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Babbitt -- a soft, white, non-ferrous alloy bearing material composed principally of copper, antimony, tin and lead.

Bactericide -- additive included in the formulations of water-mixed cutting fluids to inhibit the growth of bacteria promoted by the presence of water, thus preventing odors that can result from bacterial action.

Ball bearing -- an antifriction rolling type bearing containing rolling elements in the form of balls.

Barium (Ba) -- element number 56 on the periodic table of the elements. In the context of oil analysis barium can be present as a contaminant in various sampled components and the origins can be from such sources as: fuel additives, grease thickeners, and detergents just to name a few.

Barrel -- A standard unit of measure in the petroleum industry, equivalent to 42 US gallons (35 IMP) or 159 litres. (i.e. a barrel of crude oil.) Typically a barrel of lubricating oil (properly known as a Drum) is sold in 55 US gallon barrels or 205 litres. (A wine barrel is 31.5 US gallons and a beer barrel is equivalent to 36 US gallons)

Base -- a material which neutralizes acids. An oil additive containing colloidally dispersed metal carbonate, used to reduce corrosive wear.

Base number -- a measurement of the reserve alkalinity of lubricating oil. The amount of acid required to neutralize all of the basic constituents in 1 gram of oil sample. Although acid is used to titrate the sample, the BN is reported of equivalent KOH (potassium hydroxide).

Base stock -- the base fluid, usually a refined petroleum fraction or a selected synthetic material, into which additives are blended to produce finished lubricants.

Bearing -- a support or guide by means of which a moving part such as a shaft or axle is positioned with respect to the other parts of a mechanism.

Beryllium (Be) -- element number 4 on the periodic table of the elements. In the context of oil analysis beryllium can be present as a wear metal in various sampled components and the origin is often from alloy steel.

Beta Rating -- the method of comparing filter performance based on efficiency. This is done using the Multi-Pass Test which counts the number of particles of a given size before and after fluid passes through a filter.

Beta-Ratio (ß-Ratio) -- The ratio of the number of particles greater than a given size in a fluid upstream of a filter divided by the number of particles downstream of the filter. For example, if the filter beta ratio (rating) is ß10 = 75, this would indicate that for every 75 particles upstream of the filter, only one will pass through in the 10 µm size range.

Bitumen -- also called asphalt or tar, bitumen is the brown or black viscous residue from the vacuum distillation of crude petroleum. It also occurs in nature as asphalt "lakes" and "tar sands." It consists of high molecular weight hydrocarbons and minor amounts of sulfur and nitrogen compounds.

Black oils -- lubricants containing asphaltic materials, which impart extra adhesiveness, that are used for open gears and steel cables.

Bleeding -- separation of a liquid from lubricating grease.

Block grease -- a very firm grease manufactured in block form, to be applied to certain large open plain bearings, generally operating at slow speeds and moderate temperatures.

Blow-by -- passage of unburned fuel and combustion gases past the piston rings of internal combustion engines, resulting in fuel dilution and contamination of the crankcase oil.

Boron (B) -- element number 5 on the periodic table of the elements. In the context of oil analysis boron can be present as a contaminant in various sampled components and the origins can be from such sources as: coolant inhibitors, oil additives and water treatments just to name a few.

Boundary lubrication -- A condition of lubrication where the lubricant film is too thin to prevent metal-to-metal contact of the rubbing or rolling surfaces. Boundary lubrication can be controlled by the addition of additives in the lubricating oil that will provide a stronger oil film, and prevent excessive friction and scoring. Boundary lubrication additives can be divided in to three main categories. For very mild conditions oiliness or lubricity agents may be used. These are polar compounds that are attracted to the metal surface. By plating out on the metal surface these thin but durable films prevent scoring under mild conditions. Compounded oils that are formulated with polar fatty oils, are sometimes used for this purpose. Anti-wear additives are commonly used in more severe boundary lubrication applications. High quality engine oils and hydraulic oils contain anti-wear additives to prevent heavily loaded components, especially under high sliding conditions. (i.e. piston/cylinder, valve train, hydraulic pumps, etc.) The more severe cases of boundary lubrication are defined as extreme pressure (EP) conditions. These conditions are satisfied with lubricants containing EP additives that prevent the metal surfaces from fusing together at localized high temperatures and pressures.

Breakdown maintenance -- maintenance performed after a machine has failed to return it to an operating state.