Industrial Lubricants Explained – Complete Guide for Manufacturing & Industry
Industrial machinery operates under high loads, temperatures, and continuous duty cycles. The correct selection of industrial lubricants is critical to equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and plant uptime. This comprehensive guide by Petropec Lubricants answers the most common and high-search questions related to industrial oils and greases in a factual, practical, and easy-to-understand manner.
1. What Are Industrial Lubricants?
Industrial lubricants are specially formulated oils and greases used to:
- Reduce friction and wear in industrial equipment
- Dissipate heat generated during operation
- Protect metal surfaces from corrosion and oxidation
- Prevent contamination-related damage
- Improve energy efficiency and extend equipment life
They are used across industries such as manufacturing, steel, cement, power generation, textiles, food processing, mining, and marine operations.
2. Why Is Proper Lubrication Critical in Industry?
Incorrect lubrication is one of the leading causes of equipment failure. Proper industrial lubrication:
- Reduces unplanned downtime
- Lowers maintenance and replacement costs
- Extends oil drain intervals
- Protects gears, bearings, and hydraulic systems
- Enhances operational safety and productivity
Well-lubricated machinery operates smoother, quieter, and with greater efficiency.
3. Common Types of Industrial Lubricants
a) Hydraulic Oils
Hydraulic oils transmit power while lubricating system components.
Key Functions:
- Power transmission
- Wear protection for pumps and valves
- Rust and oxidation prevention
Common Grades: ISO VG 32, 46, 68
Standards: ISO 11158 (HM, HV), DIN 51524 Part 2 & 3
Applications include hydraulic presses, injection molding machines, and mobile hydraulics.
b) Industrial Gear Oils
Designed for enclosed gears operating under heavy loads.
Key Properties:
- High load-carrying and extreme pressure (EP) performance
- Excellent micropitting and scuffing protection
- Thermal and oxidation stability
Common Grades: ISO VG 150, 220, 320, 460
Standards: DIN 51517 Part 3 (CLP), AGMA
Used in gearboxes, reducers, rolling mills, and conveyors.
c) Compressor Oils
Compressor oils lubricate and cool air or gas compressors.
Key Characteristics:
- Low carbon formation
- High oxidation resistance
- Good air release and low volatility
Types:
- Reciprocating compressor oils
- Rotary screw and vane compressor oils
Standards: ISO 6743-3 (DAA, DAG, DAB)
d) Turbine Oils
Used in steam, gas, and water turbines.
Key Requirements:
- Outstanding oxidation stability
- Excellent demulsibility
- Rust and foam control
Common Grades: ISO VG 32, 46
Standards: DIN 51515, ASTM D4304
Critical for power plants and cogeneration systems.
e) Heat Transfer Oils
Heat transfer oils efficiently transfer heat in closed systems.
Key Features:
- High thermal stability
- Low vapor pressure
- Resistance to cracking and sludge formation
Used in reactors, heaters, asphalt plants, and chemical processing units.
f) Transformer Oils
Transformer oils provide insulation and cooling.
Key Properties:
- High dielectric strength
- Excellent oxidation stability
- Low moisture content
Standards: IEC 60296, ASTM D3487
Used in transformers, switchgear, and electrical equipment.
g) Industrial Greases
Greases are semi-solid lubricants used where oil lubrication is impractical.
Types:
- Lithium and lithium complex greases
- Calcium sulfonate greases
- Polyurea greases
Used in bearings, motors, fans, and heavy-duty applications.
4. Understanding ISO Viscosity Grades (ISO VG)
ISO VG grades define lubricant viscosity at 40°C.
Examples:
- ISO VG 32 – Light-duty, high-speed systems
- ISO VG 46 – Standard hydraulic systems
- ISO VG 68 – High-load, high-temperature systems
Correct viscosity selection ensures proper film thickness and energy efficiency.
5. What Happens If the Wrong Industrial Oil Is Used?
Using incorrect lubricant can result in:
- Excessive wear and overheating
- Reduced equipment efficiency
- Seal compatibility issues
- Oil oxidation and sludge formation
- Premature equipment failure
Always follow OEM recommendations and applicable standards.
