Oil selection tool

Cylinder Oils for Steam Engines

Ensure reliability and protection in extreme temperatures with specialized oils for lubricating steam engine cylinders

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  • Proven Quality

    Resistance to foaming and oxidation

  • Long Life

    Low tendency to coke formation

  • High Efficiency

    Stability at high temperatures

  • Lower Costs

    Less frequent oil changes

Challenges in Steam Engine Operation

Extreme working conditions for cylinders

Lubricating cylinders in steam engines requires specialized products. High temperatures, steam action, and continuous mechanical loads challenge standard machine oils.

Five Critical Issues in Cylinder Lubrication:

Coking under thermal decomposition conditions

Coking under thermal decomposition conditions

Improper cylinder oil breaks down at high temperatures, forming hard-to-remove coke deposits. These hard deposits block valves and oil channels, leading to machine failure.

Steam washing off oil film

Steam washing off oil film

Steam saturates the cylinder space, washing away traditional oils. Lack of continuous lubricating film causes direct metal-to-metal contact and accelerated wear of rings and cylinders.

Corrosion of steam engine components

Corrosion of steam engine components

Steam condensate combined with oil decomposition products creates a corrosive environment. Rust and corrosion pits damage the precise cylinder surfaces, increasing gaps and worsening seal.

Loss of lubricating properties at temperature

Loss of lubricating properties at temperature

Standard oils lose viscosity in the high-temperature environments of superheated steam engines. A too-thin oil film does not provide suitable protection and sealing for the working spaces.

Deposit and lacquer formation

Deposit and lacquer formation

Oxidation processes under extreme conditions lead to the formation of sticky deposits. These contaminants disrupt valve operation and reduce cylinder lubrication efficiency.

Our Solutions
Tailored solutions for your needs

  • Oils for saturated steam

    High-viscosity formulations (e.g., ISO VG 460) and water washout resistance, ideal for lubricating cylinders, pistons, and valves in engines and steam pumps using saturated steam.

  • Oils for superheated steam

    Products with very high viscosity (e.g., ISO VG 680, 1000) and excellent thermal stability, designed for the highest temperatures. They effectively prevent deposits in superheated steam machines.

  • Worm gear oils

    High-viscosity cylinder oils, suitable for splash-lubricated worm gear systems, ensuring protection under high temperature and load conditions.

Need advice? Contact an expert!

How do we solve industry challenges?

  • Low tendency to coke formation

    Special formula from conservative petroleum processing minimizes deposit formation

  • Excellent adhesion

    Adhesion-enhancing additives ensure a durable film despite steam action

  • Corrosion protection

    Corrosion inhibitors protect cylinders from aggressive condensate action

  • Thermal stability

    High-quality base resistant to decomposition across a wide temperature range

  • System cleanliness

    Detergents prevent deposit build-up, extending intervals between changes

Why choose our cylinder oils?

  • Maximum Productivity

    Fewer failures and downtimes due to effective protection of rings and cylinders and sealing space between them

  • Complete Compliance

    Products meeting the requirements and recommendations of machine manufacturers (OEM)

  • Real Savings

    Extended replacement intervals and lower oil consumption reduce operating costs

  • Investment Protection

    Preventing ring and cylinder wear extends the life of expensive machine components

  • Technical Support

    Selecting the right viscosity grade and oil class for specific working conditions

Not sure which lubricant is best for your machine?
Contact our expert! We are happy to help you find the ideal solution.

Applications:
Check your industry

Our cylinder oils provide reliable lubrication in the most demanding industrial applications.

  • Power and Heating Industry

    Power and Heating Industry

    Steam turbines and piston machines in power plants require oils resistant to extreme temperatures. Our superheated steam oils offer long-term protection and minimal coking in continuous operation.

  • Marine and Shipbuilding Industry

    Marine and Shipbuilding Industry

    Ship engines and auxiliary steam machines operate under challenging conditions of moisture and variable loads. Our saturated steam oils provide key resistance to washout and corrosion.

  • Paper Industry

    Paper Industry

    Drying rolls and cylinders in paper machines require precise lubrication. Cylinder oil provides a uniform film across the entire temperature range of the process, protecting delicate surfaces from wear.

  • Chemical and Refinery Industry

    Chemical and Refinery Industry

    Process compressors and steam pumps in chemical installations are exposed to aggressive environments. High-quality oils with EP additives protect against corrosion and ensure sealing in critical applications.

  • Worm Gears

    Worm Gears

    High-viscosity cylinder oils, also suitable for splash-lubricated worm gear systems, especially those operating in high-temperature conditions where good anti-wear properties are required.

  • Heavy Industry and Metallurgy

    Heavy Industry and Metallurgy

    Industrial furnaces and rolling mill equipment operate in extreme temperatures. Our cylinder oils provide protection under the most difficult thermal and mechanical conditions.

Need help choosing a cylinder oil?

Our experts will help choose the optimal product for your steam engine.

Three Steps to Success

  • Condition Analysis

    We determine steam temperature and machine type

  • Product Selection

    We recommend the appropriate oil grade

  • Cost Optimization

    We extend intervals between changes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • For machines with saturated steam, oils with high resistance to water washout and good adhesion (e.g., ISO VG 460) are used. For machines with superheated steam, high thermal stability and higher viscosity (e.g., ISO VG 680 or 1000) are key to preventing deposits.

  • Yes, high-viscosity cylinder oils can be used to lubricate cylinders of certain piston compressors, especially those operating at high temperatures. They provide excellent lubrication and sealing.

  • Frequency depends on working conditions, oil quality, and the machine manufacturer's recommendations. There is no universal interval. Regularly check oil condition and adhere to maintenance schedules.

  • Cylinder oils have much higher viscosity, better adhesion, and resistance to steam action. They contain special additives protecting against coking and corrosion at high temperatures.

  • Mixing different grades without consultation is not recommended. Differences in viscosity parameters and additive packages can lead to deterioration of the product's protective properties.

  • Excessive deposit formation, increased oil consumption, noisy operation, corrosion traces on components, and frequent valve failures are signals of incorrect oil selection.

Need more knowledge?
Visit our guide, where you will find detailed articles, tips, and case studies.

Optimize your machine lubrication today

Don’t wait for cylinder or valve failure. Contact us and discover how our cylinder oils can increase the reliability and efficiency of your steam machines.