Selection of Lubricants for Paper Mill Applications, 1997 Engineering Conference Proceedings
Oils and greases play a critical role in the long-term life of machines in paper mills. Lubricants provide a thin oil film cushion that keeps metal-to-metal contact to an absolute minimum, which in turn, reduces friction and wear. It keeps internal components clean and free from rust and corrosion, and can also act as a sealant against external contaminants. In addition, lubricants can function as a coolant to the system by transferring heat away from the heat source. In most paper machine applications, petroleum derived lubricating oils and greases are used. Some other materials, not usually considered to be lubricants, such as molybdenum disulfite and graphite, are also used in unique applications. The selection of oils and greases depends on the specific conditions and demands of a particular application.