Episode 69 | The Science of Personal Lubricants (Yes, Really) w/ Neil Cunningham Let’s talk lubricants—all kinds of lubricants. In this very special Episode 69 of Lubrication Explained, host Rafe Britton leans into the memes and the chemistry with Neil Cunningham, founder of the Centre for Industrial Rheology, to explore the fascinating world of personal lubricants—how they’re formulated, how they perform, and how it all connects to industrial lubrication, rheology, tribology, and even food science. You’ll never look at a tube of lube the same way again. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most personal lubricants are aqueous and how they compare to silicones What makes a lubricant feel “slimy” or “tacky” (with actual physics) The viscoelastic and non-Newtonian properties that define sensory experience How personal lube performance is tested using custom tribometers (no, really) What “mucoadhesion” means and why it’s crucial for both intimacy and eye drops How these same principles apply to vegan foods, mouthfeel, mayonnaise, and wine A wild discussion of normal stress, wax crystallization, and their role in both cosmetics and crankcases If it touches the skin, goes in the mouth, or interacts with mucus membranes—it’s fair game in this episode. Whether you're a lubrication nerd, a tribology tech, or just here for the eyebrow-raising banter, this episode is one for the books. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro & why personal lubricants? 3:45 – Aqueous vs silicone lubes 8:30 – What makes a lube “slimy”? 12:00 – Tackiness, texture, and tribology 18:00 – Viscoelasticity explained 25:00 – Mucoadhesion & synthetic mucus 30:00 – Food science crossovers: mouthfeel, astringency & vegan fats 44:00 – Wax crystallization & industrial applications 56:00 – The role of normal stress in surface separation 1:03:00 – Wrapping it up... with a happy ending Leave a comment with your weirdest "what do you do for work?" explanation—lubrication edition. Want to work with Neil’s lab or talk bio-tribology? Visit the Centre for Industrial Rheology.

What Is Varnish, Really? Understanding and Solving the Varnish Problem in Lubricated Systems | w/ Elaine Heley Varnish: it’s the hot topic in lubrication reliability—and no, we're not just talking about sticky residue in turbines anymore. In this deep-dive episode of Lubrication Experts, host Rafe Britton welcomes back renowned varnish specialist Elaine Heley, now an independent consultant, for a comprehensive look at what varnish really is, how it forms, how it differs across systems, and—most importantly—how to properly diagnose and remove it. Elaine draws from her years leading varnish diagnostics at Polaris and shares insights from the field, including: The difference between MPC testing and micro patch analysis Why “varnish” is a misleading catch-all term for multiple deposit types How environment, fluid formulation, contaminants, and machine design influence varnish formation A remarkable case study where over 680 lbs of varnish and carbon deposits were removed from a single 132,000 L hydraulic forge system using Delta Xero filters Why solubility enhancers, ion-exchange media, and vacuum dehydrators all have a role—but none are a silver bullet ‍ “There’s no magic pill for varnish—just like in medicine, the first step is diagnosis.” — Elaine Heley If you're dealing with sticky valves, frequent oil top-ups, or unexplained deposit issues, this episode is a must-watch. Discover why you need a customized varnish strategy, and not just a filter swap. Timestamps 0:00 – Intro & Elaine’s new role 3:10 – What is varnish? Hard vs soft vs emulsified 10:45 – MPC vs Micro Patch analysis 24:00 – Common causes of varnish 33:15 – Approaches to varnish removal 42:00 – Case study: 680 lbs of varnish removed 58:00 – Future of varnish diagnostics Need a varnish diagnosis before choosing a fix? Reach out to Elaine via LinkedIn or her consulting practice.

