Podcast
Lubrication Experts
Hosted by Lubrication Expert · EN
On Lubrication Experts, Rafe Britton talk with the best in the business about all things lubricants, engineering and industry. From lubricant technology and condition monitoring to supply chain and manufacturing the experts sit down to give their take on the current and future states of the industry.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Wind Turbine Gear Oils with the ExxonMobil Team
Nov 401:07:17Tap to summarizeJoin host Rafe on this special episode of Lubrication Experts as he brings together three generations of wind turbine gear oil innovators: Angie Cardis, Jim Carey, and Mike Blumenfeld. Discover the fascinating evolution of wind turbine lubrication—from the early days of Mobil SHC 600 and Mobil SHC XMP, through the challenges of micro pitting, to today’s cutting-edge, long-life gear oils designed for the modern wind industry. In this in-depth conversation, you’ll learn: The untold history behind the development of wind turbine gear oils How chemistry and engineering come together to solve real-world mechanical problems The science of micro pitting and white etching cracking—and how the industry overcame them The role of industry standards, testing, and collaboration in driving innovation What the future holds for wind turbine lubrication, condition monitoring, and asset management Whether you’re a lubrication nerd, a wind energy professional, or just curious about the technology powering renewable energy, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and expert perspectives. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction & guest lineup 03:00 – The origins of wind turbine gear oils 15:00 – Micro pitting: discovery and solutions 30:00 – Industry standards and global collaboration 45:00 – The next generation: long-life oils and condition monitoring 1:00:00 – The future of wind turbine lubrication Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the world of lubrication and engineering! WindTurbine #Lubrication #Podcast #Engineering #RenewableEnergy #GearOil #WindPower
Transcribe →Oil Analysis with Evan Zabawski (Eurofins)
Nov 401:35:23Tap to summarizeJoin us for Episode 71 of Lubrication Experts as host Rafe welcomes Evan Zabawski, Senior Technical Advisor at Test Oil, for an in-depth discussion on the world of oil analysis. Evan shares his extensive experience, exploring the evolution of oil analysis from its early days to modern practices, and explains why many organizations are still stuck in the “traffic light” mindset. Discover the real value of oil analysis, the importance of trending data over static limits, and how different industries—from mining to manufacturing—are leveraging (or missing out on) the full potential of their oil analysis programs. Evan and Rafe also dive into the complementary roles of condition monitoring technologies like vibration analysis, ultrasonics, and thermography. Whether you’re a reliability engineer, maintenance professional, or just curious about how oil analysis can prevent equipment failure, this episode is packed with practical insights, industry stories, and expert advice. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:00 – The history and maturity of oil analysis 10:00 – The pitfalls of the “traffic light” approach 20:00 – How to move beyond compliance and add real value 35:00 – The role of management in driving change 45:00 – Centralized vs. boots-on-the-ground analysis 55:00 – How oil analysis complements other condition monitoring tools 1:10:00 – Q&A and closing thoughts Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more expert interviews and technical deep-dives! OilAnalysis #Reliability #LubricationExperts #ConditionMonitoring #Maintenance
Transcribe →Hydrogen Engine Oils with Tara Loosmore & Dr Alan Henderson (Afton Chemical)
Nov 400:17:51Tap to summarizeWelcome to Lubrication Experts! In this episode, we dive deep into the future of hydrogen engines and the evolving world of hydrogen combustion technology. Join host Rafe as he sits down with Tara Loosmore and Dr Alan Henderson from Afton Chemical—industry leaders who have dedicated years to understanding hydrogen combustion and the lubricants that make it possible. Discover: Why hydrogen combustion is gaining traction as a future fuel for commercial vehicles The unique challenges and opportunities of hydrogen vs. traditional fuels (diesel, gasoline, natural gas) How hydrogen impacts engine design, oil chemistry, and lubricant formulation The science behind water handling, corrosion, oxidation, and nitration in hydrogen engines The launch of the world’s first commercially available hydrogen engine oil additive package What’s next for hydrogen engine specs, OEM strategies, and the future of sustainable transport Whether you’re an engineer, fleet manager, or just curious about the next big thing in clean energy, this episode is packed with expert insights and practical takeaways. HydrogenEngines #LubricationExperts #AftonChemical #CleanEnergy #EngineTechnology #HydrogenCombustion
Transcribe →Personal Lubrication with Neil Cunningham (Centre for Industrial Rheology)
Oct 2400:42:32Tap to summarizeEpisode 69 | The Science of Personal Lubricants (Yes, Really) w/ Neil Cunningham Let’s talk lubricants—all kinds of lubricants. In this very special Episode 69 of Lubrication Explained, host Rafe Britton leans into the memes and the chemistry with Neil Cunningham, founder of the Centre for Industrial Rheology, to explore the fascinating world of personal lubricants—how they’re formulated, how they perform, and how it all connects to industrial lubrication, rheology, tribology, and even food science. You’ll never look at a tube of lube the same way again. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most personal lubricants are aqueous and how they compare to silicones What makes a lubricant feel “slimy” or “tacky” (with actual physics) The viscoelastic and non-Newtonian properties that define sensory experience How personal lube performance is tested using custom tribometers (no, really) What “mucoadhesion” means and why it’s crucial for both intimacy and eye drops How these same principles apply to vegan foods, mouthfeel, mayonnaise, and wine A wild discussion of normal stress, wax crystallization, and their role in both cosmetics and crankcases If it touches the skin, goes in the mouth, or interacts with mucus membranes—it’s fair game in this episode. Whether you're a lubrication nerd, a tribology tech, or just here for the eyebrow-raising banter, this episode is one for the books. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & why personal lubricants? 3:45 – Aqueous vs silicone lubes 8:30 – What makes a lube “slimy”? 12:00 – Tackiness, texture, and tribology 18:00 – Viscoelasticity explained 25:00 – Mucoadhesion & synthetic mucus 30:00 – Food science crossovers: mouthfeel, astringency & vegan fats 44:00 – Wax crystallization & industrial applications 56:00 – The role of normal stress in surface separation 1:03:00 – Wrapping it up... with a happy ending Leave a comment with your weirdest "what do you do for work?" explanation—lubrication edition. Want to work with Neil’s lab or talk bio-tribology? Visit the Centre for Industrial Rheology.
