Oils Guide

What are oils?

Oils are a type of fluid, designed primarily to reduce friction, absorb heat and ensure the easy movement of parts within a mechanism. Some common types include gear oils, compressor oils, and hydraulic oils, all of which are crucial in various systems and machines.

Oils are usually comprised of a combination of liquids, including mineral oil, silicone, and glycol. Oils are also often engineered with specific additives tailored to their respective applications and intended purpose.

What are oils used for?

Overall, hydraulic, gear and compressor oils play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency, performance, and longevity of machinery and equipment across various industries.

Oils serve numerous purposes across various machinery and equipment, including:

  • Power Transmission: Hydraulic, gear and compressor oils are often used to transmit power within machinery and equipment. They help machinery by facilitating the movement of pistons, cylinders, and other components. Hydraulic oils in particular do this by transferring force through the system.
  • Lubrication: Some oils are also used to lubricate machine components. A well lubricated component reduces friction and wear between moving parts. It also helps to prolong the lifespan of machinery and ensures smooth operation.
  • Sealing: Hydraulic, gear and compressor oils assist in sealing some systems by providing a barrier against leaks and preventing the ingress of contaminants. This helps to maintain the integrity of the system and prevents potential damage.
  • Cooling: In addition to their primary functions, many oils also aid in dissipating heat generated during operation. They do this by absorbing and carrying away heat from components. This in turn contributes to the overall cooling of the equipment and works to prevent overheating.

Types of Oils

Considerations when choosing Oils

When choosing a type of Oil, there are several important factors to consider before purchasing. By careful taking into account these factors, you can be assured that the type of oil you chosse will be suited for your requirements.

  • Additives: Evaluate the additives included in the oil, as they are tailored to enhance specific properties for various applications. For instance, thermal stability additives enable oils to withstand particular operating temperatures without compromising performance or integrity. Consider what additives may be desirable or necessary for your intendded application.
  • Base Oil: Consider the base oil used in the formulation. Synthetic oils are known for their lower CO2 emissions and energy-efficient properties, making them an environmentally friendly choice. Alternatively, mineral-based oils provide a practical option but may not offer the same energy efficiency.
  • Viscosity: Select the appropriate viscosity grade based on the operating temperatures of your machinery. Optimal viscosity ensures optimal lubrication and performance, preventing issues such as overheating or excessive wear. You can find out more about the ISO 3448:1992 standard here.
  • Application: Take into account the packaging options available for the oil. Oils are supplied in various forms, including bottles, aerosol sprays, and canisters. Choose the packaging that best suits your application method and dispensing requirements for convenience and efficiency.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select an oil that suits your needs.

Top Oil Brands

Fuchs
New Tech Lubes
Castrol
Solent Lubricants

Top Oils

Oils FAQs

How does hydraulic oil work?

The non-compressible properties of hydraulic oil are used to drive the oil through hydraulic machinery using a pump or piston. The pressure build-up created by the oil facilitates movement at the end of the machinery.

What does VG stand for in hydraulic oil?

This is the International Organization for Standardization's viscosity grade and defines each category of graded oil according to its viscosity (how easy the oil is to pour at specified temperatures).

How do compressor oils work?

Compressor oil functions by lubricating the moving parts within compressors, such as pistons and bearings. This in turn minimises friction and prevents wear to crucial components within a compressor. As well as acting as a friction reducer, it works to absorbs and dissipate heat that is naturally a byproduct generated during compression. This works to cool the compressor and helps regulate the temperature of the machine, to prevent overheating and maintain efficiency.

Gear oils and hydraulic oils also offer similar functions, working to reduce friction and dissipate heat in various types of systems.
What does quality standard ISO 4263-1:2003 mean?

This standard outlines the test guidance on petrol and other related products to ensure the ageing behaviour of these fluids performs according to European standards. Ageing behaviour in this instance covers the corrosive resistance of mineral oils used in hydraulic and turbine systems and as circulating oils.

Let's break it down...

  • ISO: The International Organization for Standardization is the international regulatory body that ensure that products adhere to international quality and safety standards.
  • 4263: This is the legislation number for this document.
  • 1: This is the part of the document relative to mineral oils.
  • 2003: This is the year that this legislation was published. It was reviewed and confirmed in 2020 and remains current.

Oils Useful Resources

To ensure you have all the necessary information regarding oil management, guidelines and oil selection, we've gathered a selection of resource, to help you on your journey to selecting the most effective oil product for your needs.

Shop Related Categories