High Temperature Lubricants
Many factors must be considered when selecting a lubricant for an application, high in priority is the likely operating temperature of the component. Some applications operate cyclically between a maximum and minimum temperature. Others are more consistent and operate at a fairly steady nominal temperature.
In all cases the nominal, maximum and minimum temperature of operation must be considered in order to determine the most appropriate lubricant.
Simplistically both oils and greases evaporate or degrade at elevated temperatures, some types more than others. Synthetics are generally more thermally stable and resistant to extremes of temperature however for all lubricants a good rule of thumb is that for every 10-15°C raise in temperature, you typically half the life of the lubricant.
Another factor to consider is the viscosity and also the Viscosity Index (VI) of the lubricant. The Viscosity is basically how ‘thick’ the fluid is at a set temperature, usually at 40°C and is measured in Centistokes cSt. The Viscosity Index is a measure of how the viscosity changes with temperature. Fluids become thicker at lower temperatures and thinner at higher temperatures, the ideal lubricant offers a more stable viscosity throughout a wide temperature range, a high VI.
The key to choosing a lubricant with the correct viscosity is knowing the operating temperature and the viscosity can be then chosen to give an adequate lubricant film at that temperature.
Mineral oils are less resistant to degradation than synthetic oils however additives can also be used to enhance the VI and resistance to oxidation.
When we consider grease lubrication the base oil properties must still be considered however we must also be careful with selecting the ideal thickener and additives. Some soaps are more thermally stable than others, some will melt at relatively low temperatures rendering the product useless, some are not compatible with certain materials, some are more resistant to water washout there are many factors to consider.
What is High temperature?
Obviously what we consider as high temperature is relative and varies from industry to industry and application to application however a simple guide is as follows:
The typical operating temperature range of various synthetic oils are shown on attached PDF download (see download tab above). Greases can be formed from these base oils to give similar operating temperatures in most cases.
Usually the larger the operating temperature requirement the more costly the product however it is the cost effectiveness that we must consider. In some cases using the correct product can save having to re-lubricate frequently, extend product life and reduce wear and failures leading to increased productivity & big savings.
IKV Group are specialists in high temperature lubricants, oils greases and dry film coatings.
High Temperature Lubricants
IKV Lubricants has been a leader in the field of high performance lubricants for many years & has met the increasing demands for tribological products that meet the requirements of the industries OEM’s.
IKV’s strategy consists of continuous research and on-going development supporting the industries design engineers by offering innovative tribological solutions.
IKV's quick reacting team, along with its capability to develop new products to meet a customer brief or application, make it a leader in its field. These products are available as greases, oils, pastes or dry coatings and are state-of-the-art solutions in the field of lubrication for long life, friction and wear reduction.
To accomplish this IKV uses a wide range of materials suitable for their tribological properties as well as for their compatibility or inertness with other materials. The result is a range of products containing approximately 500 formulations, which are capable of solving most all tribological problems encountered.
IKV realises the products must also meet application requirements and has, therefore, adapted its packaging to meet these requirements. IKV is part of a group, which has been in existence for nearly 100 years, a staff of 250 dedicated employees and a fully equipped in house laboratory with the latest equipment and a large production facility.
Although IKV Group already has a large range of proven products it prides itself on its ability to develop new products to meet the growing demands for excellence in industry.
IKV's quality management system guarantees its customers a perfect match between the properties of the products supplied and specific demands. This system has ISO 9001 vs 2000 accreditation.
See 'Specification' tab for product details.
High Temperature Lubricants
IKV Group are specialists in high temperature lubricants, oils greases and dry film coatings. These include ester oils, fluorinated fluids and greases and dry film coatings. See below some examples. Please contact us for details of the most suitable product to meet your application requirements.
Our IKV BESLUX CHAIN 3020 ATOX is a high temperature, fully synthetic bakery chain oil used widely in tortilla ovens, naan bread production and other flat bread applications which is NSF H1 certified.
Our IKV RAMCA range of synthetic ester bakery chain oils is ideal for bakery chains running at extremes of temperature where minimal lacquering and re-lubrication coupled with long chain life is the goal. These oils can be either automatically applied or brushed on manually. We also supply Ramca oils in aerosol form.The high temperature Ramca products include:-
IKV-RAMCA 100 is a special synthetic ester oil with an extremely low evaporation rate even when working in the temperature range of 200°C to 260°C. Its excellent resistance to oxidation and extremely well balanced additive package make it very stable in a large range of temperatures and helps avoid lacquer residues at high temperatures.
