With many different types of industrial lubricants and oils on offer, it can be a minefield knowing which product to use for which application. As a UK leading supplier and custom blender, we’ve put together some of the common questions we’re asked here at Beesley Fuels.
Table of Contents:
Lubricating oil, also known as a lubricant or lube, is used to reduce the friction, heat and wear between mechanical components that are in contact with each other.
It refers to an extensive range of products that are characterised by a large number of base chemicals and additives. They can be either synthetic or mineral-based. Mineral oils are refined from naturally occurring crude oil, whereas synthetic oils are manufactured.
Generally, lubricants:
Lubricants cushion and smooth the bumps between two surfaces as they glide past each other. When two solids rub together without a lubricant, they make noise, lose energy to friction and eventually wear out.
Lubricants can easily change shape and flow, ideally in perfect layers, known as laminar flow. The layer of lubricant near the top surface moves towards the left while the bottom layer moves towards the right. The layers then slide freely past each other, helping to reduce friction.
Lubricants reduce the heat generated between two surfaces when in motion. It smooths the process by forming a film that reduces friction and therefore improved performance and efficiency.
While grease and oil are similar and can be interchangeable, they have their own specific uses and, in some instances, one is more suitable than the other.
The application used determines what type of lubricant is required. Sealed applications such as gearboxes typically use oil or soft grease, whereas applications that are exposed to the environment or are unable to provide an oil reservoir usually require grease.
Lubricating oils
Lubricating greases
Lubricating oils uses:
Lubricating grease uses:
Knowing which oil is right for your business can be tricky. Using the wrong blend can damage machinery and potentially void warranties. Our technicians remove the burden of finding the right product, allowing you to protect your investment and focus on other areas of your business.
The correct handling and storing of lubricants is critical to product functionality and staff safety.
Generally, lubricants must be stored:
At Beesley Fuels, we supply a wide range of storage barrels, tanks and ancillary products to aid the safe storage and handling of lubricants, oils and greases.
Lubricants are always optimised to meet the requirements of classifications. However, there are many ways to formulate a specific type of lubricant. You can mix two products that have the same properties; however, end performance cannot be guaranteed, and the quality of the blend may be reduced.
Mixing lubricants with different viscosity levels is not advised, and you should only do so if necessary, such as refilling when oil levels are low.
Only mix lubricants following advice from a specialist and ensure you use the same quality oils from the same manufacturer.
A good quality oil provides several benefits, such as:
Synthetic and semi-synthetic oils are made from non-conventional bases using sophisticated chemical processes to provide special properties.
There are many benefits of using synthetic oils over regular oil, including:
Many oil users are not aware that used motor oil can be recycled. To ensure it can be reused, it must be kept in a clean, leakproof container such as a plastic jug or bottle. The cap must be tightly sealed and it must be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
Please note, used oil cannot be recycled if it’s mixed with other liquid fuels such as antifreeze or brake fluid.
We collect used oil, so simply give us a call on 0330 123 1144 and we can arrange collection. You must never put oil in the bin as it can contaminate the environment and result in fines or penalties.
Engine oil’s properties are best if used within two years. Any longer, it’s recommended to replace the oil.
Engine oil has an expiry date; after this period its performance levels can no longer be guaranteed, therefore it’s important to get it changed regularly to ensure it performs at its best.
High heat and stress can eventually oxidise the oil, thickening it and losing its ability to move around the engine. In addition, the contaminant-bearing element of the oil will become less effective as it picks up engine debris.
Oil is the essence of your vehicle. If you use the wrong product, it puts your engine at risk from increased wear and tear, corrosion and blockages that can cause engines to break.
Using lubricants from Beesley Fuels ensures that you can carry on running your vehicle with complete peace of mind.
Increasing the time between oil changes will cause it to degrade faster, causing a loss in cleanliness and reducing the protection of engines. As the engine ages faster, it starts to consume more fuel, therefore changing the oil when recommended will reduce fuel consumption.
Quality lubricants can lead to significantly reduced every savings and an improved bottom line. Modern blends extend drain levels and reduce the cost and risk of premature lubricant failure. Using a long-life lubricant can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 50%.
Finding a lubricant partner that can help develop a comprehensive lubrication reliability programme including lubricant selection, protection and maintenance can create considerable savings.
Engine oil is found in an internal combustion engine. It helps key components move and protects them from corrosion, keeps them cool when in use.
It’s made up of two components – additives and base stock.
The additives control the consistency of the liquid and protect the engine from wear.
The base stock usually consists of around 95% of the solution from petroleum, synthetic chemicals, or a combination of the two. The base stock is responsible for lubricating the engine’s moving parts and removing excessive heat.
Engines contain many moving parts which have the potential to rub against each other creating friction. When the engine oil is put into an engine, it travels around certain parts that require frequent lubrication, such as the engine oil pump, oil filter, pickup tube and pressure relief valve.
As well as keeping engine parts moving, the oil also coats moving parts within the engine so that when they come into contact with other parts, they glide rather than cause excessive friction.
It also cleans any dust and debris build-up in working parts.
Oil should be changed at least once a year. However, the time interval between oil may be modified depending on the quality of the lubricant, the engine characteristics and the vehicle use conditions. The vehicle or equipment manufacturer will determine the frequency.
Viscosity is the most important physical property of a lubricant as it’s the measure of the internal friction of a fluid. It can vary with temperature, pressure and in some instances, with the rate at which it’s sheared. A lubricant’s viscosity is associated with its ability to reduce friction in a solid body contact.
Thin oils have a lower viscosity and pour more easily at low temperatures than thicker oils.
With national coverage, we supply lubricants to all corners of the UK in a wide range of quantities, including metalworking oils, hydraulic oils, greases, compressor oils and industrial gear oils.
At Beesley Fuels, we have over 5000 options to choose from for your lubricants, greases and oils. From globally-recognised branded lubricants to custom-blended oils tailored to your individual needs.
Our range of lubricants include:
Our biodegradable lubricant products that include:
We offer a wide range of standard packaging options, including oil containers and easy to handle packaging to ensure safe handling and storage.
Whether you need an IBC, 205-litre barrel, 25-litre tub or a smaller quantity, we can deliver whatever lubricant you need in whatever quantity.
Yes, we will likely have a functional similar lubricant and in many instances, a superior lubricant may be available. We also custom blend oils to suit your exact requirements, allowing us to create a product that best serves your needs.
To learn more about our wide range of lubricants and oils or to request a quote, call us today on 0330 123 1144. You can simplify your businesses lubricant management with ease by reading our latest guide.
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