How lubricants keep the world moving

-
17 September 2024

In the frenetic pace of the modern world, we often take the small details for granted that allow our lives to keep moving forward without any setbacks. From the moment we get in the car, on our motorcycle or the bus to when we use products in our daily lives, there's a key element working away in the shadows that helps make everything run smoothly: lubricants and engine oils

Keeping the world moving

When we start our vehicles each morning, most of us don't think about the mechanical complexity that's happening under the hood. However, each engine component is in constant motion, generating heat and friction that, without proper lubrication, would quickly lead to premature wear and tear

That's why engine oils play a key role in reducing friction between parts, dissipating heat, and preventing the build-up of debris. By doing so, they also improve fuel consumption efficiency.

This principle applies not only to cars, but to all types of transport: cargo trucks that move goods across continents, trains that connect cities, airplanes that cross oceans, and ships that navigate vital trade routes. 

A cornerstone in industrial production

Today's industry relies on heavy machinery that must operate under extreme conditions, such as the high temperatures from smelting or moving heavy loads. Here, industrial lubricants play an vital role in reducing wear and tear on critical components, minimizing maintenance downtime, and improving operational efficiency.

These oils also play a crucial role in temperature management and protection against pollution. So, they are essential for both the longevity of the machinery and the quality of the products they manufacture. From automotive assembly lines to petrochemical plants, lubricants ensure the industry's keeps on beating.

Another fundamental, but little known aspect, is in the transformers (key for distributing energy) whose active mechanism is immersed in dielectric oils. This is due to their functions as thermal and electrical insulation, as well as cooling the metal components. 

Impact on the agricultural world

The importance of lubricants also extends to the countryside, where agricultural machinery plays a vital role. Tractors, combine harvesters, and other equipment that's essential for growing and harvesting are characterized by their exposure to difficult conditions, which can affect their performance, such as dust, mud, humidity or extreme temperatures.

That's why agricultural lubricants ensure these engines and hydraulic systems operate reliably during long work days, helping farmers maintain their productivity and secure the food supply chain.

Lubricants in urban development

Similarly, excavators, cranes, road pavers, and other construction equipment are responsible for erecting and maintaining the infrastructure upon which our lives are built. That's why public works lubricants ensure this equipment can operate efficiently, even in the most adverse conditions, allowing for the construction of roads, bridges, and buildings that are the pillar of urban and rural development.

The invisible role of lubricants

The next time you start your car, buy an industrial product or see a crane in action, remember that behind each of these movements is the essential work of lubricants. Although they're not always visible, their role is essential for the efficient and safe operation of countless processes in our daily lives.