There are four main families of gearbox oils: Mineral oils Poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs) Esters Polyglycols, also referred to as Poly Alkylene Glycols (PG or PAG) Mineral oils, PAOs and esters may all be mixed together. Only polyglycol type synthetic oils (PG or PAG) may not be mixed with the other lubricant types. They can react together and form gum gels in the casings. Furthermore, they can sometimes be incompatible and immiscible with other polyglycols.

Many considerations have to be factored in when selecting a gearbox lubricant: Gearbox type: dimensions, the metal from which the teeth are made, sliding properties and gear ratio, open or closed casing, etc. Operating conditions: depending on the load, vibration and shock levels, anti-wear and extreme pressure properties determine the choice of lubricant. Service oil temperature: very low, moderate of between +20°C and +80°C, hot at more than +80°C and extreme at in excess of +120°C. Possible effects that the gearbox's environment might have on the lubricant: some oils have enhanced anti-corrosion properties to maintain the length of the fluid's service life in the event of exposure to humidity, dust or other elements. Possible effects that the lubricant might have on the gearbox's environment in the event of a leak: biodegradability, food-grade or non-staining properties may be required. Maintenance conditions: a synthetic fluid that can allow long intervals between oil changes and which guarantees high levels of operational safety can result in significant maintenance cost savings.

All quality hydraulic fluids must be capable of fulfilling the following functions: Transmit power: transfer of a kinetic or potential energy (movement or pressure) Lubricate and protect: protection against wear on surfaces in contact In order to best fulfil these functions, a hydraulic fluid must have a certain number of properties, as summarised below: The right viscosity and little variation in viscosity in relation to temperature. Low compressibility (rapid deaeration and low foaming). The viscosity grade has to be chosen depending on the in-service temperature. Actually, the in-service lubricant has to maintain a viscosity higher than 10-15 cts in order to lubricate the pump. OEMs recommendations have to be followed.

Way of playing its role for a lubricant applicated to chain. For it to be effective, a lubricant has to penetrate into the articulation and work in the places where there is friction. For a more detailed explanation, please visit: https://www.lubricants.total.com/how-does-efficient-lubricant-work-when-it-lubricates-mechanical-chains?field_topics_tid=41.

In a heat exchanger, heat moves from the heat source into the moving fluid through a thin film of fluid. If the temperature of this fluid film exceeds the maximum recommended film temperature, the chemical bonds holding the molecules together start to break apart, the fluid will degrade, and the fluid life might be shortened. In the circuits, thermal cracking will cause deposits formation, pump cavitation and loss of heating capacity. The ISO 6743-12 standard establishes the detailed classification of family Q (heat transfer fluids). Temperatures indicated in the table are those of the bulk fluid, measure in the discharge line from the heater. Film oil temperatures may reach higher values.

Lubricants for chains need to have the following properties: An appropriate level of viscosity so that it can reach the interior surfaces that need to be lubricated. Enough lubricity to maintain a lubricant film at high loads. Sufficient adhesion so that the greases stay on the chain. Good anticorrosion properties at all temperatures, in some cases, the ability to withstand variations in temperature without deposits forming when the lubricant breaks down. Meeting all chain lubrication requirements with a single product is not a completely realistic target. A lubricating formula is first and foremost a subtle compromise of varying types of performance – some of which can sometimes be contradictory.

Corrosion is the result of chemical reactions between metallic materials and their environment.

A rust preventive is used to isolate the metal from its environment (water, oxygen) thanks to a protection film.

Viscosimetric properties The right viscosity: Hydraulic equipment functions in a defined viscosity range. It is therefore important to supply a hydraulic oil of the right viscosity in order to guarantee optimum functioning of the installation. Insufficient viscosity leads to breakdowns in the oil film and therefore wear on the moving parts. In addition, losses are increased. On the other hand, an excessive viscosity has a negative impact on efficiency, heat exchanges and may lead to cavitation phenomena in pumps. Note: the impact of pressure on viscosity should not be forgotten (viscosity increases with pressure). High viscosity index - for applications over a wide temperature range: For use in varying climatic conditions, it is important to guarantee the right viscosity over the whole temperature range, hence the importance of the viscosity index for these applications. The higher the viscosity index, the lower the variation in viscosity in relation to temperature. A high viscosity index enables proper functioning over a much wider temperature range.

