When it comes to industrial operations in Abu Dhabi, hot temperatures not only pose a challenge to industrial operations but have become a constant factor. At times, temperatures in Abu Dhabi easily go beyond 45°C (113°F), which exerts tremendous pressure on machinery and equipment such as pumps, bearings, and hydraulic systems. Selecting appropriate industrial lubricants in such conditions has become paramount.
In this complete resource, we will go beyond the process of choosing the types and qualities of lubricants that are resistant to high temperatures and provide you with information regarding the common mistakes incurred while using lubricants and how this desert climate, present in the UAE, affects the lifetime and functionality of the machinery.
Why Standard Industrial Lubricants Fail in High-Temperature Environments
Standard industrial lubricants are designed for moderate operating conditions — typically between 0°C and 80°C. In Abu Dhabi’s desert environment, equipment surfaces can easily exceed these temperatures due to:
- Ambient heat
- High rotational speeds
- Heavy Industrial Loads
- Friction and heat generation in closed spaces
At higher temperatures, the degradation of common lubricants takes place, known as thermal degradation. This causes:
- Viscosity Breakdown – Lubricant gets too thin to protect the surface.
- Oxidation – Oil reacts with oxygen, forming sludge and acid
- Evaporation: Light components boil off, shortening the life of the oil
- Increased wear and corrosion
What happened? Regular failures, costly downtime, and premature aging.
In the Abu Dhabi sectors that include oil & gas, manufacturing, as well as utilities, the impact of hot weather must not be ignored, as it may result in losses worth millions every year.
High-Temperature Lubricants Explained: Oils vs Greases
1. High-Temperature Oils
High temperature industrial oil resists degradation from strong heat. It has the following characteristics:
- Stable viscosity at high temps
- Enhanced oxidation resistance
- Additives for extreme pressure (EP) and anti-wear protection
- Synthetic base stocks like PAO, esters, and polyalkylene glycols
These oils are perfect for:
✔ High-speed bearings
✔ Gearboxes working near maximum load capacity, with relatively low
✔ Turbines and compressors
2. High-Temperature Greases
- Greases are composed of oil and a thickener, which create a semi-solid lubricant. In high temperatures:
- Lithium complex and calcium sulfonate greases have better properties than other greases
- Synthetically produced grease has improved thermal stability.
- Greases act to exclude contaminants, which is important in arid and dusty environments such as in deserts
Greases are preferred when:
✔ Slow to Moderate Speed Applications
✔ Enclosed bearings
✔ Articulated joints liable to contamination
Oils vs Greases — Which to Choose?
| Feature | High-Temp Oil | High-Temp Grease |
| Heat Dissipation | Excellent | Good |
| Protection Against Dust | Moderate | Excellent |
| Maintenance Interval | More frequent | Extended |
| Application Type | High speed | Low-to-mid speed |
In Abu Dhabi, various sectors require a mix of both – synthetic oils for high-speed machinery and greases for seals and slow-speed bearings.
Frequently Made Lubrication Errors in Desert Operating Conditions
Even the best lubricant fails when applied incorrectly. Here are the most common mistakes:
❌ Using Standard Oils in High-Heat Zones
This means choosing products that were never designed to withstand the thermal stresses equipment faces in the UAE.
❌ Neglecting Dust and Sand Contaminants
Desert environments are unforgiving. Poor sealing and contaminated lubricant accelerate wear dramatically.
❌ Skipping Regular Oil Analysis
Without periodic testing, you won’t know when the lubricant has degraded and is no longer protecting the system.
❌ Incorrect Grease Selection
Using low-temp greases that bleed or harden in high heat leads to bearing failure.
How Correct Lubrication Affects Equipment Availability
When the correct lubricant is used in the right way:
- Friction is greatly reduced
- The rate of heat production decreases
- Corrosion and wear process slows down
- More hygienic and durable equipment
Less downtime results in:
- Higher Production Output
- Reduced maintenance and operational expenditures for
- Enhance Safety
- Long equipment life span.
In big industrial settings, such as the petrochemical plants operating within Abu Dhabi, even a few hours of shutdown could mean losing millions of dirhams. Lubrication works like “invisible insurance” to safeguard precious assets.
Industrial Lubricant Standards & Certifications in the UAE
Industrial Lubricant
It is also important to choose the lubricant judiciously. This involves selecting products which meet certain industry standards. Some of the widely accepted ones include:
✅ ISO VG Viscosity Grades
Establishes the lubricant’s thickness at standard temperature conditions, an important aspect in selecting the lubricant for the heat-loaded part.
✅ API (American Petroleum Institute) Ratings
Enumerates specifications regarding engine and gear oil performance.
✅ AGMA (American Gear Manufacturers Association)
Gear oil performance standards when subjected to loading and temperature.
✔ ISO 21469
Hygiene standard for lubricants used in sensitive industries.
✅ UAE/SASO (Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization)
Ensures the product meets regional safety and quality standards.
Products with such certifications are tested for thermal stability, anti-wear properties, oxidation resistance, and deposit control, which are all critical for extreme heat applications.
How to Determine That Your Equipment Is Utilizing the Wrong Lubricant
Preventing disastrous breakdowns is possible if the improper use of lubricants is identified early. The signs
- Excessive Bearing Noise
- Metal-to-metal contact because of lubrication failure.
- High Operating Temperatures
- Lubricant failing to absorb heat.
- Dark, Sludgy Oil
Indicates oxidation and pollution.
Grease Bleeding or Hardening
Wrong thickener for high heat.
Increased Energy Consumption
Friction increases the work of the motor.
Regular oil analysis and thermal scans can go a long way in detecting these problems before they turn into failures.
How Preventive Lubrication Benefits Equipment
Preventive lubrication is not an activity, but an approach. It entails
- Baseline Lubricant Testing
- Regular Oil Change Prior to Failure
- Contaminant control (filters, seals)
- Training maintenance teams
Benefits include:
✔ Reduces repair expenses
✔Improved fuel and energy efficiency
✔ Minimized downtime
Longer intervals between overhauls In fact, in a desert climate like that in Abu Dhabi, organizations that practice lubrication have realized an impressive improvement in equipment reliability and efficiency relative to those that don’t.
Final Checklist: Selecting Your Industrial Lubricant at Abu Dhabi
1 Before finalizing your lubricant of choice:
☑ Specify operating temperatures and loads
☑ Choose synthetic high-temp oils/greases
☑ Verify certifications: ISO, API, AGMA
☑ TEST & MONITOR Lubricant Condition REGULARLY
☑ Protection of systems from dust and sand
Conclusion
The selection of the appropriate industrial lubricant for the ambient conditions prevailing in the hot climate of Abu Dhabi is more than a matter of the selection of a simple consumer product, as it is a key decision that influences downtime and maintenance expenditures. By understanding what makes standard lubricants fail and the distinction between high temp oils and greases and how Preventive Lubrication services can prolong the life of equipment, organizations can cut down on failures and maximize their productivity. If your plant is still using standard products in the high temperature areas, it is time to take a reevaluation. Being proactive about lubrication is more than a recommended course of action—it is critical when it comes to having a successful operation in the Abu Dhabi area.