Mist oil lubricating compositions and methods

Abstract

Lubrication compositions comprising from about 80% to about 99.9% of a synthetic ester lubricant; and from about 0.1% to about 8% of a polyalkyl methacrylate mist suppressant. The synthetic ester lubricant may be an adipate ester lubricant, which may be a ditridecyl adipate, a phthalate ester lubricants, such as diisononyl phthalates and ditridecyl phthalates, or mixtures thereof. The compositions may also comprise a highly branched isoparaffinic polyalphaolefin lubricant. The lubricating compositions may also comprise one or more additives.

Description

INTRODUCTION[0001]The present technology relates to lubricating compositions, particularly lubricating compositions suitable for use in mist oil lubrication systems.[0002]Lubricants are used to reduce friction between metal or other hard surfaces that are in contact and in relative motion, so as to reduce friction. Without adequate lubrication, friction will result in heat and wear of the surfaces, ultimately destroying the surfaces in many situations. In general, acceptable lubricants have physical properties that allow them to be liquid and stable at the temperatures at which the lubricated surfaces operate, as well as acceptable viscosity, hydraulic stability, demulsibility (ability to release water), and oxidation and corrosion resistance.[0003]Many mechanical systems offer particular challenges in maintaining adequate lubrication of moving surfaces, due to such factors as their mechanical configuration, forces applied to the moving surfaces, and environmental factors. The hydro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text is about lubricants and oil mist lubrication systems used in industrial applications. The technical effect of this patent is the use of oil mist lubrication systems which continuously atomize oil into small particles and deliver it to bearing surfaces for lubrication. This reduces friction between the surfaces, resulting in improved efficiency and control, as well as isolates the lubricant from environmental contamination. The system includes an oil mist generator, reclassifier, and distribution system, which ensures the oil particles are too small to carry water or particulate matter. The reclassifier also causes the oil particles to coalesce, forming a wet mist that can be deposited on the surfaces for lubrication.

Problems solved by technology

Without adequate lubrication, friction will result in heat and wear of the surfaces, ultimately destroying the surfaces in many situations.

Many mechanical systems offer particular challenges in maintaining adequate lubrication of moving surfaces, due to such factors as their mechanical configuration, forces applied to the moving surfaces, and environmental factors.

The hydrocarbon processing industry, in particular, presents significant lubricating issues relating to bearing surfaces used in pumps and motors used in high pressure applications, often in corrosive environments.

Similar challenges arise in the chemical processing industries, steel mills, pulp and paper mills, textile plants, and mining, for example.

The mist oil particles are also too small to carry water or particulates throughout the piping system.

If too small, the particles may not coalesce, resulting in ineffective lubrication and “stray mist” that coalesces on unintended surfaces.

In some situations stray mist can create environmental or safety issues.