Vickers Oils Wire Rope Lubricants
The range is divided into three sections. The penetrating wire rope lubricants (LV WRL and BIO LV WRL) are low viscosity with a solvent component that allows them to penetrate between the rope strands and down to the core. The coating wire rope lubricants (HV WRL and BIO WRL) are solvent free and seal the outside of the cable. The biodegradable protective grease (BIOGREASE EP2) can be used to protect stored ropes against corrosion and to lubricate operational ropes against wear. The marine emulsifiable greases (NEOX DT and NEOX DTX) are explicitly recommended for wire ropes and rigging and have unique properties for marine environments where ropes are exposed to seawater.
Dedicated Wire Rope Lubricants
Vickers Oils markets four dedicated wire rope lubricants that complement each other in two functional pairs. The penetrating wire rope lubricants (LV WRL and BIO LV WRL) are low viscosity with a solvent component that penetrates between the rope strands and down to the core, providing complete rope lubrication. Once the solvent evaporates a high viscosity oil film is left that protects against wear and corrosion. The coating wire rope lubricants (HV WRL and BIO WRL) are solvent free and penetrate slightly to seal the outside of the cable against moisture and corrosion. BIO LV WRL and BIO WRL are biodegradable and based on renewable base oils, while LV WRL and HV WRL are mineral oil-based. All four are suitable for stored and operational wire ropes.
Biodegradable Protective Grease for Wire Ropes
BIOGREASE EP2 is a biodegradable extreme pressure grease that can be used on wire ropes to protect them while in storage against corrosion, and to effectively lubricate operational wire ropes that are static or moving, against wear and corrosion. The grease is lithium and calcium thickened and based on fully saturated synthetic esters, with EU Ecolabel and VGP compliance as an Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant (EAL). It has excellent resistance to water wash off from rain and seawater, making it particularly suited to marine wire rope applications where oil leakage may occur.
Marine Emulsifiable Greases for Wire Ropes and Rigging
NEOX DT and NEOX DTX are mineral oil-based soft greases that provide a very high standard of lubrication and corrosion protection and are explicitly recommended for wire ropes and rigging. A unique property is that the greases emulsify with water, absorbing sea or fresh water that contaminates the lubricant to form a thick, viscous emulsion that itself provides both lubrication and anti-corrosion properties. The lubricants and their emulsions adhere well to metal, providing excellent resistance to the washing action of sea or rain water. Unlike many conventional greases, NEOX DT and DTX do not harden excessively or crack when subjected to cold, wet conditions.
FAQ
What is the difference between penetrating and coating wire rope lubricants?
Penetrating wire rope lubricants (LV WRL, BIO LV WRL) are low viscosity with a solvent component that penetrates between the rope strands and down to the core. Once the solvent evaporates a high viscosity oil film is left. Coating wire rope lubricants (HV WRL, BIO WRL) are solvent free and penetrate slightly to seal the outside of the cable. The two types complement each other and can be used together for complete protection.
What is the difference between LV WRL and BIO LV WRL?
LV WRL is mineral oil-based with pour point below -24 °C, 4-ball weld load >340 kgf and 7 years shelf life. BIO LV WRL is biodegradable and based on renewable base oils with pour point below -66 °C, 4-ball weld load >400 kgf, VGP compliance and 3 years shelf life. Choose BIO LV WRL where environmental requirements apply, and LV WRL where longer shelf life is prioritised.
What is the difference between BIO WRL and HV WRL?
BIO WRL is biodegradable and based on renewable base oils, with lower viscosity (51 cSt at 40 °C) and pour point below -18 °C. HV WRL is mineral oil-based with higher viscosity (198 cSt at 40 °C), pour point below -5 °C and longer shelf life (7 years vs 3 years). Choose BIO WRL where environmental requirements apply, and HV WRL where higher viscosity and longer life are prioritised.
When should I use a dedicated wire rope lubricant and when a grease?
Dedicated wire rope lubricants (BIO WRL, HV WRL) penetrate between the rope strands and are optimal for ongoing rope lubrication. Greases (BIOGREASE EP2, NEOX DT, NEOX DTX) are thicker and leave a more durable protective film, making them particularly suited for storage protection and for ropes exposed to harsh weather and seawater.
Can BIOGREASE EP2 be used on operational wire ropes?
Yes, BIOGREASE EP2 can be used both to protect stored ropes against corrosion and to lubricate operational ropes that are static or moving, against wear and corrosion. The grease has excellent washout resistance and is biodegradable with VGP compliance.
What makes NEOX DT and DTX particularly suited for marine wire ropes?
Their emulsifying property means they absorb seawater and form a thick emulsion that continues to lubricate and protect against corrosion, rather than being washed off. They adhere well to metal and do not harden or crack in cold, wet conditions.
What is the difference between NEOX DT and NEOX DTX?
NEOX DT approximates to a No. 2 grease (softer) and NEOX DTX approximates to a No. 4 grease (stiffer). NEOX DT can also be used for the CPP hub. The choice depends on the desired consistency and the application requirements for grease stiffness.