Exploring Ultrasound as a Condition Monitoring Tool with Allan Rienstra | Lubrication Experts Join us in this episode of 'Lubrication Experts' as we delve into the fascinating world of ultrasound technology. Host interviews Allan Rera, CEO of SDT Ultrasound Solutions, to discuss the use of ultrasound as a condition monitoring tool, focusing on its applications in lubrication. Alan explains the distinctions between ultrasound, infrasound, and audible sound, and how ultrasound excels in detecting friction, impacting, and turbulence in industrial environments. The discussion also covers various applications of ultrasound, from mechanical and electrical issues to steam systems, valves, hydraulics, and leak detection. Find out how ultrasound complements other condition monitoring techniques like vibration analysis and oil analysis, and get a glimpse into the future of the technology including AI integration and continuous monitoring. Stay tuned for an engaging and informative session that highlights the critical role of ultrasound in maintaining industrial assets. 00:00 Introduction to Today's Topic 01:09 Understanding Ultrasound 03:32 Ultrasound in Condition Monitoring 04:44 Ultrasonic Signatures in Machines 11:15 Technicalities of Ultrasonic Greasing 18:46 Comparing Ultrasound and Vibration Analysis 25:55 Applications Beyond Lubrication 33:59 Future of Ultrasound Technology 39:35 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

Exploring Alkylated Naphthalene: Insights and Applications with King Industries Join Rafe from Lubrication Experts as he interviews Willie Gartner from King Industries at the home of Alkylated Naphthalene. This episode dives deep into the world of alkylated naphthalene (AN) base oils, discussing their unique properties, applications, and the history behind their development. Learn how ANs improve oxidative stability, solvency, and performance in various industries such as high-temperature chain oils, greases, compressors, and gear oils. Willie shares his extensive experience and knowledge gained over 22 years at King Industries, offering insights into the future trends and potential new applications for alkylated naphthalene. Don't miss this comprehensive look into one of the most versatile and beneficial base oils on the market. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:52 Overview of Alkylated Naphthalene 05:06 History and Development of Alkylated Naphthalene 07:31 Properties and Benefits of Alkylated Naphthalene 14:14 Applications of Alkylated Naphthalene 21:24 Future Trends and Conclusion

Exploring Innovative Engine Technologies Over Coffee with Lake Join us as we embark on an exciting journey with Lake to explore groundbreaking advancements in engine technologies. In this casual coffee chat, we delve into the renewed interest in internal combustion engines, the unique reverse rotary engine by Liquid Piston, and the innovative Aqua Stroke engine running on 70% water and 30% ethanol. We also discuss the future of engine oils, the impact of alternative fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, and get a glimpse into the evolving landscape of racing engines with insights from NASCAR and Formula 1. Don't miss this fascinating conversation packed with cutting-edge information and industry trends! 00:00 Introduction and Coffee Chat 00:42 Exciting New Engine Technologies 01:31 The Reverse Rotary Engine 05:41 Aqua Stroke: Water and Ethanol Engine 07:08 Lubrication Challenges and Solutions 11:20 Engine Oil Specifications and Changes 12:24 Exploring New Lubricant Chemistries 13:19 Future of Fuel: Hydrogen and Ammonia 14:22 Challenges with Ammonia as Fuel 15:46 Innovations in Engine Oils 19:43 Racing World and Rule Changes 24:05 Conclusion and Coffee Time

