Q&A Articles
Q: How Does A Lubricant Reduce Friction And Wear Between Moving Solid Surfaces?
A: Before answering this question, let’s look at how friction and wear occur between moving machine parts. Solid surfaces that appear smooth and polished to the naked eye are...
Q: Is It Possible To Prevent The Oxidation Of A Lubricant?
A: Oxidation, the chemical reaction between a lubricant and oxygen, cannot be avoided, but you can slow its progression. Since heat is a major catalyst that tends to hasten...
Q: Can I Privately Label The Products That I Purchase From Isel?
A: Yes. Isel offers complimentary private-labeling and graphic-design services, so you may feature your own brand on product labels, product data sheets, safety data sheets, shipping labels, shipping documents,...
Q: Is NLGI Grade Essentially The Same As Viscosity?
A: No. NLGI grade (named for the National Lubricating Grease Institute that developed the grading system), is primarily a function of the thickener used in the grease formulation. Meanwhile,...
Q: Is Water Contamination In A Lubricant A Problem?
A: Water can cause a variety of problems in a lubricant. For instance: It can reduce a lubricant’s viscosity (a condition known as viscosity dilution), thereby diminishing the lubricant’s...
Q: Are Two Lubricants With Virtually The Same Performance Specifications Essentially Interchangeable?
A: Not necessarily. Even if they have the same performance characteristics, they may differ in chemical composition. Chemical compatibility is a critical consideration when switching or topping off one...
Q: When Selecting A Lubricant For Cold-Temperature Operations, What Sort Of Pour Point Should I Look For?
A: To ensure proper fluidity at low temperatures, the pour point of a lubricant (the lowest temperature at which it is designed to flow) ideally should be more than...
Q: Mineral-Oil-Based Lubricants Or Synthetic-Based Lubricants — Which Is Better For Your Application?
A: This often-debated issue has no simple answer: It depends on the specific machine, the application, the operating conditions and environment, and other factors. Mineral-oil-based lubricants can offer advantages...
Viscosity Q&A
A lubricant’s viscosity is generally considered one of its most important properties, and with good reason: If the viscosity of a lubricant is even modestly different from what is...