WO2025083601A1

WO2025083601A1 - Lubricant compositions and methods of using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2025083601A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/060195
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kedar Pandurang Chaudhari; Uday Anna CHAUDHARI; Pratik Ravindra Hande; Sandeep Vasant Chavan
Original assignee: Diversey India Hygiene Pvt Ltd
Current assignee: Diversey India Hygiene Pvt Ltd
Priority date: 2023-10-19
Filing date: 2024-10-17
Publication date: 2025-04-24
Anticipated expiration: 2026-04-19
Also published as: WO2025083596A1; WO2025083596A9

Abstract

Lubricant compositions and methods of lubricating a conveyor system are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a lubricant composition includes an oil and a surfactant. A ratio of the oil to the surfactant is from about 1 to about 48. The lubricant composition has a water content of from 0 to about 15 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition.

Description

LUBRICANT COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME [0001] This application claims the benefit of Indian Provisional Application No. 202321071435, filed October 19, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This disclosure relates to the oil-based lubricant compositions and the methods of lubricating surfaces, particularly during conveyor transport of containers. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE [0003] During commercial container filling or packaging operations, containers are moved from one place to another by a conveyor belt of a conveyor system at a high speed. This results in a friction between the container-contacting surface of the conveyor belt and the surface of the container. Lubricant is often applied to the conveyor belt to reduce friction between the surfaces and to ensure a good gliding contact. [0004] Conventionally, a wet lubrication process is used to address the friction problem. Fatty acid-based or fatty amine-based lubricant compositions are commonly used for the wet lubrication process. The lubricant composition is diluted with water at, e.g., a dilution ratio of from about 1:100 to about 1:1000, to form an aqueous wet lubricant solution prior to its use for the wet lubrication process. Copious amounts of such aqueous wet lubricant solution must be applied to the conveyor belt continuously to ensure the proper high speed conveyor operation. During the wet lubrication process, large amounts of aqueous wet lubricant solution flow off the conveyor belt, resulting in a slippery floor surface that may constitute a hazard to operators working in the immediate environment. Furthermore, this leads to a waste of chemicals and large amounts of water that must be disposed of or recycled. Therefore, the wet lubrication process consumes extensive operation and energy costs. [0005] Dry lubrication processes have been used to address the aforementioned drawback of the wet lubrication process. Silicone-based compositions are commonly used as the dry lubricant compositions for the dry lubrication process. A dry lubricant composition typically contains less than about 48% by weight of water, and is applied to the surfaces of the conveyor belt and/or containers without dilution. Hence, the dry lubrication process employs significantly lower amounts of water and results in reduced operation and energy costs, compared to the wet lubrication process. [0006] One issue with the dry lubrication process is the development of a “blackness,” or a dark staining material, on the conveyor belt. The blackness tends to transfer to the objects on the conveyor belt, resulting in an unsightly stain or mark. In some cases, the conveyor belt is shut down periodically to clean off the conveyor belt, which results in production times and increased labor. [0007] There is still a need for lubricant compositions and methods of dry lubrication that provide excellent lubricity and minimal blackness problems as compared to the conventional methods of wet lubrication, and yet still consume low levels of water and energy, and also reduce operation costs. SUMMARY [0008] Lubricant compositions and methods of lubricating a conveyor system are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a lubricant composition includes an oil and a surfactant. A ratio of the oil to the surfactant is from about 1 to about 48. The lubricant composition has a water content of from 0 to about 15 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition. [0009] A method of lubricating a conveyor system is provided in another embodiment. The method includes applying a lubricant composition to a bearing surface of a conveyor system, where the bearing surface is configured for supporting an article carried by the conveyor system. The lubricant composition includes an oil and a surfactant, where a ratio of the oil to the surfactant is from about 1 to about 48. The lubricant composition includes water in an amount of from 0 to about 15 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition. The bearing surface is washed a plurality of times before re-applying the lubricant composition to the bearing surface, where washing the bearing surface includes applying a aqueous composition to the bearing surface. [0010] A method of lubricating a conveyor system is provided in yet another embodiment. The method includes applying a lubricant composition to a bearing surface of a conveyor system, where the bearing surface is configured for supporting an article carried by the conveyor system. The lubricant composition includes a synthetic oil and a surfactant, and the lubricant composition includes water in an amount of from 0 to about 48 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition. The bearing surface is washed a plurality of times with an aqueous composition before re-applying the lubricant composition to the bearing surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following