IKV-RAMCA 100 also provides excellent anti-wear and extreme pressure protection.It was specifically developed for the lubrication of chains and bearings which are operating at temperatures between 170°C and 280°C in continuous use.
Typical applications include:
- chains and tracks for textile frames
- chains and rollers for continuous particle board presses
- chains and bearings situated in stoves, ovens and dryers
- chains and rollers in high temperature bakery ovens
IKV-RAMCA 100 can be used up to 280 °C as a high temperature oil for circulation or total loss oil applications. It can be applied manually or automatically, by spraying, dosing, brushing, wiping or by drip oiler.
IKV-RAMCA 150 is a special synthetic ester oil which does not form coking residues when subjected to high temperatures.
IKV-RAMCA 250 is also a special synthetic ester oil with an extremely low evaporation rate which can be used up to 280 °C as a high temperature oil for circulation or total loss oil applications.
IKV-RAMCA 320N is a totally synthetic oil with a viscous structure and an extremely low evaporation rate even when working continuously in the temperature range of 200°C to 260°C.
For very high temperature chain applications we would recommend IKV-GRAF 1417 which is a semi-colloidal suspension in water. It contains solid lubricants with a very pure synthetic graphite base. It is a black liquid containing additives which are specially selected to protect against corrosion and the development of bacteria. IKV-GRAF 1417 is recommended for the lubrication of chains subjected to temperatures in excess of 300°C and above 500°C.
IKV-GRAF 1417 can be used in forging with dilutions of up to 3% depending on the complexity of the components - it can be diluted with water in varying proportion depending on the consistency required and is then applied through an automatic lubrication system or manually applied using a pump spray or brush. After the evaporation of water, IKV GRAF 1417 leaves a film of dry solid lubricants which ensures a good lubrication.
IKV-GRAFOL HT PASTE is a lubricating paste composed of solid lubricants in a synthetic oil. This product contains very pure black solid lubricants that assure the lubrication of mechanical parts when operating under boundary lubrication conditions up to 1000°C. Over 200°C the base oil will progressively evaporate off leaving a film of dry solid lubricants. This paste will not ignite when coming into contact with hot surfaces. This products high thermal stability and adhesive properties permitting long intervals before needing to regenerate the lubricant film.
IKV-GRAFOL HT PASTE is ideal for high temperature chain lubrication, lubricating threads on bolts and screws submitted to high temperatures, also for the lubrication of journals and bearings running at slow speeds and having a high functional play. This lubricant is also well suited for the initial lubrication of riding rings on rotary kilns.
Our BESLUX CADENAS is a product based on a high temperature resistant base oil and colloidal Molybdenum Di-sulphide. The spray application ensures excellent penetration down to the pins and brushes of roller chains.
Our BESLUX MOLY SPRAY is a dry film lubricant containing Molybdenum Di-sulphide (MoS2) for temperatures up to 450°C. It provides a lubricating film with excellent endurance. It is very adherent and ideal for applications with heavy loads and temperature changes. It ensures smooth sliding and minimises the coefficient of friction.
IKV’s fluorinated oils and greases offer the ultimate in lubricant performance throughout a wide range of different industries and applications where conventional and other synthetic lubricants are not able to survive.
IKV-FLUOR MPA 2H is a non-flammable white grease developed from an extremely thermally stable fluorinated oil, tetrafluoroethylene telomers and an anticorrosion additive. This grease provides an extraordinary combination of properties which include :
- Outstanding oxidation resistance
- Excellent high temperature stability
- Excellent lubrication properties
- Compatibility with metals, plastics and elastomers
- Radiation resistance
- Exceptional chemical inertness and resistance to chemical degradation
Useful temperature range: -30 to 300°C.
