Lubrication Experts: Recent Episodes
Lubrication Expert
On Lubrication Experts, Rafe Britton talk with the best in the business about all things lubricants, engineering and industry. From lubricant technology and condition monitoring to supply chain and manufacturing the experts sit down to give their take on the current and future states of the industry.
https://lubrication.expert The Evolution of Lithium Greases: Innovations and Historical Insights with Andy Waynick In this episode of 'Lubrication Experts', Rafe Britton welcomes Andy Waynick, a renowned figure in the lubrication field, for a record third appearance. Andy provides an in-depth exploration into the world of lithium-based greases, their manufacturing processes, new developments, and the intricacies of their chemical properties. Building on prior discussions about the popularity and characteristics of lithium greases, Andy delves further into their production, emphasizing new manufacturing methods and the crucial role of cooling rates. The discussion covers the development of lithium complex greases, detailing various patents and the contribution of key figures in the field. It also touches on the strategic use of boron-based additives to improve grease properties and introduces Andy's innovative work aimed at reducing lithium usage in greases’ production. Additionally, the conversation spans historical anecdotes, highlighting the significance of publishing scientific advancements. This episode offers a comprehensive understanding of lithium greases from both technical and historical perspectives. 00:00 Introduction to Lubrication Experts with Andy Waynick 00:35 Deep Dive into Lithium Greases: History and Popularity 01:16 Exploring the Manufacturing Process of Lithium Greases 07:06 The Evolution of Lithium Complex Greases: A Patent History 16:16 Advancements in Lithium Complex Grease Manufacturing 27:25 Innovations in Boron-Based Additives for Grease Manufacturing 37:58 Unlocking the Secrets of Boron-Based Chemistries in Grease 40:12 The Evolution of Grease Additives and Manufacturing Challenges 48:37 Innovative Approaches to Grease Manufacturing and Lithium Optimization 49:47 The Future of Grease Technology and Sustainable Practices 01:06:26 A Historical Perspective on Grease Technology Development
Understanding Group 5 Base Oils: A Conversation on the Lubrication Experts Podcast This episode of the 'Lubrication Experts Podcast' series features an in-depth conversation around the Group 5 Base Oils and their role in the lubrication industry. With discussions ranging from the existing catch-all term of Group 5, to its future and possible innovations, the podcast brings out valuable insights about the particular spectrum of base oils. The talk also includes conversations about the ExxonMobil energy outlook, energy efficiency goals, and niche market applications for specific group 5s such as Alkylated Naphthalenes and PAO-like. The impact of regulatory hurdles and the opportunities that energy transition present for the wide array of Group 5 base oils are also discussed in-depth. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:26 Discussion on Group 5s and Future Developments 00:50 Energy Outlook and Sustainability Goals 01:33 Understanding the Impact of Population Growth on Energy Needs 02:22 The Role of Lubrication Industry in Energy Efficiency 04:38 Understanding API Base Oil Groups 08:01 The Role of Group 5 in the Lubrication Industry 08:46 Challenges in Adopting Group 5 13:35 Potential Applications for Group 5 20:13 Regulatory Hurdles and Energy Transition 24:21 Final Thoughts on Group 5
Understanding the Viscosity Index: History, Challenges and Proposals This podcast discussion, in which lubrication experts discuss the important role of the Viscosity Index in the oil industry, features prominent industry figure Jack Zakarian. He explains the history of the Viscosity Index, its implications, and how the present scale hampers low viscosity oils. He also proposes potential improvements to the current scale that could make it better suited to the modern industry needs. Consequently, the podcast seeks to make industry players aware of the Viscosity Index's challenges and work towards solutions that will enhance its fairness and accuracy. 