A selection of Frequently Asked Questions relating to product bought through The Lubrication Store. If you cannot find answers to your questions below, please get in touch.
> How do I choose which brand of lubricant to use?
> How do I know which lubricant is right for my requirements?
> Are your products genuine branded products?
> Which brands do you sell at The Lubrication Store?
> Do you sell your own range or products?
> What does Kinematic Viscosity mean?
> What does Base Oil mean on your product descriptions?
> How do I place an order on the website?
How do I choose which brand of lubricant to use?
Choosing the right brand of lubricant involves considering several factors to ensure optimal performance and longevity for your machinery or equipment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
- Consult Equipment Manuals: Check the manufacturer’s recommendations in the equipment manual. It often specifies the type and viscosity grade of lubricating oil suitable for your machinery.
- Consider Operating Conditions: Evaluate the operating conditions of your equipment, including temperature, load, speed, and environment. Some lubricating oils are formulated to perform better under specific conditions, such as extreme temperatures or high loads.
- Quality and Certification: Look for reputable brands that adhere to industry standards and certifications, such as API (American Petroleum Institute), ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association), or OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) approvals. These certifications ensure that the lubricating oil meets certain quality and performance standards.
- Viscosity Grade: Choose the appropriate viscosity grade based on the operating temperature range of your equipment. Viscosity determines the oil’s resistance to flow and is crucial for proper lubrication under varying conditions.
- Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with seals, gaskets, and materials used in your equipment. Using incompatible lubricants can cause damage and lead to malfunction.
- Performance Additives: Consider lubricants with additives tailored to specific applications, such as anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, antioxidants, and corrosion inhibitors. These additives can enhance the performance and longevity of the lubricating oil.
- Cost and Value: While cost is a factor, prioritise value over price alone. High-quality lubricants may have a higher upfront cost but can offer better protection and longer service life, potentially reducing maintenance and downtime costs in the long run.
- Customer Reviews and Recommendations: Research customer reviews and seek recommendations from industry experts or colleagues who have experience with similar equipment. Their insights can provide valuable information about the performance and reliability of different lubricating oil brands.
- Supplier Support: Speak to us for technical support and after-sales service. We are here to offer assistance with product selection, application advice, and troubleshooting if needed.
- Environmental Impact: Lastly but very importantly, consider the environmental impact of the lubricating oil, such as biodegradability and eco-friendliness. Choosing environmentally responsible lubricants can help minimise pollution and comply with regulations.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing the right brand of lubricating oil for your equipment. It’s essential to prioritise quality, compatibility, and performance to ensure optimal lubrication and prolong the lifespan of your machinery.
How do I know which lubricant is right for my requirements?
Selecting the right lubricant depends on several factors such as the type of machinery or equipment you’re using, operating conditions, temperature, load, speed, and environmental conditions. To determine the right lubricant for your requirements, you should consider the following steps:
- Identify Your Equipment: Understand the specific machinery or equipment you intend to lubricate. Different types of machinery may have different lubrication needs.
- Consult Equipment Manuals: Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubrication. Often, equipment manuals provide guidance on the type of lubricant to use for best performance.
- Consider Operating Conditions: Assess the operating conditions your equipment will be subjected to, including temperature variations, pressure, and environmental factors. Certain lubricants are formulated to perform better under specific conditions.
- Understand Lubricant Properties: Familiarise yourself with the properties of various lubricants such as viscosity, additives, and base oil types. These properties determine the lubricant’s performance and suitability for different applications.
- Seek Expert Advice: If you’re unsure about which lubricant to choose, consult with one of our experts who can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific needs and operating conditions.
- Trial and Monitoring: Sometimes, the best way to determine the right lubricant is through trial and monitoring. Start with a recommended lubricant and observe its performance over time. Adjustments can be made based on the observed results.
- Regular Maintenance: Regardless of the lubricant chosen, ensure regular maintenance checks to monitor its effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary.
By considering these factors and seeking expert advice when needed, you can identify the most suitable lubricant for your requirements, ensuring optimal performance and maximising the life of your equipment.
Are your products genuine branded products?
We take great pride in the brands we represent and the products we sell and we maintain strict adherence to quality standards and the integrity of our supply chain. We only work with reputable brands and those that offer verification options such as batch numbers and Certificates of Analysis which can be used to authenticate the products.
Technical and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for all products we sell.
Which brands do you sell at The Lubrication Store?
We sell a large range of brands that ensures we can provide lubricants for virtually every application as well as offering lubrication related equipment. Brands we sell include Pure, Quaker Houghton, Mobil, Shell, Castrol, Exol, Eastman, Millers Oils. Fuchs, Petro-Canada, Petronas, BP, Texaco, Total, OilSafe, Viper and New Pig.
Do you sell your own range or products?
We sell a large range of brands that ensures we can provide lubricants for virtually every application. Our Pure branded oils provide an excellent choice for high quality lubricants that cover a wide range of applications from engines and hydraulics to industrial gears.
What does Kinematic Viscosity mean?
Kinematic viscosity is a crucial property used to characterise the flow behaviour of a fluid, particularly lubricants. It defines the fluid’s resistance to flow under the influence of gravity, without considering its density. In simpler terms, it measures how “thick” or “thin” a fluid is when it flows.
Here’s a breakdown of what that actually means:
- Definition: Kinematic viscosity (symbol: ν) is defined as the ratio of dynamic viscosity (μ) to density (ρ) of the fluid. Mathematically, it can be expressed as ν = μ / ρ.
- Units: Kinematic viscosity is typically measured in square centimetres per second (cm²/s) in the metric system, or in stokes (St) in the CGS system. Another common unit is centistokes (cSt), which is equal to one hundredth of a stoke.
- Importance: Kinematic viscosity is crucial in determining how effectively a lubricant can form a protective film between moving surfaces. Higher viscosity fluids offer better lubrication and load-carrying capacity but may result in increased friction and energy loss. Conversely, lower viscosity fluids reduce friction but might compromise film strength and protection.
- Temperature Dependence: Kinematic viscosity is highly temperature-dependent. As temperature increases, viscosity typically decreases, causing fluids to become thinner and flow more easily. Conversely, lower temperatures lead to higher viscosity, resulting in thicker, more sluggish flow.
In summary, kinematic viscosity provides insights into a fluid’s flow characteristics, influencing its suitability for various applications, including lubrication, hydraulic systems, and fluid dynamics. Understanding this property helps in selecting the right lubricant for specific operating conditions and ensuring optimal performance of machinery and equipment.
What does Base Oil mean on your product descriptions?
Base oils are the primary ingredient in the formulation of lubricants and greases, typically comprising 70-99% of the final product. These oils are derived from refining crude oil (mineral base oils) or through chemical synthesis (synthetic base oils). The type and quality of the base oil used directly influence the properties of the lubricant or grease, such as viscosity, oxidation stability, and thermal resistance.
How do I place an order on your site?
When you visit any product on our site you’ll see an option to Register. Submitting this quick registration form will give you access to our quotation system, where you can simply let us know what products and quantities you are looking for. One of our experts will contact you to discuss.
Alternatively you can find direct contact information here.