Transcribe →Varnish Removal Methods with Elaine Hepley (Delta Xero)
Oct 2400:40:56Tap to summarizeWhat Is Varnish, Really? Understanding and Solving the Varnish Problem in Lubricated Systems | w/ Elaine Heley Varnish: it’s the hot topic in lubrication reliability—and no, we're not just talking about sticky residue in turbines anymore. In this deep-dive episode of Lubrication Experts, host Rafe Britton welcomes back renowned varnish specialist Elaine Heley, now an independent consultant, for a comprehensive look at what varnish really is, how it forms, how it differs across systems, and—most importantly—how to properly diagnose and remove it. Elaine draws from her years leading varnish diagnostics at Polaris and shares insights from the field, including: The difference between MPC testing and micro patch analysis Why “varnish” is a misleading catch-all term for multiple deposit types How environment, fluid formulation, contaminants, and machine design influence varnish formation A remarkable case study where over 680 lbs of varnish and carbon deposits were removed from a single 132,000 L hydraulic forge system using Delta Xero filters Why solubility enhancers, ion-exchange media, and vacuum dehydrators all have a role—but none are a silver bullet “There’s no magic pill for varnish—just like in medicine, the first step is diagnosis.” — Elaine Heley If you're dealing with sticky valves, frequent oil top-ups, or unexplained deposit issues, this episode is a must-watch. Discover why you need a customized varnish strategy, and not just a filter swap. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & Elaine’s new role 3:10 – What is varnish? Hard vs soft vs emulsified 10:45 – MPC vs Micro Patch analysis 24:00 – Common causes of varnish 33:15 – Approaches to varnish removal 42:00 – Case study: 680 lbs of varnish removed 58:00 – Future of varnish diagnostics Need a varnish diagnosis before choosing a fix? Reach out to Elaine via LinkedIn or her consulting practice.
Transcribe →Ultrasound Lubrication with Allan Rienstra (SDT Ultrasound)
Oct 2400:40:28Tap to summarizeExploring Ultrasound as a Condition Monitoring Tool with Allan Rienstra | Lubrication Experts Join us in this episode of 'Lubrication Experts' as we delve into the fascinating world of ultrasound technology. Host interviews Allan Rera, CEO of SDT Ultrasound Solutions, to discuss the use of ultrasound as a condition monitoring tool, focusing on its applications in lubrication. Alan explains the distinctions between ultrasound, infrasound, and audible sound, and how ultrasound excels in detecting friction, impacting, and turbulence in industrial environments. The discussion also covers various applications of ultrasound, from mechanical and electrical issues to steam systems, valves, hydraulics, and leak detection. Find out how ultrasound complements other condition monitoring techniques like vibration analysis and oil analysis, and get a glimpse into the future of the technology including AI integration and continuous monitoring. Stay tuned for an engaging and informative session that highlights the critical role of ultrasound in maintaining industrial assets. 00:00 Introduction to Today's Topic 01:09 Understanding Ultrasound 03:32 Ultrasound in Condition Monitoring 04:44 Ultrasonic Signatures in Machines 11:15 Technicalities of Ultrasonic Greasing 18:46 Comparing Ultrasound and Vibration Analysis 25:55 Applications Beyond Lubrication 33:59 Future of Ultrasound Technology 39:35 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode
Transcribe →Alkylated Naphthalenes with Willi Gartner (King Industries)
Oct 2400:27:24Tap to summarizeExploring Alkylated Naphthalene: Insights and Applications with King Industries Join Rafe from Lubrication Experts as he interviews Willie Gartner from King Industries at the home of Alkylated Naphthalene. This episode dives deep into the world of alkylated naphthalene (AN) base oils, discussing their unique properties, applications, and the history behind their development. Learn how ANs improve oxidative stability, solvency, and performance in various industries such as high-temperature chain oils, greases, compressors, and gear oils. Willie shares his extensive experience and knowledge gained over 22 years at King Industries, offering insights into the future trends and potential new applications for alkylated naphthalene. Don't miss this comprehensive look into one of the most versatile and beneficial base oils on the market. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:52 Overview of Alkylated Naphthalene 05:06 History and Development of Alkylated Naphthalene 07:31 Properties and Benefits of Alkylated Naphthalene 14:14 Applications of Alkylated Naphthalene 21:24 Future Trends and Conclusion