00:43 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:38 Understanding Viscosity Index 04:58 Historical Background of Viscosity Index 08:54 Inconsistencies in Viscosity Index 13:02 Attempts to Improve the Viscosity Index Scale 21:20 Economic Implications of Viscosity Index 24:57 Proposed Solutions and Future Directions 32:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Understanding Esters | A Deep Dive into their Applications in Lubrication In this informative discussion, we explore the basics and complexities of esters and their role in the realm of lubrication. Our expert, Siegfried Lucazeau, dives into the chemistry of esters, their advantages, drawbacks, and applications across numerous industries. From synthetic and natural esters to their pivotal role in sustainability and biodegradability, Siegfried provides valuable insights into the world of esters. The video also delves into ester structures, major applications, and future prospects in related industries. This is the perfect guide for individuals, right from field techs to formulation chemists, seeking to understand the multifaceted world of esters in lubrication. 00:43 Introduction to Lubrication Experts and the Topic of Esters 01:03 The Importance of Esters in Lubrication 02:33 Introduction to the Lubrication Expert Guest 03:06 Understanding the Basics of Esters 05:28 The Role of Esters in Lubricating Fluids 06:20 The Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Esters 11:58 The Impact of Ester Structure on Performance 22:55 Understanding the Polarity of Esters 27:43 Exploring Different Types of Esters 35:08 Addressing the Challenges and Misconceptions about Esters 51:56 The Future of Esters in the Lubricants Industry 55:50 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Understanding Field Oil Analysis with Lisa Williams from Ametek In this informative episode, Lisa Williams from Ametek, an expert in the oil analysis field, shares her knowledge about oil analysis testing. She provides insights on when to set up an oil analysis lab, how to interpret results, and the decision making between field tests and third-party lab analysis. Lisa also underscores the importance of proper training and interpretation in enhancing reliability. Additionally, she briefly discusses the future of the oil analysis industry, primarily emphasizing on the growing need for automation and documentation of industry practices. 00:43 Introduction and Guest Presentation 01:40 Understanding Oil Analysis and Field Testing 02:15 The Importance of Field Testing in Industrial Organizations 02:34 Guest's Background and Experience in Oil Analysis 03:29 Discussion on Oil Analysis in Different Industries 04:04 The Role of Oil Analysis in Organizational Decision Making 05:30 Cost Considerations in Oil Analysis 06:35 The Importance of Sample Volume in Oil Analysis 08:05 The Role of Oil Analysis in Machine Reliability 08:44 The Challenges of Justifying Costs in Maintenance Industry 09:30 The Benefits of On-Site Oil Analysis 11:23 Discussion on the Importance of Regular Oil Analysis 15:51 The Importance of Documenting Oil Analysis Processes 44:20 The Future of Oil Analysis 49:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Demystifying Re-Refined Base Oils: Quality, Sustainability, and Future Trends In this episode, we delve into the world of re refined base oils, thanks to our special guest from Safety Clean, Joel Garrett. We discuss the re refining process, from collecting waste oil to producing high-quality base oils equivalent to Group II+. We debunk the common myth of re refined oils being lesser quality than virgin based oils and highlight why these misconceptions exist. Furthermore, we talk about the spectrum of quality within the industry, the profitability of re refining processes in comparison with traditional base oil production, and the future evolution of re refinement and its potential impact on the lubricant industry. Last but not least, we delve into the environmental implications, discussing both the carbon footprint reduction and sustainability aspects of re refining. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:05 Understanding Re-refined Base Oils 00:31 Interview with Joel Garrett, Senior Vice President of Safety Clean 00:42 Defining Re-refined Base Oils 01:20 The Collection and Profiling Process 03:55 The Re-refining Process 08:21 Quality and Reputation of Re-refined Oils 32:33 The Future of Re-refining Technology 35:52 Conclusion and Farewell
In this special Christmas episode, join me as I reflect on the past two and a half years and discuss the latest trends in the lubrication industry. We'll delve into the insular nature of working for major companies, the importance of collaboration and sharing knowledge, and the challenges of ruthless competition. We'll also explore the complexity of the industry, from certification overload to overwhelming product lines. And, on an optimistic note, we'll discuss exciting technologies on the horizon that have the potential to revolutionize the lubrication industry. Plus, we'll share insights into the journey of starting a YouTube channel and the value of connecting with experts in the field. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking and informative episode! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!
