Machinery Lubrication May June 2014 May June 2014

COVER STORY LUBRICANT SPECIFICATION PRODUCT: EXTREME PRESSURE LUBE OIL Test No. Description MAINTENANCE CODE NUMBER: MC - 43, 51, 87, 21, 93, 71 & 31 Test Limits Comments D-2270 Viscosity Index Minimum=85 D-445 Viscosity See Figure 3 D-92 Flash and Fire Points D-97 Pour Point See Figure 3 D-189 Conradson Carbon Should contain no more than 2.5% residue D-130 Copper Corrosion No worse than Class1-b D-874 Sulphated Ash Matter of record D-892 Foam Characteristics 3 hours at 212°F Less than a trace after 10 minutes D-665 Rust Prevention No rust after 24 hours D-2711 Demulsibility See Figure 3 D-1298 API Gravity Matter of record D-1500 Color Matter of record D-3604 Elastomer Compatibility Weight change +2% -1%; Volume change +5% -2% D-4172 4-Ball Wear Limit is 0.35 mm with 40 kg load ISO 4606 ISO Cleanliness Cleaner than 21/18 on delivery D-2893 Oxidation Test Viscosity increase less than 5% D-664 Neutralization Number Not to exceed 1.0 D-2782 Timken Test Pass 60-pound load D-2783 4-Ball EP Weld=250 kg; LWI=45 kg FZG Gear Tooth Wear Procedure A 9 stages; wear less than 10 mg 312 Hours (13 days) at 100°C Figure 2. A typical performance specification for a gear oil from thinking in terms of brand names. 2. To simplify computer systems that record the lubricants to be used in a given piece of equipment. If a change must be made, a new brand name is brought in under the existing code and no change in the computer is required. 3. Survey sheets and routing lists used by the lubrication technician would require constant updating if brand names were used. MC numbers eliminate this problem. 4. Tanks permanently installed in the plant may have the MC number stenciled on them if there is little chance a change will be required. Vendor Relationships One of the main reasons for the specification system is to prevent “cozy” relationships between vendors and plant personnel. When this situation occurs, prices tend to rise whether quality rises or not. Conflicts then occur between plant personnel and the purchasing department, as the latter attempts to stabilize prices. Using the specification system allows an “arm’s length” relationship. Looking primarily at the test results promotes objectivity. Of course, quality consistency, dependable deliveries and knowledgeable service are considered as well. No one likes vendors who provide inconsistent quality, unreliable deliveries or spotty service. Adjusting Specifications The performance specification should be considered a “living” document. It must be periodically adjusted to reflect new knowledge. Once written, the specification may become outdated by new developments in the field. New tests may be devised that assess a parameter better than previous versions. The consensus of opinion among industry experts might also change regarding which parameters are important or which test provides the best measurement. Therefore, vendors are encouraged to offer suggestions on ways to improve the specification ̸)Q

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