Mil spec oil compatibility refers to a military specification, or military standard for products that meet specified standards in both performance and manufacturing. Many government organizations tend to use this specification, including non-defense facets, as it can be broadly used within technical and industrial organizations.
What Is A Performance Spec?
Performance specifications are requirements put in place that dictate the terms of a required result. The criteria specified must be met in order to be in compliance; however, the methods used in achieving this specified result are not restricted or otherwise stated. The end product being the main goal, as opposed to the process used to arrive there.
The Performance specification does dictate the needed functional requirements, the conditions in which it must be able to operate efficiently, as well as interchangeability and interface characteristics that are needed.
Mil spec lubricants and oils are used in a wide variety of ways, in both commercial and military applications. As the standards ensure all synthetic lubricants and oils meet the highest possible quality grades, they are sought after by people in many fields. However, even using mil spec lubricants, you need to be aware of compatibility.
Mil Spec Oil Compatibility Testing
Fluids and conventional or synthetic oils that can be mixed without detriment are considered to be compatible. Those either unable to be mixed, or designed for other purposes, are considered incompatible. The degree of incompatibility can differ between types. Some may have slight incompatibilities, while others can come completely incompatible for mixing.
For instance, a fire resistant phosphate ester fluid, mixed with a petroleum based fluid would be considered not only a fluid incompatibility, but an overall safety concern, as it would result in a product with a reduced fire resistance which can also cause detrimental damage to machinery. If an oil and fluid are mixed, but contain two different physical and chemical make ups, they will be unable to deliver the correct performance when put into operation. However, oils designed for similar applications will result in a positive reaction that doesn’t create a decrease, or failure, when in performance.
Mil spec oil compatibility can be unnecessarily confusing, if not dangerous, if attempted without proper training and understanding. Speaking with a qualified technician about viable mixes, can help you find the best compatible fluids and oils for your specific needs.