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Glossary

Definitions:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Abbreviations       Organizations

L

Lacquer

A deposit resulting from the oxidation and polymerization of fuels and lubricants when exposed to high temperatures. Similar to, but harder, than varnish.

Laminar particles

Particles generated in rolling element bearings which have been flattened out by a rolling contact.

Lard Oil

An animal oil prepared from the fat of swine. Such oils are compounded with mineral oils to yield lubricants of special wetting properties. These are especially used in cutting oils to improve the finish on the machined parts.

Lead Alkali

Any of several lead compounds used to improve octane number in a gasoline. Use of lead compounds in motor gasoline has been phased out for environmental reasons. Beginning with the 1980-model year, all new U.S. and foreign-made cars sold in the U.S. require unleaded gasoline.

Lead naphthenate

A lead soap of naphthenic acids, the latter occurring naturally in petroleum.

Light End Oil

Lowest boiling portion in a distilled petroleum fraction or finished product.

Light obscuration

The degree of light blockage as reflected in the transmitted light impinging on the photodiode.

Liquid

Any substance that flows readily or changes in response to the smallest influence. More generally, any substance in which the force required to produce a deformation depends on the rate of deformation rather than on the magnitude of the deformation.

Liquefield Petroleum Gas (LPG)

Light hydrocarbon material, gaseous at atmospheric temperature and pressure, held in the liquid state by pressure to facilitate storage, transport, and handling. Commercial liquefied gas consists essentially of propane, butane, or mixtures thereof.

Liquefield Natural Gas (LNG)

Similar to LPG but consisting of lighter hydrocarbons, such as methane and ethane.

Liter/Litre

The primary standard of capacity in the metric system, equal to the volume of one kilogram of pure water at maximum density, at approximately 4°C, and under normal atmospheric pressure.

Load-carrying capacity

Property of a lubricant to form a film on the lubricated surface, which resists rupture under given load conditions. Expressed as maximum load the lubricated system can support without failure or excessive wear.

Load Wear Index (LWI)

See Four Ball Test; a measure of the relative ability of a lubricant to prevent wear under applied loads; calculated from the loads applied and corrected for elastic deformation of the balls under static loading and for the size of the wear scar. Formerly called Mean Hertz Load.

Lubricant

Any substance interposed between two surfaces in relative motion for the purpose of reducing the friction and/or the wear between them.

Lubricity

Ability of an oil or grease to lubricate and reduce wear and friction, other than just its viscous properties; also called film strength.

Lubricating Grease

A solid to semifluid product consisting of dispersion of a thickening agent in a liquid lubricant. Other ingredients for imparting special properties may be included.