If we want to change the existing oils with other oils for consolidation purposes, what criteria should be considered? Can we interchange with a product with the same ISO/VG Grade?

What factors should be considered during lubricant selection or replacement?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Josh,

I think the requirements of the equipment is the most important factor.

Interchangability is not a good idea IMHO. Not all oils are compatible; some producing caustic or??? Ask a lube engineer on specifics.

Drain, flush really good to completely clean, and replenish with the newly selected oil making your first change interval short or that's my thinking.

One shoe do not fit all feet. Generally your oil supplier can and will help or do the full job you're demanding.

Agreed with your IMHO. So maybe some lube experts can highlight some of the important criteria for lubricant interchangability for consolidation or rationalization purposes? What other factors should be considered other than ISO VG? Any articles on this particular subject?

I think Operating Temperature and Viscosity are main parameters to consider when selecting an alternative lubricant.

How about EP, anti-wear, etc?

Josh,

Consolidation of lubricants can be a good thing but it is not a cure all. If you are trying to cut down on the number of brands on the shelf, check the technical data on the different lubricants.

A short list of major things to check for compatibility:

Base stock - Group I/II, PAO, Diester, PAG, etc.
Viscosity Grade
Additive package - EP, anticorrosion, antifoaming, demulsibility, etc.
Seal/hose softening/swelling

We are going through this exercise at a variety of plants now and have added the requirement for guaranteed compatibility between the old lube and the replacement in the equipment..

As a side note, check the General Motors Lubrication specification to see what they specify for lubricants. Lots of good information. This is the URL:
http://www.gmsupplypower.com/apps/supplypoweranon/NASAp...ary&togglefolder=914

Ken Culverson

If your company is serious about consolidation efforts, you should consider hiring a lube consultant for a plant lubrication assessement. Bill Herguth from Herguth labs comes highly recommended.
http://www.herguth.com/plant_lubrication.htm

Josh, I think Dave G. is spot on! Use a lube engineer addressing specifics. Posting generalities on this thread and you'll be where you started 200 post later. If your supplier isn't fully qualified; maybe consider another and a go-for-the-throat method is as Dave suggest; hire a consultant.

Ken

I tried the GMSupplyPower link but it said
"You do not have access to the documents contained in this folder. Please login." Can anybody access it?

Thanks for the replies. I want to do to explore the subject first before engaging experts. I tot Rich (who is regular in this forum) has done a lub survey or assessment as well.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Josh,

How many different manufacturers of lubricants do you have? If you have only one supplier, get the vendor in to help. As mentioned, you just can't mix an ISO VG 220 oil with another without knowing the additive package. Some additives are a base with others being an acid. When you mix a base and acid, you neutralize the package, precipitate out a mud, and leave your equipment vulnerable. We had a production worker help us out by adding 55+ gallons of AW Hyd ISO 220 in a reservoir filled with Compound ISO 220. This resulted in 5 hours of downtime to drain, flush, clean strainers, and change filters. At $6000/hr, it was a costly mistake.

Gary B

Numberous brands. Not consolidated yet but definitely do not want to mix different brands.

Ken, is the GMSupplyPowerlibrary supposed to be accessible to those interested?

Johs,

The public area used to be open but when I checked back, it now requires registration. They have done the same with all of their other specs which used to be open to the public. It's a shame because there was a great deal of good data there.

Ken Culverson

I believe a factor in lubricant selection that no one has mentioned yet is the speed of the machine.