Overview

Technologies for Industrial Gear Oils

An industrial gearbox is a system of assembled gears that transmit mechanical energy from a prime mover to an output device, typically changing the speed, direction or torque of the input energy during the process.

These units are found in many varied configurations, applications and industries around the world including:

• Steel Manufacturing
• Mining
• General Manufacturing
• Power Generation
• Chemicals
• Metal Fabrication
• Marine
• Railroad
• Food Processing

Lubricants for industrial gearboxes are selected according to several factors: the type of gears, the type of end use application of the gearbox, as well as operating conditions such as load, speed, and temperature.

The minimum performance requirements for mainline industrial gear oils are antiwear and extreme pressure (EP) protection, corrosion and oxidation resistance and good foam and demulsibility control. Higher performance industrial gear technologies will also provide an element of superior thermal stability and cleanliness, along with enhanced materials compatibility, bearing protection and a resistance to micropitting (also known as grey staining). In some milder applications where loads are lighter, rust and oxidation-inhibited (R&O) oils are sometimes used.

Specifications covering industrial gear oils can be classified into three categories, according to the level of performance provided and the level of testing complexity and difficulty:

• General industry standards such as DIN 51517 and AGMA 9005-E02
• OEM specifications such as Siemens MD (Flender) and Hansen Industrial Transmissions
• Wind turbine builders such as Winergy and ZF Wind 

Industrial gear oils can cover a wide range of viscosities, from ISO VG 68 up to ISO VG 1500 and beyond; most common are the ISO 150 – 320 grades. The robust additives formulated by Lubrizol will ensure performance is extended from the lightest viscosity through to the heaviest gradeTo meet certain application requirements, synthetic base stocks are sometime used, for example, polyalphaolefins are used where extreme temperatures are encountered and polyalkylene glycols are used where enhanced frictional requirements are encountered (such as the lubrication of worm gear sets).

Lubrizol offers the broadest and most advanced range of additive technologies to meet the complex needs of today’s industrial gearbox operators. We have the most experienced people in the industry, developing and refining our products and ensuring consistent high-quality batch after batch, all over the world. Our products support the world's industries by improving the operating efficiency and reliability of equipment, thereby extending its useful life and improving margins for the operator.