical for maintaining optimum performance and extending component life. What Does it Mean for Lubricants? In choosing lubricants, this is an important factor. To understand it better, think of honey and water. Honey has a higher viscosity and is more resistant to flow. Alternatively, water has a lower rating and flows
Lubricants are an important part of any machinery, and there are a variety of different types on the market. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a lubricant is viscosity: how thick or thin the liquid is. Additionally, monitoring changes in viscosity helps you track lubricant condition and identify potential equipment issues before breakdown.
