Oil Base Numbers

The base number describes the alkalinity of the engine oil. This number is associated with the reserve alkalinity of the oil and the detergent additives that counteract the acids produced by spent fuel and acids formed when the hydrocarbon structure of the lubricant breaks down. The detergent additives also clears up deposits that have built up inside the engine.

A common detergent additive present in many engine oils is calcium sulfonate which leaves a residue when burned. The residue is largely not problematic as it can be removed in the next oil change. It can become a problem when oil changes are frequently ignored or the period between oil drains are overextended.

Every engine oil starts with an initial base number. This base number is proportional to the amount of detergent additives contained in the oil. The higher the initial base number, the more detergent additives are present in the oil.

Just like any lubricating oil, engine oil deteriorates with time. The deterioration results in the production of acids which causes the base number to drop. The drop in base number becomes a threat when it drops to around fifty percent of the initial value. It is at this point that an oil change must be performed. If the oil change is delayed, the oil can start to become more acidic and can cause corrosion of engine components.

Bearings and Lubrication Failure

Bearings are precision machine components that are found in different kinds of applications. These machine components are usually very reliable even under the toughest operating conditions. Bearings have a substantial service life under normal operating conditions. The service life of the bearings are usually based on a period of time or number of rotations. Bearing failures of machines can greatly affect operations. The downtime and repairs can result to a lot of lost money. The cause of a bearing failure must be correctly identified. This is important to prevent future failures which can further increase the operation expense and negatively affecting productivity.

A premature bearing failure is usually caused by an issue that could have been avoided. The cause of failure can be determined by performing a visual examination of the bearing construction. Once the cause of failure has been identified, a solution can be enacted that will prevent the same problem from happening in the future.

Bearings rely on a lubricant to function properly. An industrial grease is used cover the rolling and sliding contact surfaces to prevent direct metal-to-metal contact. This facilitates smoother movement, prevents wear damage, and excessive heat generation.

One of the leading causes of bearing failures has to do with lubrication. A bearing failure can happen due to using the wrong kinds of lubricant, under greasing and over greasing, and contamination of grease by water or other kinds of lubricant.

The grease must have the viscosity suitable for the speed and the load that the bearing is exposed to. Industrial grease must be properly stored to prevent contamination. Lube technicians must be properly trained and able to perform calculations that will help them determine the exact amount of grease that is applied on the bearings.