Modern PTFE based oils and greases (Krytox)

A special section just for steam engines and boilers, as without these you may as well fit a sail.
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rogercrier
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Modern PTFE based oils and greases (Krytox)

Post by rogercrier »

Has anyone contemplated using Du-Ponts "Krytox" lubricants (or simmilar) in their steam engines?
There is every possibility that they will withstand working in steam so well that parts could be greased and oiled at services and then left un lubricated while in use as these oils and greases are an order of magnitude better at staying in place on the lubricated surfaces at a molecular level and do not get washed out or emulsify even at elevated temperatures! In industrial use they are used in steam turbines They are also non toxic and in some cases food safe, so ok for the waterways.
Is anyone in a position to know if this is a viable alternative, or to do some wear tests, or has this been done before?
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Lopez Mike
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Re: Modern PTFE based oils and greases (Krytox)

Post by Lopez Mike »

I haven't researched this stuff yet but I am nervous about anything that doesn't biodegrade. Our ordinary mineral and vegetable oils when used in reasonable quantities will get eaten by microbes. Plastic tends to be very long lived.

On a more humorous note, my father bought one of the first weedwhackers an embarrassing number of years ago. As he was savaging the biomass around our home he would periodically whack it against the ground. I didn't know about letting out new line and asked him what he was doing. He explained. I thought for a moment and made some comment about the yard ending up ankle deep in little bits of plastic line. He didn't say anything but the beast got hung up for good and we went back to fire and goats.
If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.
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