ZAROX TYA 511 is an NLGI grade 1, non-flammable white grease developed from a perfluoroalkyl polyether type oil, a micronized PTFE thickener and an anti-corrosive additive (not sodium nitrate). It is totally inert physically & chemically in the presence of aggressive liquids or gases (except for fluorinated solvents) and thermal & ionising radiation. ZAROX TYA 511 is also compatible with all widely used elastomers, seals, gaskets, plastics & metals. Applications include: Bearing lubrication—sliding bearing or joints subject to high temperatures or aggressive conditions, curing ovens in glass, textile, plastic film, paint, chemical, nuclear, corrugated card & furnace applications, lubrication in thin films of sliding electrical contacts or as a dielectric agent.
Useful temperature range: -30 to 300°C
ZAROX TYA512 is a PFPE / PTFE grease that has been developed specifically for the lubrication bearings and components at extreme high temperatures and in harsh environments. It is based upon a very high viscosity, extremely thermally stable PFPE oil, thickened with high grade PTFE and with the addition of a special corrosion inhibitor. The product is totally non-toxic and includes only NSF H1 approved ingredients as required by the food industry. PFPE/PTFE greases have become the industry standard for the lubrication of critical high temperature bearings. The long life and exceptional stability of these greases allows maximum life with long periods between lubrication intervals. Zarox TYA512 can massively extend re-lubrication intervals over conventional greases and is available in a wide range of packs and sizes. The most popular pack is the 800g Grease cartridge but 10 & 35Kg kegs are also available.
ZAROX TYA512 has been specifically developed for the lubrication of bearings running at extreme high temperature and under heavy loads. The product is also ideal for applications requiring chemical resistance or resistance to solvents, acids or radiation. It is also completely compatible with plastics and elastomeric seal materials.
IKV-FILMSEC 1084 is a dry film designed to render a long lasting surface treatment utilizing the base functions of Lamellar hexagonal graphite. In normal conditions a very light coat is applied, creating a film inferior to 20 um. A thick coat will have a much longer drying time and may cause the product to run, reducing its adherence. During frictional contact the product is transformed into a stabilized and durable (leaf) of protection.
IKV-FILMSEC 1084 comes in an aerosol and may be applied in the same manner as spray paint. This product is also available in bulk.The surfaces to be treated must be completely degreased and clean before application. The presence of silicone products, even in small amounts may cause adherence problems. IKV-FILMSEC 1084 may be applied to all surfaces that are compatible with ethanol. To improve adherence the materials surfaces may be roughened by sand or glass bead blasting, or chemically, using the appropriate product.
Operating temperature: >1000°C.
See our the IKV bentone thickened grease/ gel range. Bentone is an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate, essentially a fine clay used as a non-melting thickener. Bentone has a high drop point - up to 300°C. This is used as a thickener to give grease/gels good water resistance as well as good mechanical operating stability.
Bentone gels have a low sensitivity to temperature variations and therefore provide greater dynamic viscosity and temperature stability. includes:-
IKV ARMIGRAS H-2 is a high viscosity mineral oil with bentone thickener. It does not melt or become fluid at high temperatures. It has good anti-corrosion properties and good resistance to high loads. It is compatible with most good quality seals. It is ideal for use on bearings, slides and gears operating at high temperatures.
IKV ARMIGRAS H-2/BM is a medium to high viscosity oil with bentone thickener. It is reinforced with Molybdenum Di-sulphide (MoS2) as a boundary lubricant and EP additive. It is non-melting and ideal at high temperatures.
IKV ARMIGRAS BT-2 is a PAO with bentone thickener. It is ideal for use on bearings subjected to high temperatures or high rotation speeds or where a weak torque resistance is required.
IKV ARMIGRAS MT-2 contains a medium viscosity sythetic base oil with bentone thickener. It offers excellent corrosion protection, resistance to high loads and good mechanical stability.
IKV ARMIGRAS VHT/S is a synthetic ester with bentone thickener. It is for use on bearings subjected to very high temperatures and heavy loads.
GA UNIVERSAL B-2 is an inorganic grease without dropping point for special applications - high & low temperatures. It has a mineral base & is an NLGI grade 2. The working temperature is -10 to 150°C.
GA UNIVERSAL 3 is an inorganic grease without dropping point for special applications - high & low temperatures. It has a high viscosity mineral base & is an NLGI grade 2. The working temperature is -10 to 150°C.
GA UNIVERSAL 6 is an inorganic grease without dropping point for special applications - high & low temperatures. It has a synthetic base & is an NLGI grade 1/2. The working temperature is -50 to 130°C.

