Are internal lubricants flammable?
As a supplier of internal lubricants, I often encounter questions from customers regarding the safety and properties of our products, with one of the most common being about their flammability. In this blog post, I aim to provide a comprehensive and scientific answer to the question: Are internal lubricants flammable?
Internal lubricants are substances used in various industries, such as plastics, rubber, and metalworking, to reduce friction and improve the flow properties of materials during processing. They play a crucial role in enhancing the quality and efficiency of manufacturing processes. However, their flammability is a significant concern, especially in industrial settings where safety is paramount.
To understand the flammability of internal lubricants, we first need to look at their chemical composition. Different types of internal lubricants have different chemical structures, which determine their physical and chemical properties, including flammability.
Types of Internal Lubricants and Their Flammability
PVC Stripper EBS
PVC Stripper EBS is a commonly used internal lubricant in the PVC industry. It is an ethylene bis-stearamide, which is a waxy solid at room temperature. Generally, substances with a high melting point and low volatility are less likely to be flammable. PVC Stripper EBS has a relatively high melting point, usually around 140 - 146°C. This means that under normal conditions, it does not easily vaporize and form a flammable mixture with air.
However, like most organic compounds, if it is heated to a high enough temperature in the presence of an ignition source, it can burn. But the conditions required for it to catch fire are quite extreme. In industrial applications, as long as proper storage and handling procedures are followed, the risk of fire due to PVC Stripper EBS is very low.
Higher Saturated Fatty Acid 1801
Higher Saturated Fatty Acid 1801 is another type of internal lubricant. It is a saturated fatty acid, typically stearic acid. Fatty acids are organic compounds that contain a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to a long hydrocarbon chain.
The flammability of fatty acids depends on their chain length and degree of saturation. Higher saturated fatty acids like 1801 have relatively long hydrocarbon chains, which makes them less volatile compared to shorter-chain fatty acids. At room temperature, they are usually solid or semi - solid. Similar to PVC Stripper EBS, they require a significant amount of heat to vaporize and ignite. In normal industrial environments, where the temperature is well below their ignition points, the risk of flammability is minimal.
OPE Wax Oxidized Polyethylene Wax
OPE Wax Oxidized Polyethylene Wax is a modified polyethylene wax. Oxidized polyethylene wax has polar groups on its molecular chain, which gives it better compatibility with other materials and improved lubricating properties.
Polyethylene waxes are generally considered to have a relatively low flammability. The oxidation process in OPE wax does not significantly increase its flammability. However, it is still an organic polymer, and if exposed to high - energy ignition sources and elevated temperatures, it can burn. The ignition temperature of OPE wax is typically in the range of 250 - 300°C, which is relatively high compared to many common flammable substances.
Factors Affecting Flammability
Apart from the chemical composition, several other factors can affect the flammability of internal lubricants:
Temperature
As mentioned earlier, temperature is a crucial factor. Most internal lubricants have a specific ignition temperature. If the temperature of the lubricant reaches or exceeds this point in the presence of an ignition source, it will catch fire. In industrial processes, it is essential to control the temperature carefully to prevent overheating of the lubricants.
Concentration and Dispersion
The concentration of the lubricant in a mixture and its dispersion can also influence flammability. If an internal lubricant is finely dispersed in a volatile solvent or a flammable medium, the overall flammability of the system may increase. On the other hand, if it is used in a well - ventilated area where the concentration of any potentially flammable vapors is kept low, the risk of fire is reduced.
Ignition Source
The presence of an ignition source is necessary for a fire to start. Common ignition sources in industrial settings include open flames, sparks from electrical equipment, and hot surfaces. Proper safety measures should be in place to eliminate or control these ignition sources when handling internal lubricants.
Safety Measures
To ensure the safe use of internal lubricants, the following safety measures should be implemented:
Storage
Internal lubricants should be stored in a cool, dry, and well - ventilated area. They should be kept away from heat sources, open flames, and other flammable materials. The storage containers should be properly labeled and sealed to prevent leakage.
Handling
During handling, workers should wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles. The lubricants should be transferred using proper equipment to avoid spills. If a spill occurs, it should be cleaned up immediately using appropriate absorbent materials.
Fire Prevention
Fire prevention systems, such as fire extinguishers and sprinklers, should be installed in areas where internal lubricants are used or stored. Workers should be trained in fire safety procedures, including how to use fire extinguishers and how to evacuate in case of a fire.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while internal lubricants are organic substances and have the potential to burn under certain conditions, their flammability is generally low under normal industrial use. Products like PVC Stripper EBS, Higher Saturated Fatty Acid 1801, and OPE Wax Oxidized Polyethylene Wax require relatively high temperatures and specific ignition sources to catch fire.
By following proper storage, handling, and safety procedures, the risk of fire associated with internal lubricants can be effectively managed. As a supplier, we are committed to providing high - quality internal lubricants and ensuring that our customers have the necessary information to use them safely.
If you are interested in purchasing our internal lubricants or have any further questions about their properties and safety, please feel free to contact us for a detailed discussion. We look forward to working with you to meet your industrial lubrication needs.
References
- Handbook of Industrial Lubrication, Third Edition.
- Safety Guidelines for Chemical Handling in the Plastics Industry.
- Journal of Applied Polymer Science, various issues related to polymer lubricants.