Unlocking the Mysteries of Ferrography: Insights from the Godfather, Ray Dally Join us in this episode of 'Lubrication Experts' as we dive deep into the world of Ferrography with industry legend, Ray Dally from Trico. Discover the origins, applications, and future of Ferrography as Ray explains its significance in machinery lubrication analysis. Learn about the differences between qualitative and quantitative Ferrography, the role of the U.S. Navy in its development, and the fascinating concept of the Wear Atlas. Explore the nuances of in-house vs. lab-based Ferrography programs, the potential of new technologies like AI, and practical tips for monitoring external contaminants in your machinery environment. This is a must-watch for anyone involved in predictive maintenance and machinery lubrication! 00:00 Introduction to Lubrication Experts 00:28 Meet the Godfather of Ferrography: Ray Dally 02:07 Understanding Ferrography: Basics and History 06:36 Applications and Techniques in Ferrography 14:58 Standardization and Future of Ferrography 25:58 In-House vs. Commercial Lab Analysis 28:28 Innovations and Future Directions 37:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mastering Lubricant Sales and Marketing with Steve Knapp | Lubrication Experts Podcast In this episode of Lubrication Experts, our host welcomes back Steve Knapp, co-founder of Plan Grow Do, to delve into essential sales and marketing strategies in the lubricants industry. They discuss the importance of conveying value, navigating the sales funnel versus pipeline models, and the significance of social media content in the modern buyer's journey. With insights from the UKLA Buyer Revolution Survey and effective use of LinkedIn, Steve shares actionable tips to improve sales processes, personalize customer engagement, and enhance marketing efforts. Tune in for a stimulating debate and valuable takeaways to boost your sales and marketing prowess in the lubricants sector. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:18 The Importance of Sales and Marketing in the Lubricants Industry 01:15 Debate Style Discussion and Sales Funnel Concept 11:19 Understanding the Buyer's Perspective 14:00 Key Insights from the Buyer's Revolution Survey 18:53 The Role of Digital Content and LinkedIn in Sales 22:39 The Shift Towards Personalized Messaging 24:36 Reengineering the Sales Process 26:11 The Traditional vs. Modern Seller 27:02 The Importance of Personal Branding 28:50 Top of Funnel Strategies 31:18 The Messy Middle and Buyer Behavior 32:57 The Mountain Analogy in Sales 36:22 The Role of Content in Sales 42:30 Effective Social Media Engagement 50:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Understanding Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants: Insights from Fuchs Experts Join us in this enlightening episode with lubrication experts Dr. Ruchi Bakshi and John Perez from Fuchs as we delve into the world of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs). Discover what makes a lubricant environmentally friendly, the critical testing criteria, ideal base oils, and the importance of biodegradability, low toxicity, and low bioaccumulation. Learn about the practical applications of EALs in various industries and the challenges faced in R&D and field applications. Explore the future advancements in the sustainability of lubricants and how corporate and regulatory shifts are driving innovation. Whether you’re in the lubrication industry or simply interested in sustainability, this episode offers valuable insights into the next generation of eco-friendly lubricants. 00:00 Introduction to Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants 00:24 Meet the Experts: Dr. Ruchi Bakshi and John Perez 01:30 Understanding EALs: Criteria and Standards 05:30 Biodegradability and Bioaccumulation Explained 08:45 Base Stocks in EALs: Compatibility and Performance 11:56 Applications and Regulatory Requirements for EALs 16:43 Challenges and Limitations in EAL Development 28:08 Future of EALs: Innovations and Sustainability 31:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Deep Dive Into Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate (ZDDP) with Expert David Holt | Episode 61 In this episode of Lubrication Experts, we explore the fascinating world of Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate (ZDDP) with industry veteran David Holt. Recording for the first time in the new studio, our host delves into the history, applications, and complexities of ZDDP, a crucial molecule in engine oils and industrial lubricants. David Holt shares his vast experience, spanning over 30 years, to explain the origins of ZDDP, its chemical properties, and its role in preventing wear and corrosion. The discussion also touches on the distinctions between anti-wear and extreme pressure additives, the evolution of lubricant additives, and the potential future of ZDDP in the face of advancing technology. 00:00 Welcome to Lubrication Experts 00:33 Introducing Special Guest David Holt 01:17 Deep Dive into Zinc and ZDDP 02:57 Origins and Evolution of ZDDP 05:52 ZDDP in Modern Applications 07:51 Technical Insights on ZDDP 16:39 ZDDP in Hydraulic Systems 21:15 Anti-Wear vs. Extreme Pressure Additives 26:51 Future of ZDDP and Alternatives 39:09 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes

Join us for a special episode of Lubrication Experts featuring Jacob Bonta, the Lead Formulation Scientist for Industrial Fluids and Greases at Valvoline Global Operations. In this in-depth discussion, Jacob takes us through the intricate process of developing greases from concept to market. Learn about the key factors in grease formulation, the importance of application-specific design, the testing and trial phases, and the unique challenges and opportunities in making and scaling up industrial grease. This episode is a must-watch for anyone in the lubrication industry, from sales and marketing professionals to field users. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 00:47 Understanding Grease Development 01:53 Targeting Applications and Environments 02:32 Push vs. Pull in Product Development 05:35 Economic Considerations in Grease Production 10:19 Core Components of Grease 14:37 Grease as a Technology Platform 18:56 Defining Performance Criteria 25:33 Bench Testing and Iteration 30:55 Field Trials and Real-World Testing 36:16 Scaling Up Production 41:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts