Oiler – A device for once-through lubrication. Three common types of oilers are: drop-feed, wick-feed, and bottle-feed; all depend on gravity to induce a metered flow of oil to the bearing. The drop-feed oiler delivers oil from the bottom of a reservoir to a bearing one drop at a time; flow rate is controlled by a needle valve at the top of the reservoir. In a wick-feed oiler, the oil flows through a wick and drips from the end of the wick into the bearing; feed is regulated by chaining the number of strands, by raising or lowering the oil level, or by applying pressure to the wick. In a bottle-feed oiler, a vacuum at the top of the jar keeps the fluid from running out; as tiny bubbles of air enter, the vacuum is reduced and a small amount of oil enters the bearing or is added to a reservoir from which the bearing is lubricated.
Open Gear – A gear that is exposed to the environment, rather than being housed in a protective gearbox. Open gears are generally large, heavily loaded, and slow moving. They are found in such applications as mining and construction machinery, punch presses, plastic and rubber mills, tube mills, and rotary kilns. Open gears require viscous, adhesive lubricants that bond to the metal surfaces and resist run-off. Such lubricants are often called gear shields. Top-quality lubricants for such applications are specially formulated to protect the gears against the effects of water and other contaminants.
Organic Compound – A chemical substance containing carbon and hydrogen. Other elements, such as nitrogen or oxygen, may also be present.
OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Oxidation – The chemical combination of a substance with oxygen. All petroleum products are subject to oxidation, with resultant degradation of their composition and performance. The process is accelerated by heat, light metal catalysts (e.g., copper), and the presence of water, acids, or solid contaminants. The first reaction products of oxidation are organic peroxides. Continued oxidation catalyzed by peroxides, forms alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and organic acids, which can be further oxidized to form high-molecular-weight, oil-insoluble polymers; these settle out as sludges, varnishes, and gums that can impair equipment operation. The organic acids formed from oxidation are corrosive to (i.e., cause oxidation of) metals. Oxidation resistance of a product can be improved by careful selection of base stocks (paraffins have greater oxidation resistance than naphthenes), special refining methods, and addition of oxidation inhibitors. Also, oxidation can be minimized by good maintenance of oil and equipment to prevent contamination and excessive heat.
Oxidation Inhibitor – A substance added in small quantities to a petroleum or other product to increase its oxidation resistance, thereby lengthening its service or storage life; also called antioxidant. An oxidation inhibitor may work in one of three ways: (1.) by combining with an modifying peroxides (initial oxidation products) to render them harmless, (2.) by decomposing the peroxides, or (3.) by rendering an oxidation catalyst (metal or metal ions) inert.
Oxidation Stability – The resistance of a petroleum product to oxidation; hence, a measure of its potential service or storage life. There are a number of ASTM tests to determine the oxidation stability of a lubricant or fuel, all of which are intended to simulate service conditions on an accelerated basis. In general, the test sample is exposed to oxygen or air at an elevated temperature, and sometimes to water or catalysts (usually iron or copper). Depending on the test, results are expressed in terms of the time required to produce a specified effect (such as a pressure drop), the amount of sludge or gum produced, or the amount of oxygen consumed during a specified period.