Energy Efficiency of Industrial Oils

Lubricants influence energy efficiency mainly through reducing energy losses, which include churning losses and friction losses in hydrodynamic, elastohydrodynamic and boundary lubrication regimes. The total energy loss depends on lubricant viscosity and chemical composition. Different sources of lubricant-related power losses in industrial systems are described. The dependence of churning and friction losses on oil properties is analyzed. Viscosity shear-thinning and pressure-thickening effects and their dependence on base oil and viscosity index improver chemical composition are examined. The role of pressure-viscosity relationships is emphasized. Some aspects of oil compressibility and viscoelasticity are discussed in regard to oil energy efficiency. The mechanism and role of friction modifiers in industrial oil formulations are described. Significant savings in machinery energy consumption can be achieved by using energy-efficient lubricants. Methods for improving industrial lubricant energy efficiency are discussed and potential savings in energy consumption are estimated. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]