https://lubrication.expert
Understanding the Base Stock Market - An In-depth Look with Jack Zakarian In this podcast episode, we hear from industry expert Jack Zakarian who spent over 37 years with Chevron. The episode covers the foundation of base stocks focusing on terms like neutral, solvent neutral, bright stock, and their correlation to API based stock groups. Jack also discusses the evolution of the base oil industry explaining the shift from group 1 towards group 2 & 3 processes, the advantages of these processes, the reasons behind the decline in group 1, as well as its impact. The future of the base stock market with implications of electric vehicles and the role of regulatory interventions is also touched upon elaborately. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:40 Understanding API Base Oil Groups 01:08 Defining Terms: Neutral, Solvent Neutral, Bright Stock 02:52 The Process of Making Brightstock 04:15 Challenges in Manufacturing Brightstock 10:07 The Shift from Group 1 to Group 2 Base Oils 17:22 Flexibility and Limitations in Plant Design 19:46 Understanding Base Oils as Commodities 21:25 Working with Different Types of Oils 21:46 The Advantages of Group 2 Oils 22:12 Differences in Group 3 Oils 23:35 The Impact of Group 1 Disappearing from the Market 24:12 The Role of Brightstock in Viscosity 27:20 The Future of the Base Stock Market 29:23 The Impact of Electric Vehicles on the Lubricant Market 31:25 The Role of Regulation in the Shift to Electric Vehicles 34:48 Closing Remarks and Future Predictions https://lubrication.expert
Polymers - they're everywhere in lubricants. But the the understanding of their variants, and their functions is not that well understood. Dr Jacob Scherger of Functional Products sits down with Rafe Britton to untangle them!
Oil analysis - your business is most likely doing it, collecting the data, and then never looking at the data ever again. How do I know this? Because I have seen countless examples. In this podcast, Elaine Hepley from Polaris Laboratories takes a look at oil analysis data, how it is analysed, and how we set limits.
Lithium greases still dominate the market. But how did it get to be that way? In this wide-ranging interview with Lubrication Expert Andy Waynick, we discuss simple versus complex greases, why Lithium won over all the other soaps, grease compatibility and much, much more.
https://lubrication.expert
Synthetic base oils are everywhere. But you might be surprised to learn how many there are, and when they're used. In this episode we talk about the fundamentals of synthetic lubricants with returning guest John Sander.
Sometimes you will have seen her on social media as Wendy, the Oil Lady. She is the president of a group called the Crew Collaborative which does a lot of work promoting the trades in the construction industry. And the reason why she's able to give some really good insight specifically into our industry is that not only is she the crew collaborative president, Wendy is also a field-based account manager for CNHI Midwest for Shell Lubricants. In both of those roles, Wendy is able to give us some insight into, let's say, some of the personnel issues and challenges that we are facing in our industry.
Open Gear Lubricants are a unique class of very high-viscosity oils often used in the mining, steel, and cement industries. Essential for driving large mills and big slew gears, open gear lubricants maintain the health of some of the most expensive assets on the planet.
Welcome back to Lubrication Experts! Today, we delve into the fascinating world of lubricant chemistry with none other than Dr. Matthew Hobbs from EPT Clean Oil. Despite the moody lighting due to a minor technical glitch with my video setup, this discussion promises to be as enlightening as ever. Dr. Hobbs, the Manager of Technical Services, Research, and Development at EPT Clean Oil, brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Known for his captivating presentations at various forums, such as STLE, and his insightful webinars, Dr. Hobbs has a unique knack for elucidating the complex aspects of lubricant chemistry. As many of you have expressed interest in gaining a more detailed understanding of lubricant chemistry and its breakdown, I've invited Dr. Hobbs to share his expertise on this topic. If you've been eager to dive deeper into lubricant chemistry, this conversation is one you don't want to miss. Also, be sure to check out the EPT Clean Oil YouTube channel for more from Dr. Hobbs and other industry experts. Whether you're joining us via video or tuning into the podcast, get ready for an enlightening discussion. Without further ado, let's welcome Dr. Matthew Hobbs to Lubrication Experts. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights!
https://lubrication.experts
We all know that the price of Lithium increased drastically in recent years. Competition originally began with the rise in consumer electronics, but increased exponentially with the demand generated by the EV transition. This poses an issue for greases, where lithium soaps dominate the market by volume thanks to their "jack of all trades" performance.
