Choosing the right viscosity index improver (VI) is key to obtaining the desired properties in your formulation. The VI of a fluid indicates the ability of that fluid to withstand shear forces without thinning. VI improvers are commonly used in pipeline transportation fluids in order to reduce friction and flow-related losses while maintaining pressure stability at higher flow rates.
The viscosity index of a lubricant has a significant impact on its performance and is perhaps the most critical property for high-performance applications, such as turbines and bearings. The viscosity index of a lubricant enables it to withstand shear stress without thinning or breaking down.
Viscosity index improvers are a critical element in selecting bringing applications. These additives can be used to both improve the stability of your brine and enhance the foods being cooked in it. In simple terms, viscosity index improvers help to make your brines less likely to separate and more stable when they are mixed with foods.
The viscosity index of a lubricant indicates how suitable it is for a particular application. The higher the number, the better the viscosity index improver is at extending oil life in that application. However, viscosity index improvers are not all created equal. For instance, polyol ester VI improvers are highly viscous and often used on multispeed gears, while polyol esters VI analogues are normally used as additive packages in low-viscosity oils or mineral lubricants and exhibit lower viscosity index levels.
If you need viscous fluids, then choosing the right viscosity index improver for your applications can be quite a challenge. More so if it's for aerospace applications where there are more parameters to consider versus automotive or industrial.
Three Tips For Choosing the Right Viscosity Index Improver
Choosing the right viscosity index improver (VI) can be a challenge. There are so many different types on the market and they all seem to provide different benefits.
In this article, we’ll give you three tips for choosing the right VI improver.
1. Choose one that is compatible with your oil
The first thing to consider when choosing a VI improver is whether or not it is compatible with your oil. You want to use an additive that will make your engine run better and last longer, but one that will also protect your engine from wear and tear.
2. Consider what type of application you have
Another important factor to consider when choosing the right VI improver for your engine is what type of application you have. For example, if you have an automotive engine, there may be special additives designed specifically for this purpose that can help keep your car running smoothly for years to come. Similarly, if you have a diesel engine, there are also special additives designed for diesel that can help keep them running smoothly as well!
3. Process Capability
The processing capability of each VI improver should be considered carefully. The characteristics of each VI improver may affect the processing parameters required for optimum results. For example, some VIs will require higher temperatures than others during vulcanization in order to achieve improved properties such as tack or cure rate; or they may require longer cure times due to slower crosslinking rates. Therefore, when selecting a VI it is important to consider its capability within your specific processing conditions.