Lubricating Oil
As many people have observed when oil and water are combined, oil does not easily adhere to other surfaces. For this reason, oil is often used as a lubricant. In industrial environments, lubricating oil is applied to moving parts and areas of friction in order to prevent wear. Bearings, dies, chains, cables, spindles, pumps, rails, and gears need to be lubricated to make equipment run smoothly and reliably.
Oil is not only used as a lubricant in manufacturing. Automobiles require oil to run properly; it is recommended that car owners change the oil in their vehicles every 3,000 miles. Oil is also used for equipment in the food service industry. Special oils are approved by the FDA for use with food due to the possibility of any incidental contact between lubricated machines and food products.
Lubricating oil comes in several varieties, including natural, petroleum, and synthetic forms. Oil in machinery serves multiple purposes; for instance, it protects against corrosion and reduces electric currents. Oil also has a higher boiling point than water and can be used to cool machinery. Such oils are called heat transfer oils.