Understanding Circulating Oil System

Did you know that improper lubrication accounts for over 50% of machinery failures in industrial settings? Circulating oil systems play a vital role in preventing these issues by ensuring a continuous supply of clean, cool lubricant to key components. This article delves into how these systems work and how Rih-Wang’s high-quality circulating oil products can enhance machinery performance and reliability.

What is a Circulating Oil System?

Circulating oil systems ensure continuous lubrication of machinery by actively delivering clean, cooled oil to critical components. Like a circulatory system, the oil carries away heat and debris while reducing friction.

• How Does a Circulating Oil System Work?

The process starts with a reservoir holding the oil supply. A pump circulates the oil through filters, removing contaminants, and often a cooler to maintain optimal temperature and viscosity. Finally, the oil is delivered to lubrication points (bearings, gears, etc.) via pipelines and returns to the reservoir, completing the cycle. This system minimizes wear and tear, extends component life, and improves energy efficiency by reducing friction and controlling temperature and contamination.

• Market Overview of Circulating Oils

Circulating oils available on the market generally adhere to standardized specifications worldwide. In Taiwan, CPC Corporation is a leading brand and a major player in the market. While Rih-Wang operates under its own brand, we prioritize quality by sourcing our base oil from reputable suppliers like Formosa Petrochemical, ensuring it meets international standards such as those set by ASTM.

Although circulating oil grades are universally recognized, the quality and reliability of the raw materials used can vary significantly. Low-quality oils may seem cost-effective initially, but they can ultimately jeopardize equipment lifespan, lead to machinery damage, and generate unnecessary waste. These detrimental effects might not be immediately apparent but will inevitably surface over time, leading to increased costs and downtime.

• Primary Functions of a Circulating Oil System

1. Lubrication: Reduces friction and wear between moving parts, minimizing damage and extending equipment life. This is achieved by providing a constant film of oil between surfaces, preventing direct contact.
2. Temperature Control: Maintains optimal oil temperature, preventing overheating and viscosity changes that can affect lubrication effectiveness. Excessive heat can degrade the oil and reduce its lubricating properties.
3. Filtration: Continuously removes contaminants like wear particles and debris, ensuring clean oil circulates through the system. This prevents abrasive wear and damage to sensitive components.
4. Moisture Removal: Prevents corrosion and rust formation by removing moisture from the oil. This protects components from damage and extends their service life.
5. Flow and Pressure Regulation: Ensures the correct amount of oil reaches the lubricated parts at the required pressure for optimal performance. This precise delivery maximizes lubrication efficiency and prevents under-lubrication or over-lubrication.

• Applications of Circulating Oil Systems

Circulating oil systems are crucial for lubricating and cooling mechanical components like bearings, gearboxes, and blowers, ensuring efficient operation and longevity. These systems:
1. Reduce friction and heat in bearings: Enhancing performance and lifespan.
2. Prevent wear and overheating in gearboxes: Maintaining optimal performance.
3. Maintain efficiency and prevent damage in blowers: Ensuring proper functioning.
4. Support other equipment: Including turbines, compressors, and hydraulic systems, ensuring reliable operation.

What is Circulating Oil?

Circulating oil is a type of lubricant specifically designed for use in circulating oil systems. It encompasses various types of lubricants, each with unique properties to meet different application needs. Choosing the appropriate circulating oil depends on factors like viscosity, operating temperature, and the type of equipment.

• Advantages of Using Circulating Oil

1. Extend Equipment Lifespan: Continuous lubrication and cooling minimize wear and tear, significantly extending the life of your machinery.
2. Improve Efficiency: Reduces friction between moving parts, leading to lower energy consumption and improved overall efficiency.
3. Minimize Downtime: Prevents unexpected equipment failures caused by inadequate lubrication or overheating, maximizing operational uptime and productivity.

How to Choose the Right Circulating Oil Based on Your Needs

Selecting the appropriate circulating oil is crucial for optimal equipment performance and longevity. Consider the following factors:

1. Viscosity

The most important factor to consider is viscosity, which refers to the oil's resistance to flow and is arguably the most critical factor. Viscosity dictates how easily the oil can form a protective film between moving parts. The wrong viscosity can lead to increased friction, wear, and even component failure.

◆Tips on Choosing the Right Viscosity

-Higher viscosity: Thicker oils suitable for heavy loads and high-pressure systems, as they provide a robust lubricating film.
-Lower viscosity: Thinner oils ideal for high-speed machinery or systems operating in cold temperatures, where the oil needs to flow easily.

2. Practical Application Needs

Consider the specific requirements of your machinery, such as load capacity, operating speed, operating temperature, and exposure to contaminants or moisture.

3. Manufacturer Recommendations

Always refer to the equipment manufacturer's guidelines and select circulating oils that comply with their specifications and standards. This ensures compatibility and maximizes equipment life.

4. Quality Certification

Choose circulating oils that meet international certification standards, such as ISO or ASTM. These certifications guarantee the oil's quality and performance.

High-Quality Circulating Oil Recommendation from Rih-Wang

Rih-Wang offers a range of high-quality circulating oils designed to meet diverse industrial needs. Our offerings include four versatile hydraulic oil options: 46AW, 46AWS, 68AW, and 68AWS, each engineered to deliver exceptional performance and reliability across various applications.

• Key Features of Rih-Wang's Hydraulic Oils

1. Viscosity Differences: The 46 series (41-50 cSt) is less viscous, while the 68 series (61-75 cSt) provides higher viscosity for stronger film strength and higher load capacity.
2. Additives & Performance: All oils use ashless additives for wear protection. The AWS oils provide extra oxidation stability, rust resistance, and foam control for demanding conditions.
3. Applications: These oils are suitable for a wide range of hydraulic systems, from light to moderate duty. The AWS series is ideal for environments with high temperatures, moisture, or potential for foam formation.
4. Standards: All Rih-Wang hydraulic oils meet DIN 51524 and Denison HF-0 standards, ensuring quality and compatibility.

• Selection Guide

If you need a standard anti-wear hydraulic oil, either the 46AW or 68AW will suffice, with the choice depending on the desired viscosity.
For systems that require better performance in terms of oxidation, rust, and foam control, the 46AWS or 68AWS oils are the better option.

FAQ 

Q1: Is Recycled Oil Better Than New Oil?

A: While recycled oil may be cheaper, it has a shorter lifespan and higher consumption rate compared to new oil. Recycled oil often contains impurities, which can lead to increased machine wear and higher maintenance costs over time. Choosing high-quality new oil ensures better performance and longevity.

Q2: What Are the Types of Circulating Oils?

• Mineral Oils: Derived from crude oil, these are the most common and cost-effective circulating oils, offering reliable performance in many applications.
• Synthetic Oils: Man-made oils designed for specific performance needs, offering better stability, temperature resistance, and longer lifespan.
• Biodegradable Oils: Environmentally friendly oils that break down more easily in nature, reducing environmental impact in case of spills.

Conclusion

Circulating oil systems are essential for maintaining the health and efficiency of your industrial machinery. Choosing the right circulating oil can significantly impact performance, longevity, and operating costs. Rih-Wang offers a comprehensive range of high-quality circulating oils tailored to diverse industrial needs, ensuring your equipment runs smoothly and reliably.

Ready to optimize your equipment's performance with the perfect circulating oil solution? Contact us today to discover the ideal oil for your application and ensure maximum efficiency and longevity.