It is known that the service life of a conveyor or transmission chain depends on it being properly lubricated. More specifically, the lubricant should insert itself as a thin film between metallic surfaces that come into contact with one another in the chains, and the surfaces between the axles and the sockets, and the surfaces between the plates. To be able to do this, the lubricant has to be fluid enough to penetrate into the articulations and between the plates, and has to have a high wetting ability: preference should be given to a lubricating oil the viscosity of which varies depending on how it is applied (for example, manually, using a drip system, etc.). However, in some cases and / or for some applications, the manufacturer will prescribe the use of greases. Most of the time, chains operating in a humid atmosphere and / or humid environment (when the manufacturing process involves their total or partial immersion) will need to be lubricated (for example: steriliser in a cannery). In this case, the chains will be designed to be lubricated using greases - there will be grease channels in the axles so that the surfaces between the axle and the socket can be lubricated - or they will be larger so that surfaces that come into contact with one another can be lubricated using a greased pump.

The textile industry is one of the largest industries worldwide and there are multiple production steps for the manufacture of textile goods. For productivity reasons, such steps have to be done at the maximum speed which is regularly increased through the evolution of techniques and machinery. However, higher speeds mean higher constraints and yarns have to be protected. Depending on their final field of application, textile products also have to fulfil specific requirements from raw materials to finished goods. Textile lubricants are therefore needed to protect the processed materials while coping with the inner requirements of their end-uses and industries.

Total Lubricants developed high mileage oils for Latin America and the US with 3 main benefits: - Chemically enhanced to revitalize seals and thus reduce leakage - Powerful additives for superior corrosion protection and engine longevity. - Special refined base oils that help guard against oil burn-off and break down

Total Quartz engine oil truly are formulated in collaboration with car manufacturers, used for factory fills and recommended for use in after-sales. If you want to go even further,discover our lubricants’ homologations, description, technical sheet, safety data sheet (SDS) visit our online catalogue: www.catalog.total.co.za.

Total's synthetic base oils are produced by isohydromerization. Isohydromerized base oils used by Total are the fruit of continuous developments and fine tuning in Total refining facilities and with external partners and are used to create tailor-made products for any end-user.

Remove your motorcycle oil filter cap, place a tray under the bike and remove the sump plug. Remove the appropriate bolt, which is the biggest one on the sump, usually on the bottom or on the side. Once the oil is drained, remove the filter with a wrench. Replace the sump plug, tighten to the correct torque setting as recommended in the owner's manual before spinning on a new filter. Smear the rubber filter gasket in clean oil before tightening by hand. Nip it up half a turn with the filter wrench. Pour new oil. You can restart the bike after and check for leaks. After that, stop the engine for five minutes and check the level again.

How lubricants are stored is very important – it's what determines their levels of cleanliness and their initial performance. In storage, lubricants should be: – Protected: sheltered, in a closed and ventilated area; failing that, the packaging should at least be covered and protected from the elements. In order to avoid accidental pollution, oil drums should be stored horizontally, bungs should be on their sides. Air breathers / dryers fitted to the drums and tanks protect the oil against humidity more effectively. – Environmentally friendly. Packaging should be placed on holding tanks the volumes of which have been determined in compliance with current local regulations. – Properly identified: the names of the products stored should be clearly visible in order to prevent handling errors. Information about the dates on which delivery was taken of the lubricants and the application of the FIFO (First in First out) rule will ensure that the lubricants in storage do not expire. Special oils (biodegradable, food-grade oils, metalworking oils, etc.) must be stored in special, clearly identified areas. – Efficient: the types of packaging and the quantities of products stored should be selected on the basis of usage and the available logistics resources. – Functional: there should be enough equipment for distributing the lubricants (jugs and grease pumps) such that products are not mixed. There should be filtration systems to remove any pollution from the oil before top-ups or fills.

