The Story of Lubricating Oil

This 1949 educational film, provided by youtube.com/periscopefilm video, and produced by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Mines in collaboration with Standard Oil Company in Indiana, explains the importance of lubricating oil in various industries, including aviation, automotive, and farming. It follows the journey of an animated lubricating oil molecule, a hydrocarbon, from crude oil extraction to refining processes, where impurities like asphalt, wax, sludge, and varnish are removed. The video illustrates the testing and refining procedures to ensure oil quality, including viscosity index and color purity.

It also highlights the role of additives and the rigorous testing performed to guarantee the oil's performance in machinery. The video concludes with an animated segment featuring the hydrocarbon molecule celebrating its essential role in industry.