VMGZ oil: characteristics, advantages, selection criteria

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The Russian lubricants market is steadily demonstrating a steady growth trend. At the same time, a significant share of the turnover falls on products oriented to industrial operation in conditions of large temperature fluctuations and high loads. A worthy place in this segment is occupied by VMGZ oil (off-season hydraulic thickened oil), which, due to its unique composition, ensures the smooth operation of equipment equipped with hydraulic drives in the regions of the Far East, Siberia and the Far North.

Scope of application

The intended purpose of VMGZ is a working medium for hydraulic systems (hydraulic pumps, hydraulic control, hydraulic drives) of drilling rigs, lifts, vehicles, agricultural machinery, logging and construction machines, industrial equipment. Manufacturers recommend using this type of oil in central Russia at low temperatures (it is assumed that VMGZ hydraulic oil is used in outdoor equipment) and northern regions (regardless of the season).

A few words about manufacturers and technology

Among the leading Russian manufacturers of off-season hydraulic thickened oils, there are four reputable companies with a decent business reputation. These are Lukoil, Gazpromneft, Sintoil, TNK.

As a base for the future final product, high-quality selective oils with a low sulfur content, obtained as a result of hydrocracking of petroleum fractions or deep dewaxing, are used. Such a base is characterized by a minimum dynamic viscosity and a low pour point. The operational and physico-chemical characteristics that VMGZ oil should have are provided by adding an effective composition of functional additives (anti-corrosion, anti-foam, anti-wear, antioxidant, etc.).

Specifications

Parameters	Indicators
Color	Amber (dark)
Condition	Liquid
Mechanical impurities	Not available
Water	Missing
ISO viscosity grade	15
Pour point	– 60°С
Ignition temperature (open cup)	+ 135°C
Density (t ≦ + 20°С)	865 kg/m3
Viscosity ratio	≧ 160
Maximum ash content	0,15%
Kinematic viscosity (t=+ 50°С)	10 m2/s
Kinematic viscosity (t=-40°C)	1500 m2/s

The table shows the typical properties that VMGZ oil has. Specifications may vary depending on the type and purpose of the product.

Benefits

By using non-seasonal thickened hydraulic oil in the operation of specialized machinery and equipment, consumers get the opportunity to:

• protect against corrosion damage and mechanical wear parts of the hydraulic system;
• ensure uninterrupted operation of equipment in a wide temperature range (from + 50°С to - 40°С);
• start the hydraulic drive, bypassing the preheating stage;
• minimize the need for oil changes (including seasonal) due to the high chemical and antioxidant stability of VMGZ;
• avoid unnecessary loss of working fluid due to anti-foam properties while having an effective level of cooling and lubrication of surfaces, which is very important for high-speed mechanisms such as hydraulic systems.

Why is quality important?

Poor quality VMGZ oil can cause a number of problems. Among the most critical, we highlight the following negative consequences:

• increased contamination of the hydraulic system;
• clogged filters;
• increased wear and corrosion of parts.

As a result, equipmentfails prematurely, there are risks associated with downtime or production stoppages, and maintenance costs increase.

How to choose a quality product?

For the consumer of such a product as VMGZ hydraulic oil, characteristics play a paramount role. However, products of the same class offered by different manufacturers of lubricants have approximately the same technical performance. This fact is due to the use of a similar basic set of additives. At the same time, each company, seeking to take a stable position in the fierce competition, relies on certain important properties of the final product. For example, we can talk about anti-corrosion or temperature (solidification and fire limits) indicators.

Therefore, the rules that should be followed when choosing VMGZ oil can be formulated as follows:

• Carefully study the attached instructions, paying attention to the product's compliance with generally accepted international standards (ISO, SAE).
• Don't focus solely on the price segment, brand authority should be the defining criterion.

Good luck with your choice and trouble-free operation of your equipment!