Hydrodynamic journal bearing performance using rapeseed base fluid lubricant

The use of Environmentally Adapted Lubricants (EAL) is a subject of growing interest as public environmental awareness and new legislation increasingly demands the replacement of mineral oil lubricants. Vegetable-based fluids are widely seen as providing lubricants from a renewable source as well as meeting demands for improved biodegradability. A study was carried out to extend the available knowledge in respect to the use of vegetable base fluids in hydrodynamic lubrication. The influence of viscosity index (VI) on bearing performance was also examined. Three mineral turbine oils were used. Good comparability between the rapeseed fluid and the two thinner mineral oils was observed. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 16th International Colloquium Tribology Lubricants Materials and Lubrication Engineering (Stuttgart/Ostfildern, Germany 1/15-17/2008).
QC 20120309