https://lubrication.expert
Lubrication is a vital component in the maintenance and longevity of mechanical assets, yet it is often overlooked or misunderstood. With an estimated 70% of mechanical failures directly or indirectly related to lubrication practice, the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) has developed a set of standards aimed at promoting best practices in lubrication and asset management. Despite being an engineered component, lubricants are frequently not treated as assets. Many people mistakenly believe that "oil is oil" and "grease is grease," leading to suboptimal lubrication practices and mechanical failures. Proper understanding and management of lubrication can significantly extend the life of machinery, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact. The ICML has developed a set of standards with 12 core elements that provide guidelines for best practices in lubrication programs. These standards are designed to be both standalone and complementary to existing ISO standards, including ISO 9000, ISO 14000, and ISO 55000. The ICML standards cover essential aspects of asset management, including document management, environmental impact, and the use of tangible assets like lubricants. https://lubrication.expert
Lubricants are tightly interlinked with our sustainability goals. And when I say sustainability I mean both environmental and business. We've talked at length on this podcast about the way that lubricants affect energy efficiency and machine reliability, but how about the sustainability of the actual lubricant itself? Greg Livingstone is back to help us understand the impact of the full lifecycle of the lubricants we use in industry.
Racing oils - they're everyone's favourite thing to discuss because they represent the pinnacle of engine oil performance. But what exactly makes them different from the everyday oils that you and I use in our daily drivers? In this interview on Lubrication Experts, Rafe Britton speaks with Lake Speed Jr., an expert in racing oils. Lake shares his experience working for Joe Gibbs Racing, where he was responsible for the oil program. He recounts the challenges they faced in finding off-the-shelf API-rated oils that provided both high performance and durability in the racing environment. He goes into detail on the partnership with Lubrizol, a company that developed bespoke formulas for their racing engines. This collaboration helped them address issues with flat-tappet camshafts and the need for higher spring loads to control the valve train at high RPMs. The interview touches on the fact that racing oils generally don't carry approvals like API or OEM, which leads to differences in formulation. These differences may include using different base oils, additives, or varying quantities of additives.
Calcium sulphonates are everywhere - first used as a common TBN additive in engine oils, they're increasingly used as a high-performance grease thickener. But the history behind this is surprising. Industry heavyweight Andy Waynick sat down with Rafe Britton to discuss the development of Calcium Sulphonate greases, their place in the current industrial environment, and their promising future.
Polyakylene glycol (PAG) base oil lubricants are a bit of a mystery. In fact, there are many who fear them due to their reputation for incompatibility with other lubricants on site, as well as seals and paints. But like all things, much of this mystery can be pierced through understanding. Martin Greaves worked at Dow Chemical for some 30 years, working extensively with PAGs. It turns out, PAGs are not a single molecule, but rather a family with almost infinite combinations. In this podcast he sat down with Rafe Britton to discuss PAGs in all their forms.
Link to the article mentioned in the interview: https://www.lube-media.com/wp-content/uploads/Lube-Tech-144-Novel-hybrid-esters-Base-oils-designed-for-sustainability.pdf
Varnish is a problem that plagues turbomachinery, compressors, gears, hydraulics and more. There are many causes, but the ultimate result is significant downtime, lost productivity and potential damage to assets. As with any problem that costs a lot of money, many solutions have been proposed to the varnish problem. In this episode, Sanya Mathura helps look at the causes of varnish as well as a framework for evaluating varnish solutions. Toward the end we also delve into a discussion on certifications and the role that certification through ICML has played in her career.
John Sander and I discuss the importance of using the correct type of hydraulic oil in industrial machinery. We cover the different types of hydraulic oils available, their properties and benefits, and how to select the right oil for your specific equipment. Whether you're a maintenance professional or a business owner, Joh dropped some great info on how to keep your equipment running smoothly. Tune in to learn more about the world of hydraulic oils!
Precision lubrication is a philosophy. But how do you achieve it? Industry veteran Mike Johnson breaks it all down for us in this wide-ranging discussion. Concurrent with the release of this podcast is the publication of the first issue of Precision Lubrication Magazine. Precision Lubrication magazine provides timely, in-depth news and insights on lubrication, maintenance, and reliability. Each issue delivers solid guidance, tools, and information you can use right away at your facility. A well-executed lubrication program represents an enormous opportunity for most industrial plants. Even though the benefits are large, only a small segment of the industry treats lubrication as a serious maintenance activity. When lubrication programs are run haphazardly, aren’t given the proper support, and aren’t championed as a critical component of an organization’s mission, machine reliability suffers, and equipment fails. Our mission is to equip lubrication, maintenance, and reliability professionals with solid guidance and tools for developing precision lubrication and fluid analysis programs that are properly executed, and sustainable and serve as a centre of excellence for their companies.