Transcribe →The Future of Engine Oil with Lake Speed Jr (SpeeDiagnostix)
Oct 2400:24:52Tap to summarizeExploring Innovative Engine Technologies Over Coffee with Lake Join us as we embark on an exciting journey with Lake to explore groundbreaking advancements in engine technologies. In this casual coffee chat, we delve into the renewed interest in internal combustion engines, the unique reverse rotary engine by Liquid Piston, and the innovative Aqua Stroke engine running on 70% water and 30% ethanol. We also discuss the future of engine oils, the impact of alternative fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, and get a glimpse into the evolving landscape of racing engines with insights from NASCAR and Formula 1. Don't miss this fascinating conversation packed with cutting-edge information and industry trends! 00:00 Introduction and Coffee Chat 00:42 Exciting New Engine Technologies 01:31 The Reverse Rotary Engine 05:41 Aqua Stroke: Water and Ethanol Engine 07:08 Lubrication Challenges and Solutions 11:20 Engine Oil Specifications and Changes 12:24 Exploring New Lubricant Chemistries 13:19 Future of Fuel: Hydrogen and Ammonia 14:22 Challenges with Ammonia as Fuel 15:46 Innovations in Engine Oils 19:43 Racing World and Rule Changes 24:05 Conclusion and Coffee Time
Transcribe →Analytical Ferrography with Ray Dalley (Trico)
Oct 2400:39:16Tap to summarizeUnlocking the Mysteries of Ferrography: Insights from the Godfather, Ray Dally Join us in this episode of 'Lubrication Experts' as we dive deep into the world of Ferrography with industry legend, Ray Dally from Trico. Discover the origins, applications, and future of Ferrography as Ray explains its significance in machinery lubrication analysis. Learn about the differences between qualitative and quantitative Ferrography, the role of the U.S. Navy in its development, and the fascinating concept of the Wear Atlas. Explore the nuances of in-house vs. lab-based Ferrography programs, the potential of new technologies like AI, and practical tips for monitoring external contaminants in your machinery environment. This is a must-watch for anyone involved in predictive maintenance and machinery lubrication! 00:00 Introduction to Lubrication Experts 00:28 Meet the Godfather of Ferrography: Ray Dally 02:07 Understanding Ferrography: Basics and History 06:36 Applications and Techniques in Ferrography 14:58 Standardization and Future of Ferrography 25:58 In-House vs. Commercial Lab Analysis 28:28 Innovations and Future Directions 37:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Transcribe →How to Sell Lubricants with Steve Knapp (Plan. Grow. Do.)
Oct 2400:51:34Tap to summarizeMastering Lubricant Sales and Marketing with Steve Knapp | Lubrication Experts Podcast In this episode of Lubrication Experts, our host welcomes back Steve Knapp, co-founder of Plan Grow Do, to delve into essential sales and marketing strategies in the lubricants industry. They discuss the importance of conveying value, navigating the sales funnel versus pipeline models, and the significance of social media content in the modern buyer's journey. With insights from the UKLA Buyer Revolution Survey and effective use of LinkedIn, Steve shares actionable tips to improve sales processes, personalize customer engagement, and enhance marketing efforts. Tune in for a stimulating debate and valuable takeaways to boost your sales and marketing prowess in the lubricants sector. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:18 The Importance of Sales and Marketing in the Lubricants Industry 01:15 Debate Style Discussion and Sales Funnel Concept 11:19 Understanding the Buyer's Perspective 14:00 Key Insights from the Buyer's Revolution Survey 18:53 The Role of Digital Content and LinkedIn in Sales 22:39 The Shift Towards Personalized Messaging 24:36 Reengineering the Sales Process 26:11 The Traditional vs. Modern Seller 27:02 The Importance of Personal Branding 28:50 Top of Funnel Strategies 31:18 The Messy Middle and Buyer Behavior 32:57 The Mountain Analogy in Sales 36:22 The Role of Content in Sales 42:30 Effective Social Media Engagement 50:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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