Properties and significance of Lubricants
Sr. Property Significance
Liquid lubricants
1 Oiliness It gives an idea about the adhering capacity For a good quality of lubricant, Oiliness
of a lubricant to the surface.
2 Density It gives an idea about the thickness and
flowing capacity of a lubricant.
3 Viscosity It gives an idea about the thickness and
flowing capacity of a lubricant.
4 Viscosity index It gives an idea about the viscosity change
with temperature for a lubricant.
5 Flash & Fire point It gives an idea about the tendency of the
lubricating oil to volatilize and also the
upper working temperature limit of a
lubricant.
6 Cloud & pour point It gives an idea about the stability of
lubricants in cold environment and also
about the presence of wax (which is
undesirable). It also gives an idea about the
lower working temperature limit of a
lubricant.
7 Aniline point It gives an idea about the presence of
aromatic hydrocarbon in a lubricant.
8 Steam emulsion no. It gives an idea about the stability of
(SEN) emulsion formed by mixing lubricating oil
and water.
9 Saponification no. It gives an idea about the presence of fatty
acids in a lubricant.
10 Carbon residue It gives an idea about the presence of
inorganic substances in a lubricant.
Semi-solid Lubricants
1 Penetration index It gives an idea about the consistency
(quality of uniformity) of the grease.
2 Drop point It gives an idea about the upper working
temperature limit of a grease.
Specification for a good lubricant
should be more.
For a good quality of lubricant, Density
should be moderate.
For a good quality of lubricant, Viscosity
should be moderate.
For a good quality of lubricant, Viscosity
Index should be high.
For a good quality of lubricant, Flash and
Fire Point should be above the working or
application temperature.
For a good quality of lubricant, Cloud and
Pour Point should be low.
For a good quality of lubricant, Aniline
Point should be high.
For a good quality of lubricant, Steam
Emulsion No. (SEN) should be low.
For a good quality of lubricant,
Saponification No. should be low.
For a good quality of lubricant, Carbon
Residue should be low.
For a good quality of grease, Penetration
Index should be consistent.
For a good quality of grease, Drop Point
should be high.