Lubricating oil plays an indispensable role in the operation of ships. It not only affects the performance and lifespan of ship equipment, but also directly relates to the navigation safety of ships. So, what exactly is ship lubricating oil used for? What types are there? This article will delve into these issues in depth.
1、 The role of ship lubricating oil
The main functions of ship lubricating oil are reflected in the following aspects:
Lubrication and friction reduction: Many components in ship equipment need to move together, and lubricating oil can form a lubricating film between these components, reducing friction and wear, thereby improving the service life of the equipment.
Cooling and cooling: Lubricating oil can take away some of the heat generated by the equipment during the circulation process, playing a cooling and cooling role, ensuring that the equipment operates at normal operating temperatures.
Cleaning: Lubricating oil can wash away metal debris and other impurities inside the equipment, keeping it clean and preventing malfunctions caused by impurities.
Sealing and leakage prevention: Lubricating oil can form an effective oil film between the piston ring and cylinder liner, playing a sealing role, preventing gas leakage, and improving the working efficiency of the equipment.
Rust and corrosion prevention: Lubricating oil can adhere to metal surfaces, isolate air and water, and prevent rust and corrosion of metal components.
Shock absorption and buffering: Lubricating oil can reduce the impact and vibration during equipment operation, improve the smoothness and comfort of the equipment.
2、 Types of ship lubricating oil
There are various types of ship lubricants, which can be divided into the following categories based on the different parts of use and performance requirements:
Marine engine oil: This is the most widely used type of lubricating oil on ships, mainly used for lubricating ship engines. According to the type and performance requirements of the engine, marine engine oil can be divided into various models and specifications.
Gear oil: used for lubrication of components such as gearboxes and bearings in ship transmission systems, requiring high extreme pressure wear resistance and good thermal stability.
Hydraulic oil: used for lubrication and sealing of various pumps, motors, valves and other components in ship hydraulic systems, requiring good wear resistance, oxidation resistance, and anti foaming performance.
Cylinder oil: mainly used for cylinder lubrication in large low-speed two-stroke diesel engines, it can effectively prevent wear and corrosion of cylinder walls.
Lubricating grease: a semi-solid lubricant mainly used in some parts of ships that are not easy to add liquid lubricating oil, such as bearings, chains, etc.
In addition, there are some special purpose ship lubricants, such as marine chain oil, servo oil, etc., which are designed according to specific working environments and performance requirements.
In summary, ship lubricants play a crucial role in the operation of ships. The correct selection and use of lubricating oil can ensure the normal operation of ship equipment and extend its service life, providing strong guarantees for the safe navigation of ships. Therefore, ship management personnel and crew members should fully understand the role and types of ship lubricants, and choose and replace them according to the actual situation.
