Key points of the article
- Refineries operate under extreme conditions, where temperature, chemicals, and continuous operation put every component under stress.
- Valves, bearings, pumps, and threaded connections require specific lubricants to ensure reliability and operational continuity.
- Molykote® lubricants help reduce friction, wear, and downtime, simplifying maintenance activities.
- Every application has different needs, from chemical resistance and high temperatures to protection against seizing.
- Discover which Molykote® solutions are best suited for refineries and how to choose the correct product for every critical component.
In refineries and petrochemical plants, equipment operates under particularly severe conditions: high temperatures; exposure to chemicals and continuous operation.
Among the components most subject to these challenges are:
- pumps;
- valves;
- bearings;
- flanges;
- threaded connections.
Molykote® lubricants, a Mascherpa partner, are designed to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime, and facilitate maintenance operations in refinery plants.
Valve lubricants
The valves used in refineries and petrochemical plants are subjected to particularly heavy operating conditions.
High temperatures, exposure to aggressive chemical agents, and continuous opening and closing cycles can increase friction and compromise component reliability.
The use of specific lubricants helps reduce operating forces, protect contact surfaces, and ensure more efficient valve operation over time.
| Problem | Application | Molykote® Solutions
|
|---|---|---|
| Torque force in valve stems | Industrial valves | Molykote® DS21R: dry film lubricant. |
| Chemically aggressive environments | Industrial valves | Molykote® 3452: chemical-resistant valve lubricant. |
Lubricants for threaded connections
In refineries, threaded connections are frequently exposed to corrosion, high temperatures, and thermal cycles that can make disassembly difficult during maintenance.
Molykote® anti-seize pastes help prevent seizing of threaded connections and facilitate assembly and maintenance of connections.
| Problem | Application | Molykote® Solutions
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-assembly operations | Threaded connections |
|
| Pre-assembly operations | Threaded connections |
|
Lubricants for bearings
The bearings used in refinery plants must operate under severe conditions, often with high loads and the presence of contaminants.
The use of high-performance greases helps reduce friction, protect components, and improve the operating life of equipment.
| Problem | Application | Molykote® Solutions
|
|---|---|---|
| Bearing wear | Industrial bearings | Molykote® 3451: chemical resistant. |
| High temperatures | Industrial bearings |
|
| Multi-purpose | Industrial bearings | Molykote® 4700: lubricating grease. |
Pump maintenance
Process pumps in refinery plants often operate in aggressive environments and with continuous operation.
Proper lubrication of rotating components helps improve pump reliability and reduce bearing wear.
| Problem | Application | Molykote® Solutions
|
|---|---|---|
| Where swelling is required | Pump seals | Molykote® 55 O-ring: O-ring lubricant. |
| Severe operating conditions | Valves in industrial pumps | Molykote® 111: valve lubricant. |
Technical solutions for refinery maintenance
Thanks to long experience in the distribution of high-performance materials, Mascherpa supports companies in selecting the most suitable solutions for various industrial applications, even in the most complex contexts such as refineries and petrochemical plants.
The Mascherpa offer for refineries:
- industrial lubricants;
- technical materials for maintenance;
- solutions for advanced industrial applications.
For more information, contact Mascherpa experts.