6. Mineral vs Synthetic Industrial Lubricants
Mineral Industrial Oils
- Cost-effective
- Suitable for standard operating conditions
- Shorter drain intervals
Synthetic Industrial Oils
- Superior oxidation and thermal stability
- Longer oil life
- Better performance at extreme temperatures
Synthetic lubricants often reduce total cost of ownership despite higher initial cost.
7. Oil Condition Monitoring and Maintenance
Effective lubrication management includes:
- Regular oil analysis
- Monitoring viscosity, TAN, water, and contamination
- Scheduled oil changes
- Proper storage and handling
Predictive maintenance through oil analysis prevents costly failures.
8. Key International Standards Explained
- ISO – Viscosity and lubricant classification
- DIN – German industrial performance standards
- ASTM – Test methods and quality benchmarks
- AGMA – Gear oil performance standards
- IEC – Electrical insulating oils
Compliance ensures reliability and global acceptance.
9. Why Choose Petropec Industrial Lubricants?
Petropec industrial lubricants are formulated with:
- High-quality base oils
- Advanced additive systems
- Proven performance under severe industrial conditions
- Compliance with major international standards
Our portfolio includes hydraulic oils, gear oils, compressor oils, turbine oils, heat transfer oils, transformer oils, and industrial greases.
Renowned Global Industrial Lubricant Manufacturers & Their Product Ranges
The industrial lubricants market is led by several globally recognized manufacturers, each offering specialized products across key lubrication categories such as hydraulic systems, gearboxes, compressors, turbines, transformers, and industrial greases. The table below provides a clear overview of major brands and their well-known product lines.
| Company | Hydraulic Oils | Industrial Gear Oils | Compressor Oils | Turbine Oils | Transformer Oils | Greases & Others |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell | Shell Tellus S2 / S3 / S4 | Shell Omala S2 / S4 | Shell Corena | Shell Turbo | Shell Diala | Shell Gadus greases, slideway & circulating oils |
| ExxonMobil (Mobil) | Mobil DTE 20 Series | Mobilgear 600 / SHC | Mobil Rarus | Mobil DTE Oil / SHC Turbo | Mobil Univolt | Mobilgrease, Mobil SHC synthetics |
| Castrol (BP Group) | Castrol Hyspin | Castrol Alpha / Alphasyn | Castrol Aircol | Castrol Perfecto | Castrol Insulating Oil | Castrol Spheerol greases, chain oils |
| TotalEnergies | Total Azolla ZS | Total Carter / Carter EP | Total Dacnis | Total Preslia | Total Isovoltine | Multis greases, heat transfer oils |
| Fuchs | Renolin Series | Renolin CLP / CLP HC | Renolin Compressor Oils | Renolin Turbine Oils | Fuchs Transformer Oils | Renolit greases, specialty industrial oils |
| Petronas | Petronas Hydraulic Oils | Petronas Gear Oils | Petronas Compressor Oils | Petronas Turbine Oils | Petronas Transformer Oils | Industrial greases & specialty fluids |
| Sinopec | Sinopec Hydraulic Oil | Sinopec Industrial Gear Oil | Sinopec Compressor Oil | Sinopec Turbine Oil | Sinopec Transformer Oil | Industrial greases, heat transfer oils |
| PetroChina (KunLun) | KunLun Hydraulic Oils | KunLun Gear Oils | KunLun Compressor Oils | KunLun Turbine Oils | KunLun Transformer Oils | Greases & industrial specialties |
| Chevron | Chevron Rando HD | Chevron Meropa | Chevron Cetus | Chevron GST | Chevron Insulating Oil | Delo greases, industrial oils |
| Schaeffer | Schaeffer Hydraulic Oils | Schaeffer Gear Oils | Schaeffer Compressor Oils | Turbine Oils | Electrical Oils | Specialty greases & synthetics |
| Royal Purple | Royal Purple Hydraulic Oils | Royal Purple Gear Oils | Compressor Oils | Turbine Oils | – | High-performance synthetic industrial oils |
Industrial lubricants are a strategic asset, not just a consumable. Correct selection, proper maintenance, and high-quality formulations directly impact productivity, safety, and profitability. Petropec Lubricants delivers reliable lubrication solutions designed for real-world industrial challenges
For technical support or product selection guidance, contact Petropec Lubricants.