Overcoming friction wastes between 20-30% of a country's Gross Domestic Product, and most of this will be the energy costs to overcome friction. Additionally, it is estimated that wear contributes about 3% of GDP (machines breaking down, cost of replacement parts, cost of downtime etc.).
That makes lubricants an extremely important part of business sustainability. Even if you don't believe in climate change, business sustainability is inclusive of both carbon emissions and energy costs. With the cost per unit of energy currently skyrocketing like never before, isn't it time your business looked to your lubrication program to help cut energy use?
Maintenance and reliability teams are hurting from a lack of resources. Whether its shortage of parts, shortage of staff, shortage of budget, or shortage of support, the pressures on these professionals have never been greater. Redlist recently took a survey of it's customers across a number of industries and have been able to tease out some common themes.
EVs are here. Whether you like or not, it seems that both regulation and the markets have decreed that battery-based vehicles are the future. As usual, the lubricants industry will rise to the occasion and adapt to the needs of this new technology platform. But e-fluids have some very specific and niche requirements. In this episode, Adam Banks from Afton chemical sits down with Rafe Britton to explain.
World class maintenance. World class reliability. Word class asset management. What are these? What does it take to be "world class" in these domains? Thom Schiff has a wealth of experience on both sides of the equation, both on the ground in maintenance teams, as well as leading lubrication suppliers. He helps to spell out what it take to be world class, and crucially, how improving your maintenance and reliability program can result in important safety benefits.
Compressor oils are awesome. It's the ultimate blend of mechanical engineering, chemistry and fluid dynamics. But in my experience with many industrial customers, there is a gap in understanding regarding the interaction of the compressor oil with the compressed gas, as well as the nbuances of the formulation. Jim once again steps in helpfully to enlighten.
Piston rings are an essential component to the operation of any reciprocating-style equipment, be they internal combustion engines or compressors. What you may not appreciate is that 40% of the friction generated inside an engine is at the piston-liner interface, which makes the solid and liquid lubrication of this component absolutely critical. In this discussion, Lake Speed Jnr talks about the evolution of piston rings, bore technologies, and how this is all enabling ever-lower viscosities.
Become a Lubrication Expert: https://lubrication.expert
Rafe Britton is a lubrication consultant that turns machinery into well-oiled, reliable machinery. He helps clients achieve maximum uptime by setting up procurement processes such that they are oriented to lubrication reliablity, transforming their contamination control programs, selecting the correct lubricants for the application, training their workforce to a world-class level, and helping to turn oil analysis data into valuable insights. He firmly believes that there is an industry-wide knowledge gap regarding lubrication technologies and is aspiring to close this gap affordably by using digital tools.
Asset Management, Reliability, Maintenance, Lubrication. They're all slightly different, so Rafe talks with a specialist in the field to get his take on all things related. We talked about P-f intervals, remaining useful life of assets, oil sampling, oil analysis, certification programs and more.
SAS Asset Management: https://sas-am.com
Become a Lubrication Expert: https://lubrication.expert
Reliability It Matters podcast: https://accendoreliability.com/series/rim/
Industrial gear oil formulation is an interesting business. The first gear oils were more or less just cut back engine oil formulations, but as technology and manufacturing methods achieved higher levels of sophistication, gear oils were rebuilt from the ground up to better serve the needs of industry. Ion this wide-ranging conversation covering everything from base oils and additive, to the unique challenges of EV transmission fluids, Jim helps to break down these technologies.
Become a Lubrication Expert for $20USD per month: https://lubrication.expert
The mining industry is very capital intensive, making maintenance and reliability a key aspect of both safety and financial success. In this interview, two reliability specialists from BHP share what's going on in the industry, and what the future might look like. Hint: there are a lot more computers and robots, but also a lot more people.
Become a Lubrication Expert: https://lubrication.expert/product/lubrication-exchange/
Independent lubricant manufacturers in many ways represent the backbone of the industry. Most of the attention goes to the large multinationals, but in almost every country there are small to medium sized lubricant brands serving local industry. ILMA - the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association - represents these organisations in the US. I talked with their CEO, Holly Alfano and Director of Communications, Caitlin Jacobs about the unique challenges faced by the independents, as well as the advantages they might have over their larger counterparts.
