Advances in Industrial Lubrication Technology

This paper outlines the importance of significant trends in industrial lubricants. They
include the shift to higher quality base stocks, changes in OEM approvals, a shift
toward environmentally friendly oils, advances in oil analysis, and ever-increasing
demands on lubricant performance.

We have seen significant shifts in the industrial lubrication field during the span of each of our 30-year careers.
From the fluid composition itself to technological and environmental advancements, it is known that the industry
is changing in many ways, for the better of our environment and our customers. The changes can be seen both
locally and globally.

Fluid composition
One major change we’ve seen since we started in this business is the shift away from the use of solvent-refined
Group I base stocks toward the use of hydrotreated/hydroprocessed Group II and Group III base stocks. These
higher quality base stocks, combined with proper additive treatment, provide significant performance benefits
compared with the older solvent-refined base stocks, such as improved oxidative stability and better low-
temperature properties.

More rigorous OEM approvals for industrial lubricants

Another change is in the manner in which OEM approvals for lubricants are obtained and managed. In the
past, additive manufacturers used to obtain their own approvals from the various equipment manufacturers.
Additive-based approvals are now more difficult to get. Equipment manufacturers now are looking at the
finished lubricant formulation, including base oil composition, rather than just the additive package. In addition,
many OEMs now require formal testing and approval for industrial lubricants, rather than allowing lubricant
manufacturers to “self-certify” their lubricants. Formal approvals have been common in the automotive industry
for some time, but now they are becoming more prevalent in the industrial arena. Finally, we are now seeing
more and more global specifications for lubricants rather than country-specific specifications, due to a gradual
shift to global manufacturing.

Environmental impact
A positive change that we are seeing in the lubricants industry, and one that Phillips 66 has remained at the
forefront of, is the manufacture and marketing of more environmentally friendly lubricants. There is a much
greater appreciation and understanding of the benefits and economic value of selling lubricants that have
less adverse impact on the environment around us, such as ashless hydraulic oils, lubricants formulated with
re-refined base stocks, and readily biodegradable fluids. Environmentally friendly lubricants simply weren’t as
common decades ago.
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Understanding Differences in Elemental Analysis Methods

Advanced, streamlined oil analysis

Two other developments that also are tied directly tied to environmental responsibility are the use of oil analysis to
help extend oil service intervals, and the development of higher quality, long-life lubricants. Rather than dispose
of lubricants simply based on hours of use, oil analysis can help determine whether the lubricant is suitable for
continued use. Long-life lubricants allow extended service intervals compared to conventional lubricants, and
help reduce oil consumption and disposal costs.
Oil analysis is an area where technology has drastically improved. In the past, customers had to wait for the oil
analysis report to come by mail. Now, they can get an email or text from the oil analysis laboratory as soon as
the testing is complete. Advances in equipment technology also provide more timely information to the customer.
Portable oil analyzers can be used on-site to monitor oil condition and help determine remaining oil life, as well as
look for contamination or signs of potential equipment problems.

The advent of automatic lubricators

In recent years, there has been a reduction in maintenance personnel at many facilities due to the advent of
lean manufacturing. Many manufacturing facilities used to have an on-site lubrication engineer to monitor the
equipment and provide technical service. This is not as common today. Therefore, many facilities are relying on
the use of automatic lubricators to service their equipment, and depend on the lubricant manufacturer or supplier
to provide training on their use and maintenance.
Another technological advance in the lubricants industry is the use of computerized blending programs to improve
production throughput and better serve customer needs for specialized products.

Higher demands on lubricant performance

Today there is a definite trend towards the use of higher quality lubricants with longer service life. Lubricants are
no longer disposable items. Equipment manufacturers are specifying higher quality lubricants to protect their
equipment, and customers are looking to reduce maintenance costs and downtime. There is a greater demand
for extended service life and even “fill-for-life” lubricants.
In summary, the industrial lubricants industry is seeing the combined effects of globalization, technological
advances, demands for increased lubricant quality and the advent of lean manufacturing. As a lubricant supplier,
one must adapt to these trends to remain successful in this industry.

Barry Mandelbaum
Lubrication Engineer
Phillips 66 Lubricants

Greg Hutchison
Senior Scientist, Specialty Products Group
Phillips 66 Lubricants

For more information:

Email: phillips66lubricants@p66.com
Technical Hotline: 1.877.445.9198

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