The Crucial Role of Proper Lubrication in Special Industries
The lubrication process is commonly understood to enhance performance,…
How Oil Additives Get Depleted ?
It is very important to understand that most of these additives get consumed and depleted by:
- “decomposition” or breakdown,
- “adsorption” onto metal, particle and water surfaces, and
- “separation” due to settling or filtration.
The adsorption and separation mechanisms involve mass transfer or physical movement of the additive.
For many additives, the longer the oil remains in service, the less effective the remaining additive package is in protecting the equipment.
When the additive package weakens, viscosity increases, sludge begins to form, corrosive acids start to attack bearings and metal surfaces, and/or wear begins to increase. If oils of low quality are used, the point at which these problems begin will occur much sooner.
It is for these reasons that top-quality lubricants meeting the correct industry specifications (e.g., API engine service classifications) should always be selected. The following table can be used as a guide for a more thorough understanding of additive types and their functions in engine oil formulations.