Become a lubrication expert: https://lubrication.expert
Gas to Liquid (GTL) base oils have become reasonably popular in the industry over the last decade. Primarily produced by Shell at the Pearl GTL facility, there are some misconceptions around the actual process. Marketed as "PurePlus" technology in both Pennzoil and Shell finished lubricants, the base oil has also found it's way into many industrial products. But how does it stack up compared with other base oils like PAO? Does it truly deserve it's Group III "+" moniker? Trevor Gauntlett returns to explain.
Trevor Gauntlett Consulting: https://www.gauntlettconsulting.co.uk
Become a Lubrication Expert: https://lubrication.expert
Sales is changing - it has had to, thanks not only to the worldwide pandemic but also because the 'new kids on the block', aka the millennial generation, have an entirely different perspective on the world. Steve shares his ideas on how to change the face of sales, both in the here and now, and for the future. Change often requires us to look at what's gone before, identify the good, the bad, and the downright ugly, before creating a new playbook that can take us forward.
Get the Book: https://amzn.to/3HSCFJt
Steve's business website: https://plangrowdo.com
Become a Lubrication Expert: https://lubrication.expert
White Etch Cracking is a phenomenon that can affect many bearings, but is most commonly associated with wind turbine bearings. As a relatively "new" phenomenon, there were many mechanisms proposed including stray current, transient loads, and hydrogen embrittlement. But in order to study this failure mode, we first had to simulate it in the lab. This is the story of the multi-team research effort that went into understanding and eliminating WEC.
https://ingramtribology.com
Recruitment. It isn't easy for an industry that struggles for recognition. James Moorehouse from ABN Resources is an executive recruiter specializing in the lubricants industry; he was kind enough to sit down and share his thoughts on attracting talent, retaining talent, diversity and inclusion initiatives that go beyond just demographics and the challenges of an aging workforce.
For any business that plans to work into the next decade, this interview is for you!
When a new technology emerges, the lubricants industry must evolve to meet the specific challenges of the new operating paradigm. In the 1980's on of the biggest new applications was the wind turbine gearbox. In this episode Jim Carey, retired Mobil formulator, talks us through the evolution of these products and the formulation challenges as gearboxes became larger and more power dense.
One of the deficiencies of the lubrication industry has been its capacity to convey the value of the technology through meaningful stories. Laurie Winkless is here to change that; her new book (Sticky: The Secret Science of Surfaces) is an in-depth look at the science of tribology and surface science that weaves narratives of Olympic achievement, professional controversy and curiosity. It's a truly fascinating read and worthwhile for anyone in the industry - but most importantly Laurie shares some storytelling tips that we can use in our own work.
Ion exchange resin filter technologies have been around for a while, but have gained a lot of exposure through their capacity to remove molecules associated with varnish, particularly in turbomachinery systems. Peter Dufresne of EPT Clean oil helps shed light on these technologies and other strategies to use chemistry solutions to solve chemical problems in turbines. https://cleanoil.com
Inline sensors have been around for ages, yet they monitor very few lubricated components. This is in stark contrast to online vibration analysis, which has been commonplace for many years. Why the big difference? And what is the future of real-time oil analysis? I talk with Guillermo Miro from Atten2 about the world of online sensors. Atten2 website: http://atten2.com/
What exactly is the role of oil companies in motorsports? Seems like a trivial question, but their involvement can run much deeper than just slapping sticker on the side of a car or sponsoring a driver. Tomek Young - Global Motorsport Technology Manager at ExxonMobil, breaks down the relationship between race teams and their oil suppliers, and some of the specific things Mobil has been able to achieve in their programs.
