Question

Write the significance of the following properties of lubricants.
i)Emulsification ii)Cloud point  iii)Fire point

Answer 1

i) Significance of Emulsification:
(1) A good oil lubricant generally has a low steam emulsion number , so that even if water comes in contact with the oil in the lubricated parts , it will not form emulsion which has tendency to collect dirt , dust, etc.
(2) Petroleum oils have very low Stream Emulsion Number ( S.E.N ) but vegetable oils have higher S.E.N as the vegetable oil and water molecules have affection.
(3) Whenever a stable oil in water or water in oil emulsion is required for lubricants ( eg cutting , drilling operations , large IC engines , pneumatic compressors , etc ) , then they are prepared by use of emulsifiers like soap , fatty acids , etc .
ii)Significance of Cloud point :
(1) Coloud point is significant as it helps us in knowing the lowest temperature upto which the oil can be suitable as a liquid lubricant .
(2) Knowledge of cloud point can help the machines to be prevented from getting jammed in places in cold region in some areas of India.
(3) The lubricating oils should have much lower cloud point than the working temperature.

iii)Significance of Fire point

(1) Fire point is significant as it helps in knowing the highest temperature upto which an oil can be used as a lubricant .
(2) A lubricating oil selected for a job should have a fire point which is reasonably above its working temperature .
(3) It helps in the storage , transport and use of the lubricating oil.
(1) Fire point is significant as it helps in knowing the highest temperature upto which an oil can be used as a lubricant .
(2) A lubricating oil selected for a job should have a fire point which is reasonably above its working temperature .
(3) It helps in the storage , transport and use of the lubricating oil.
(4) It is also useful for identification and detection of contaminants in the oilIt is also useful for identification and detection of contaminants in the oil