Answer:
The primary functions of a lubricant are to:
- Reduce friction
- Prevent wear
- Protect the equipment from corrosion
- Control temperature (dissipate heat)
- Control contamination (carry contaminants to a filter or sump)
- Transmit power (hydraulics)
- Provide a fluid seal
Sometimes the functions of reducing friction and preventing wear are used interchangeably. However, friction is the resistance to motion, and wear is the loss of material as a result of friction, contact fatigue, and corrosion. There is a significant difference. In fact, not all that causes friction (e.g., fluid friction) causes wear, and not all that causes wear (cavitational erosion) causes friction.
Why lubrication is important?
Lubrication is a crucial element in the efficiency and life expectancy of any rotating equipment. Lubrication reduces friction and allows moving machine parts to slide smoothly past each other.
Define Lubrication?
Although this is a valid definition, it fails to realize all that lubrication actually achieves.
Many different substances can be used to lubricate a surface. Oil and grease are the most common. Grease is composed of oil and a thickening agent to obtain its consistency, while the oil is what actually lubricates. Oils can be synthetic, vegetable, or mineral-based as well as a combination of these.
Hope this helps good luck and stay safe always <3
