Solvent Resistant Lubricants and Sealants

Abstract

THE considerable increase in the number of resin, synthetic rubber, tar, solvent and oil refining installations in recent years, together with the expansion of the plastics industry and rapid growth of the synthetic fibre plants has brought in its train numerous problems in the lubrication field. Many of the liquids produced, or used in the processes are strong solvents for the more conventional types of lubricating greases. If these liquids cannot be prevented from coming into contact with the lubricants used in the fuel pumps, bearings, glands, cocks and valves etc. on the plant lines by the use of suitable seals of the “Teflon” type (for example), then the lubricant has to be formulated with appropriate fluids or gelling materials which are comparatively immiscible in the solvents used. This has resulted in a search for better solvent resistant lubricants particularly where these are used on equipment handling gasoline and oil fractions, ketones, chlorinated solvents and aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons in liquid or vapour form.