Key advantages of biolubricants: high level of biodegradability lower toxicity good lubricating properties high viscosity index high flash point increased security for users longer equipment life reduction in oil losses through evaporation reduced risk of environmental pollution

The method of lubricant storage (bulk, container, drum, can) must be determined according to the volumes stored, the consumption of lubricants, supplier delivery deadlines but also maintenance habits. Making the right choice of containers allows you to avoid having too large stocks that lead to capital costs and increase the risk of exceeding the expiry date for using the products. An adapted storage method also limits the risk of pollution and degradation of the product during its storage time.

Incompatibility between two oils can cause a physicochemical reaction between the base oils or a chemical reaction between their performance additives: - The reaction between the base oils can lead to the formation of two phases, or a complete degradation of the base oils, with their viscosity becoming impaired. This results in a major modification of the properties of the fluid and pronounced reduction in the performance of the oil feed. - The reaction between performance additives may generate deposits. These deposits can cause a significant reduction in the filterability and/or increased foam from the mixture of the two oils, and a general drop in the performance of the oil feed. In these two cases, this degradation of the properties of the lubricant can cause accelerated wear of the equipment and lead to a shut down or even a breakage of the installation. It is therefore mandatory to perform careful flushing when changing lubricants.

Before any change or complement of lubricant in machinery, it is essential to ensure their mutual compatibility. A compatibility test carried out in a laboratory might be necessary. Some well known cases showing compatibility issues: - Synthetic oils based on polyalkylene glycol (PAG) are incompatible with mineral oils and other synthetic oils. Oils formulated based on PAG are also not all mutually compatible. - Ash-forming oils, for example oils containing zinc dithiophosphate additives, are generally not compatible with ashless oils. - Replacement of a fluid grease with an oil. - Replacement of a grease by another incompatible grease.

Filling a machine with an oil that has a very low pollution class involves significant investments in order to ensure that this property is maintained right up until it enters the inside of the hydraulic circuit, without absolute guarantees in terms of the results. Here are 4 critical phases during which there are risks of an oil being polluted, meaning that particular caution is required: • The oil may be polluted during production at the factory. Producing a very clean oil involves additional processing in additional industrial machines. • The packaging (drum, for example) used to transport the oil is exposed to stresses and so ages over time. Polluting particles can enter the oil. For this reason, oil that is delivered in bulk is cleaner than oil that is packaged in drums – there is no opportunity for pollution from the drum to get into the oil. • Drums "breathe". As the temperature varies, exchanges between the exterior and the inside of the drum take place, allowing air containing pollutants to enter. • There is another risk of the oil being polluted when it comes into contact with air or unprotected decanting components as it is transferred from its packaging into the circuit. It is therefore far more profitable and efficient to filter the oil as it is brought into service or alongside the circuit, while the machine is in operation. Furthermore, it is the only way of making sure that the level of cleanliness required by the equipment is obtained.

First of all, the sample taken needs to be representative of the oil load to be analysed and / or has to provide the most reliable possible analysis of the state of the lubricated component: the location of the sample taken is therefore of key importance and should always be the same depending on the type of information required. The sample must always be taken in accordance with a predefined procedure. This procedure must be rigorously and strictly applied for each sample taken so as to maximise the reliability of the analysis and ensure that it is consistent with all previous analyses for the same given machine. The equipment used to take the sample and the containers into which the oil for analysis will be collected must all be completely clean so as to minimise the risk of errors in the analysis. Each container containing an oil sample for analysis must be correctly labelled and should include all the information needed for an accurate analysis. This will ensure a reliable analysis history and is vital for tracking changes in operating conditions and levels of wear on the machine in question.

When you have a technical query, please contact the Lubricants Technical Team. You can email them on lubricants-technical@total.co.za and one of the Technical Advisors will respond to you and assist you with your query.

There are two types of training offered by Total. 1. LubInstitute This is online training which you can complete in your own time. The training is interactive and engaging and there are a variety of modules to help upskill you and your team. If you don't have access to this training, please email the Lubricants Technical Team on lubricants-technical@total.co.za. 2. Classroom training If you require classroom training for you and your team, you can send a request to lubricants-technical@total.co.za and one of the Technical Advisors will contact you regarding your training request.