Glossary
To help you better understand our work and navigate the world of industrial lubrication and oil analysis, we’ve compiled a simple and accessible glossary of key terms. It’s a great way to demystify our technical jargon and help you grasp the concepts, methods, and vocabulary we use every day. Whether you’re a technician, manager, or simply curious, you’ll find clear definitions to help you understand our services and operations.
Our technical side, simplified
Lubricant
A substance (often mineral oil, vegetable oil, or grease-based) used to reduce friction between moving surfaces, limit wear, dissipate heat, and protect mechanical components from corrosion and contaminants.
Tribology
The science of friction, wear, and lubrication between surfaces in contact. It helps us understand how to optimize mechanical interactions for better durability and performance.
Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF)
A liquid or gas used to transfer heat from one point to another in an industrial system. It must have stable thermal properties and strong resistance to oxidation and thermal degradation.
Flash point
The lowest temperature at which a fluid emits enough vapours to form a flammable mixture with air in the presence of an ignition source…a key indicator of flammability risk.
Fire point
The temperature at which a fluid continues to burn for at least five seconds after ignition… always higher than the flash point.
Viscosity
A measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. It’s essential for lubricants, as it affects their ability to form a protective film. Viscosity changes with temperature.
Filtration
The process of removing solid particles, water, or other contaminants from lubricants or industrial fluids. Effective filtration extends the life of both lubricants and equipment, while reducing the risk of failure.
Maintenance
Industrial maintenance includes all actions taken to ensure equipment runs smoothly, prevent breakdowns (preventive maintenance), or repair them (corrective maintenance).