Supply chains around the world are broken. But it definitely feels like the shortages in the lubricants world have been both more acute and more widespread. Rolling base oil, additive and finished lubricants shortages have affected many industries and there seems to be no end in sight. Lubricants supply chain expert Trevor Gaunlett gave us insight into both how we got caught wrong-footed, and what the medium-term outlook looks like for the market. If you'd like expert advice, check out Trevor's business page! https://www.gauntlettconsulting.co.uk
Erik Mosselaar from Distance and I discuss the digitalisation of expertise - how do you take expert decisions and bake them into algorithms? How do you make secure data available to a network of worldwide experts that can give you advice on maintenance activities? How do you tap into multiple data streams when the sensor technology is made by different OEMs? If you're interested in the Condence platform, check out the website: https://www.distence.fi
Blair Fraser from the Maintenance Disrupted podcast comes to talk about the state of the maintenance industry today, the most exciting technology he has been exposed to, and common threads which seem to enable success in the maintenance industry today. If you're not already already a regular listener, I encourage you to check out the podcast: https://www.maintenancedisrupted.com/podcast
Space... the final frontier. You know the drill. It's Space! It's the most extreme conditions that humankind will ever face - chillingly cold temperatures, violent heat, complete vacuum, zero gravity, atomic oxygen. Dr Juan Flores Preciado from SpaceX kindly sat down to talk through the challenges of lubricating machinery in the space industry. How can you use oil, grease and solid lubricants in these circumstances?
Sanya Mathura of Strategic Reliability Solutions discusses the topic of her new book - "Lubrication Degradation Mechanisms - A Complete Guide". We talk about the nuances of oil ageing, and how characterising deposits can help identify root causes. Book link (use code FLR40 for discount): https://www.routledge.com/Lubrication-Degradation-Mechanisms-A-Complete-Guide/Mathura/p/book/9780367607760 Pre-order the sequel: https://www.routledge.com/Lubrication-Degradation-Getting-into-the-Root-Causes/Mathura-Latino/p/book/9781032171579 SRS website: http://strategicreliabilitysolutions.com/
Can lubricant last forever? What do you need to measure and treat in service oils so that their life can extend to equal that of the equipment they are protecting? Greg Livingstone, Chief Innovation Officer of Fluitec sits down to discuss their approach to reconditioning oil. https://www.fluitec.com/
The lubrication landscape is evolving, but so is the business landscape. Service models abound, whether it's Software as a Service (think Microsoft 365, Salesforce) or Entertainment as a Service (think Netflix, Disney+). Now it's time for industrial service providers to start providing innovative business models. One such company that has been working at this for a number of years is Fluid Intelligence OY. As a provider of lubrication services (flushing, reconditioning etc) they are looking to tie customer payments to customer outcomes. We discussed the challenges of introducing new business models into the market with the CEO of the organisation, Mika Perttula.
Group V esters are interesting, inasmuch as the term "ester" only really refers to a single functional group. The capacity to tailor the "r" alkyl groups around these are infinite, and there are a number of small-batch companies producing highly customised esters for lubricating oils. Biosynthetic Technologies is known for the Estolides - a form of ester that is very resistant to hydrolysis. The other advantage is the capacity to produce sustainable lubricants at scale; this could very well be the future of the industry. Biosynthetic Technologies YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/channel/UCC-rip-p6HtahQyeQclHBnw Biosynthetic Technologies Website: https://www.biosynthetic.com/005
Naphthenic base oils - they're often seen as the unwanted cousins to paraffin base oils (Groups I - IV), but maybe the industry needs to re-evaluate this view. After all base oils aren't necessarily good or bad, just fit for certain applications.
The food industry has some really unique challenges when it comes to maintenance, reliability and lubrication. Simon Murray is a maintenance coach with extensive experience in the industry and was kind enough to sit down with me to talk about the industry in general, as well as lubrication practices within the industry. Simon's website: https://www.yourmaintenancecoach.com
If you've watched this channel before, you'll understand that I'm passionate about lubrication technologies and believe that they deserve a much more prominent role in conversations about sustainability and machine reliability. This channel is my contribution to putting in the spotlight, but Prof. Ashlie Martini of UC Merced has also been tackling this unique challenge. In this conversation we talk a bit about new technologies, how to make tribology more exciting to undergraduate students, lubricant for space and EVs, and a whole lot more.
Have you ever wondered why so many businesses do used oil analysis, but have no grease sampling program? I talked to Rich Wurzbach of MRG labs to find out the latest in grease analysis, and what makes it different from standard lubricant analysis.
MRG YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/c/MRGLaboratories...
MRG Website: greasethief.com