Marine lubricants are the most important type of oil for marine engines. They are specially designed for these engines and provide optimum performance during operations. They can improve machine performance and reliability. Additionally, they reduce cold corrosion. There are different types of marine lubricants available in the market: vegetable-based, mineral-based, and synthetic. Some of them are environmentally friendly. Read on to learn more about the most common marine lubricants.
They can resist high temperature:
The first and most important property of marine lubricants is their ability to resist high temperatures. These oils must be low-volatile, as high-volatility lubricants can be hazardous aboard ships. The second most important property is the load-carrying capacity. If the marine liquors are too thin, they may rupture the seals and cause damage.
They have low volatility:
A marine lubricant needs to have low volatility, making them more resistant to oxidation. In addition to low volatility, marine lubricants should have high flash points to prevent a crankcase explosion. Marine lubricants should have good stickability and thermal conductivity, not high viscosity and low oxidation rate.
They have a high level of thermal stability:
Another great feature of marine oil is its high level of thermal stability. As all petroleum-based fluids are combustible, the choice of lubricants depends on the fuel’s sulfur content. Generally, the higher the sulfur content, the higher the flammability. Despite this, sulfur-free marine lubricants are considered safe for use onboard, as they are made with additives that counteract this problem.
They have low flammability:
Generally, the oil used in marine engines must have high volatility, as high volatility can be dangerous in maritime applications. Thus, lubricants must have low volatility to avoid the risk of sludge and deposits. They should also have low demulsification numbers, which help separate water and oil. They have a low flammability index to avoid fire. This is another key characteristic of marine lubricants.
Base numbers:
The base number of marine lubricants is an important characteristic. A higher base number means a lower acid level, while a lower one means a lower acid content. This is vital for the longevity of marine lubricants, as higher base numbers mean more protection against corrosion and oxidation. It is also important to note that a high base number makes the lube oil thermally stable.
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