How to determine the operating temperature

As a general ‘rule of thumb’ a lubricant functions correctly at 10°C above the pour point and 20°C below the flash point.

For example, the flash point of Anderol® 555 is 250°C and the pour point is -33°C, therefore the operating temperature range is between -23°C to 230°C.

However, in practice, it is always better to go more than 10°C above the pour point and significantly lower than the 20°C recommended for the flash point.

Synthetic and mineral oil based lubricants have different pour points 

The pour point of the lubricant is the temperature where a fluid has become completely solid. It is a good indicator of how well it will perform in cold weather and ‘how low you can go’.

However, it is important to factor in that the minimum operating temperature (the lowest temperature of the operating temperature range) is 10 degrees higher than the pour point.

If equipment is exposed to low temperatures, a synthetic based lubricant is a safer choice as the pour point – and operating temperature of synthetic lubricants – is typically much lower than that of mineral oil based lubricants.

Although mineral oil based lubricants can withstand moderate changes in temperature from zero to 10°C, as you start to get below 10°C some will start to thicken making them less effective.

Synthetic lubricants however are, in the main, suitable for operating temperatures up to -30°C.

Synthetics have better low temperature performance. Synthetics flow freely at subzero temperatures, pouring easily at low temperatures where mineral oils thicken and gel.

Flash point is not to be confused with fire point

The flash point is the lowest temperature at which vapors of a volatile material will ignite, when given an ignition source, and is sometimes confused with the auto ignition temperature – the temperature at which the vapor ignites spontaneously without an ignition source.

Lubricating oils are flammable, but they are not volatile, so are not easy to ignite unless heated in contact with an ignition source.

However, for safety reasons, the lubricant should be used at a minimum of 20°C below the flash point.

Synthetics have Superior temperature resistance meaning a higher flash point than mineral oils. Synthetics can safely handle higher operating temperatures without oxidizing (burning) or breaking down.

Summary

Synthetic lubricants offer a wider operating temperature range compared to mineral oils with their lower pour point and higher flash point.

With synthetic lubricants having a much lower pour point, they are very suitable for low temperatures.

Anderol® lubricants have the benefit of operating at a wide temperature range from low to high temperatures and providing the optimal film layer. This makes them suitable for applications in low temperature environments, or applications with operating heat.

To find out more about our synthetic lubricants or for help and advice on choosing the right lubricant please contact your nearest Anderol distributor.