Guide: find the most suitable gas contact approved Krytox™ lubricant for your application!

voltalef, it is essential to meticulously treat the surface of the materials to be lubricated before any application.

With this in mind, Samaro and its partner Socomore recommend the use of Diestone DLS. This is a chlorinated hydrocarbon-free, fast-evaporating cleaning and degreasing agent that provides optimum surface preparation for effective lubrication.

When it comes to lubrication in environments involving gas, the choice of the right lubricant is crucial to ensuring the smooth running of equipment and the safety of operations. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of lubricant suitable for contact with gas, the relevant approvals and specific industrial applications.

What lubricants should be used when in contact with gas?

When selecting a lubricant for a gas application, it is essential to choose products that are specially formulated to withstand the demanding conditions of these environments. Fluorinated lubricants, such as those based on PFPE (perfluoropolyether), are often preferred because of their excellent chemical stability, resistance to extreme temperatures and compatibility with various types of gas.

How do you know if a lubricant is suitable for contact with gases?

When assessing the suitability of a lubricant for a gas application, there are a number of factors to consider. Firstly, check whether the lubricant has been approved for specific use in contact with gas. Approvals such as DVGW, BAM and Air Liquid ensure that the lubricant meets the required safety and performance standards. In addition, look at the lubricant’s properties, such as operating temperature, material compatibility and resistance to environmental conditions, to ensure it is suitable for your specific application.

Approvals for lubrication in contact with gases

DVGW approval:

DVGW-approved lubricants are certified for use in gas systems complying with German standards, ensuring proven performance under demanding conditions.

BAM approval:

BAM-approved lubricants are approved for use in environments involving hazardous substances such as flammable gases or aggressive chemicals. KRYTOX™ VPF 1525 oil, as well as KRYTOX™ NRT 8906 and KRYTOX™ LPG 226 greases, meet these stringent standards.

Air Liquid Approval:

For lubrication that meets Air Liquid standards, KRYTOX™ LPG 225, KRYTOX™ LPG 226 and KRYTOX™ VPF 1525 are recommended. These lubricants are designed to provide reliable performance and maximum safety in gas-containing environments.

Applications in various industrial sectors

Lubricants suitable for contact with gas are used in a variety of industrial applications, including the aeroanutic, automotive (especially in hydrogen-powered vehicles), military, medical, extreme sports (such as diving) and marine (especially in submarines) markets.

Benefits and applications of BAM and Air Liquide approved Krytox™ lubricants:

Krytox™ oils consist solely of fluorine, carbon and oxygen, molecules known as perfluoropolyether (PFPE), which avoid the risks of explosion caused by contact with oxygen (liquid or gaseous) compared with the hydrocarbon molecules of traditional lubricants. The use of a unique PTFE thickener gives all Krytox™ greases superior chemical and thermal stability.

Key points of Krytox™ lubricants include:

• Extensive thermal stability: ranging from -75°C up to 350°C and even 400°C with suitable metals.
• Reduced equipment failure and maintenance, reducing warranty repairs and replacement costs which promotes increased profits
• Longer lubricant life
• Non-reactive, non-toxic and non-flammable
• Maintains stability in environments containing 100% liquid oxygen (O2) or gas

Samaro recommends the following BAM and/or Air Liquide approved Krytox™ products:

• KRYTOX™ VPF 1525 : PFPE oil for dry type vacuum pumps in the semiconductor industry.
  BAM and Air Liquide approved.

• KRYTOX™ NRT 8906: high temperature, low vapour pressure PFPE grease.
  Used in vacuum pumps. For contact with specific gases, oxygen contact.
  BAM approved.

• KRYTOX™ GPL 226: high temperature PFPE grease, PTFE thickener and anti-corrosion.
  Used to lubricate seals, o-rings in the presence of gases (oxygen type) and aggressive products.
  BAM and Air Liquide approved.

• KRYTOX™ GPL 225 : High-temperature, anti-corrosion PFPE grease.
  Used for TLA alternator bearings.
  Air Liquide approved

These Krytox™ lubricants are used for:

• Oxygen mask,
• Diving cylinder,
• Oxycutter,
• Oxygen valves,
• Cryogenics,
• Pump for liquid oxygen,
• etc.