Three common oil additives are:
- Detergents: Detergents are added to oil to prevent the build-up of sediment and sludge. They help keep your engine clean by dispersing and suspending contaminants that accumulate during normal engine operation. Detergents also help neutralize acids formed during combustion, preventing internal engine corrosion.
- Dispersants: Dispersants work with detergents to suspend contaminants in the oil, preventing them from settling and forming deposits. They also help prevent the formation of harmful sludge and varnish.
- Anti-wear agent: Adding anti-wear agent to lubricating oil can reduce friction and wear between moving metal surfaces. The protective film they form helps minimize metal-to-metal contact, reducing the risk of engine damage and extending the life of engine components.
These additives are commonly found in motor oils and are critical to maintaining engine performance and life.
Common oil additives: three types and their functions
In the field of petrochemical industry, oil additives are a component that cannot be ignored. They are added to oils to improve various properties of the oil and meet different application needs. This article will introduce three common oil additives and explain their types and functions.
Types and functions of oil additives
Oil additives are mainly divided into the following categories:
Antioxidants: These additives can extend the service life of oil and prevent oxidation and deterioration of oil. Their function is to inhibit the oxidation reaction of oil, thereby slowing down the rate of oil deterioration.
Anti-foaming agent: Anti-foaming agent can effectively reduce the amount and stability of foam in oil products and prevent the generation and accumulation of foam. Their principle of action is to form a thin film on the surface of the foam, reducing the stability between the foams and making them easier to eliminate.
Emulsifier: Emulsifier can fully mix the water phase and oil phase in the oil to form a stable emulsion. Their principle of action is to reduce the interfacial tension so that the water and oil phases can be fully mixed.
Table of Contents
Three common oil additives
Antioxidants are mainly used to extend the service life of oil. The most common antioxidants are phenolic compounds, such as phenol, methylphenol, etc. These compounds can inhibit the oxidation reaction of oil and slow down the rate of oil deterioration. In addition, some metal passivators, such as phosphorus, barium, zinc and other compounds, can also effectively improve the antioxidant properties of oil.
Antifoaming agents are mainly used to eliminate foam in oil products. The most commonly used antifoaming agents are silicone compounds, such as dimethyl silicone oil, ethyl silicone oil, etc. These compounds form a thin film on the foam surface, reducing the stability between foams and making them easier to eliminate. In addition, some natural oils, such as cod liver oil, soybean oil, etc., also have anti-foaming effects.
Emulsifiers are mainly used to fully mix the water phase and oil phase in oil products to form a stable emulsion. Commonly used emulsifiers include esters formed by higher fatty acids and higher fatty alcohols, as well as some surfactants, such as polyoxyethylene alkyl phenol ethers. These compounds can reduce the interfacial tension, fully mix the water and oil phases, and form a stable emulsion.
Application skills and precautions
In practical applications, selecting appropriate additives requires considering factors such as the properties of the oil, the environment in which it is used, and the purpose of its use. Here are some things to note:
The selection of antioxidants needs to consider the antioxidant performance requirements of the oil. For oils that are easily oxidized, it is necessary to choose antioxidants with strong antioxidant properties. In addition, the amount of antioxidants added needs to be determined based on the actual situation. Too much or too little may have a negative impact on the quality of the oil.
The addition of anti-foaming agent needs to be appropriate. Too much or too little may affect the normal use of the oil. When adding anti-foaming agent, the oil needs to be fully stirred so that the anti-foaming agent can be evenly distributed in the oil. In addition, for some oil products with anti-foaming properties, priority can be given to using oil products with anti-foaming properties.
The addition of emulsifier requires controlling the ratio of water phase and oil phase, as well as the concentration of emulsifier. When adding emulsifier, you need to slowly add it to the oil and stir thoroughly so that the emulsifier can be evenly distributed in the oil. In addition, attention must be paid to the stability of the emulsifier to avoid emulsifier layering or precipitation.
In summary, there are many factors to consider when selecting and using oil additives. In practical applications, parameters such as the type and dosage of additives need to be determined based on actual conditions. At the same time, it is also necessary to pay attention to issues such as the quality and service life of additives to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the oil.