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Slick
04-05-2004 14:59:02
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Re: What is synthetic oil made from? in reply to Alberta Mike, 04-05-2004 03:43:51
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Synthetic fluids consist of polyalphaolefin (PAO), esters and other additives. The raw material used is natural gas which is first liquefied, then by using catalysts, is chemically restructured into oligomers before being refined. After refining, the stock is blended with diesters to achieve seal compatibility (prevent seal swelling) and increase additive solubility, enabling additives to go into solution in the fluid. This process results in a fluid which is very pure, has extended low temperature performance, and high temperature stability. The cost of synthetic lubricants is about four times greater than the cost of conventional hydraulic oil. This is partly because, in comparison to crude oil, natural gas supplies are relatively limited. In addition, synthetic oils, as opposed to being refined, are manufactured through a chemical process in a chemical plant. Synthetic fluids should be thought of as a chemical with uniform and smooth molecular structures. As a result friction between molecules is reduced, reducing pressure drop and heat generation as the fluid flows through the system.Offsetting their significantly higher cost are many benefits. Oxidation resistance is outstanding. Synthetics can handle operating of temperatures of 300¢ªF and higher without breaking down like conventional oils. For that matter, most of the other fluids don¡¯t handle high temperatures very well either. The high flash point of synthetics aids in their resistance to evaporative loss and oxidation, again, resulting in greater resistance to sludge formation.Since synthetic fluids don¡¯t break down at high temperatures, the formation of sludge is greatly reduced. The uniform molecular structure of synthetics provides a shear stable fluid with a high viscosity index making synthetics an excellent choice for use in machines that encounter a very wide range of temperatures. The same fluid that will survive in an arctic application will easily cope with hot desert conditions. This may allow a reduction in the number of fluids that need to be inventoried and managed. Synthetic fluids possess exceptional lubricity, film strength, corrosion protection, and anti-wear qualities. As a result, pumps and motors do not have to be derated when used with synthetic fluids. Synthetics tend to exhibit excellent demulsibility, easily separating large amounts of water from the fluid.Because synthetic fluids are so resistant to breakdown from thermal degradation, oxidation, sludge formation, and shear, systems stay cleaner and the fluid lasts longer, extending the service life of the fluid.
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