figure. [0012] FIG.1 is a schematic side view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of a conveyor system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0013] The present disclosure generally relates to dry lubricant compositions and methods of dry lubricating conveyor surfaces that offer a reduced friction between the surfaces to ensure a good gliding contact with an article, and provide an improved efficacy in removing the blackness that is one of the major drawbacks for the conventional methods of dry lubrication for conveyor systems. [0014] Blackness is measured using a “whiteness index,” where the whiteness index is a measure of the opposite of the blackness on the conveyor system. The whiteness index is determined by rubbing a contact point of a white substrate on the bearing surface for a distance of from about 10 centimeters to about 15 centimeters with a weight of about 5 to about 40 kilograms urging the white substrate toward the bearing surface, and then measuring a reflectance value of visible light at the contact point to determine the whiteness index. The white substrate can be a wide variety of items that will stain with the blackness, such as tissue paper, photocopy paper, other types of paper, white cloth, white sponges, or other items. In alternative embodiments, the weight urging the white substrate toward the bearing surface may be from about 10 to about 30 kilograms, or from about 12 to about 20 kilograms. As the blackness on the conveyor system increases, the amount of dark material picked up by the white substrate increases, and the amount of white light reflected by the white substrate at the point where the dark material is deposited on the white substrate is reduced. As such, the lower the value of the whiteness index, the greater the value of the blackness on the conveyor system. This whiteness index provides a reproduceable technique for quantifying the blackness on the conveyor belt, and therefore provides a quantitative technique for evaluating the effectiveness of different lubricants. [0015] The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0016] The terms “comprise(s),” “comprising,” “include(s),” “including,” “having,” “has,” “contain(s),” “containing,” “characterized by,” and variants thereof are open-ended transitional phrases that are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.. [0017] The terms “consist(s) of”, “consisting of,” and variants thereof are close-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, and to exclude additional items except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. [0018] The terms “consist(s) essentially of”, “consisting essentially of,” and variants thereof are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics. [0019] The term “about”, when used in connection with a quantity, is inclusive of the stated value and has the meaning dictated by the context (for example, it includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement of the particular quantity). The term “about” also refers to plus or minus 10% of the indicated number. For examples, “about 10%” indicates a range from 9% to 11%, and “about 8” indicates a range from 7.2 to 8.8. [0020] Any numerical range recited herein includes all values from the lower value to the upper value. For example, if a concentration range is stated as 1% to 50%, it is intended that values such as 2% to 40%, 10% to 30%, or 1% to 3%, etc., are expressly enumerated in this specification. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between and including the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application. [0021] The term “substantially free", as used herein, means that a composition does not contain such particular compound, or such particular compound has not been added intentionally to the lubricant composition. Should such particular compound be present through contamination, the amount of such particular compound shall be less than about 0.5% by weight, or less than about 0.1% by weight. [0022] The term "weight percent," "wt%," "percent by weight," "% by weight," and variations thereof, as used herein, refer to the concentration of a component as the weight of that component divided by the total weight of the composition being described and multiplied by 100. Unless indicated otherwise, all concentrations are expressed as weight percentage concentrations. [0023] The term “effective amount” refers to an amount that would achieve a desired effect or result. For example, an effective amount of a lubricant composition refers to the amount of such composition to achieve a desired level of lubricity, which can be determined based on the coefficient of friction (COF) value. [0024] The term “coefficient of friction” or “COF” is a dimensionless number that is defined as a ratio between (i) the frictional force resisting the motion of two surfaces that are in contact and (ii) the normal force pressing the two surfaces together. [0025] The term “conveyor belt” as used herein refers to a moving surface of a conveyor system that is used for transporting objects from one place to another. Examples of common materials for the construction of conveyor belt include stainless steel or other metals, rubber, plastic, leather, and/or fabric. As such, the conveyor belt may include a flexible belt for moving objects, or a plurality of plates that work in concert to move an object. [0026] The term “wet lubricant” or “wet lubricant composition” as used herein refers to a lubricant composition that is generally diluted with water to form an aqueous dilute lubricant solution prior to an application to surface. The dilution ratio is generally in a range of from about 100 parts water per one part of non-aqueous material to about 500 part water per one part non-aqueous material. However, for definitional purposes herein, a “wet lubricant” means a lubricant that includes at least about 80 weight percent water, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition, where the weight percent is defined at the point of use such that any water used for dilution or mixing at the point of use is included in the composition of the wet lubricant. [0027] Typically, copious amounts of the aqueous dilute solution of wet lubricant is applied to the surface to be lubricated, e.g., the surface of a conveyor belt. The method of wet lubrication uses large amounts of water that is generally disposed of or recycled, which results in high operation and energy costs. Furthermore, the aqueous dilute solution of wet lubricant could flow off the conveyor track surface treated therewith, causing a slippery floor surface that may constitute a hazard to the operators working in the immediate environment, and collecting on floors and other surfaces that requires cleaning. Moreover, variations in the water can have negative side effects on the aqueous dilute solution of wet lubricant. For example, the presence or absence of dissolved minerals and alkalinity in the water can cause an unacceptably high coefficient of friction. [0028] The term “dry lubricant” or “dry lubricant composition” refers to a lubricant composition that includes from 0 to about 48 weight percent water, based on a total weight of the dry lubricant. The amount of water in the dry lubricant includes any water used for dilution or mixing at the point of use, similar to the definition of the wet lubricant. [0029] The method of dry lubrication does not require copious amounts of water. Therefore, it is generally more economical to operate than the method of wet lubrication. The method of dry lubrication typically requires approximately 1 to 50 milliliters of the dry lubricant per square meter of the conveyor belt surface being lubricated per hour to be applied to a conveyor belt surface, whereas the method of wet lubrication requires approximately 10 to 30 liters of an aqueous dilute solution of wet lubricant per square meter of the conveyor belt surface being lubricated per hour to be applied. [0030] The term “energized nozzle” refers to a nozzle wherein the stream of material ejected from the nozzle is broken into a spray of fine droplets by the use of energy. Examples of energized nozzles may include, but are not limited to, high pressures, compressed air, or sonication. [0031] The method of dry lubrication for conveyor belts has the drawback of a so-called “blackness” problem. The term “blackness” as used herein refers to the residue comprising chromium, iron, silica, soil, dirt, or other materials that produce a dark or black color, or any mixture thereof, that is commonly observed during the method of dry lubrication on the surfaces of the containers that have been transported on the conveyor belt and/or the surfaces of the conveyor belt. The blackness is measured by the whiteness index, as mentioned above. [0032] The blackness may be caused by several sources: the dirt attached to the surfaces of containers, especially in case of the used containers; the dirt attached to the surfaces of the conveyor belt; the wear of containers that have been transported on the conveyor belt, or any combination thereof. A further source of contamination that may produce blackness on the conveyor belt may be fractions of liquid contents (e.g., alcoholic beverages, non- alcoholic beverages) that have not been filled into the container during the filling/refilling process, but rather have flown down on the outer surface of the container and then onto the conveyor belt. Furthermore, the oil may degrade or leave deposits of contaminants that have a dark color. The problem of blackness is particularly predominant when the method of dry lubrication is utilized during conveying of glass containers on stainless steel conveyor belts. [0033] The blackness problem is generally not observed during the method of wet lubrication. As discussed above, the aqueous dilute solution of wet lubricant flows off the conveyor track surface during the method of wet lubrication. Therefore, it appears that most of the blackness developed during the conveyor process is carried away from the surfaces of conveyor belt and/or the surfaces of containers by the flowing off of aqueous dilute solution of wet lubricant. [0034] Once blackness is formed during the method of dry lubrication, it is very difficult to remove from the conveyor belt. In some embodiments, the entire conveyor system is stopped from time to time, so that the conveyor belt can be properly cleaned with a cleaner, such as a conventional aqueous cleaner, a aqueous cleaner with a cleaning additive, such as an aqueous alkaline cleaning solution, or other types of cleaning solutions to remove the blackness from the conveyor belt. The cleaner also removes the dry lubricant composition from the conveyor belt. Therefore, after stopping the conveyor operation to clean the conveyor belt, additional time and labor are needed to reapply the dry lubricant composition to the conveyor belt to ensure the trouble-free transport of containers on the conveyor belt. In this description, it is generally assumed that an aqueous cleaner is used because that is quite common. However, it is to be understood that other types of cleaners could also be used, such as aqueous alkaline cleaning solutions, vinegar cleaning solutions, or other types of cleaners, and such other types of cleaners are within the scope of this description. [0035] The presently disclosed lubricant compositions and the methods of dry lubrication are cost effective due to the reduced amount of required water, afford an excellent lubricity between the surfaces during the transport of containers on the conveyor belt, and also provide an improved efficacy in removing the blackness that is one of the major drawbacks for the conventional methods of dry lubrication. [0036] The presently disclosed lubricant compositions also extend the life of conveyor systems or other components on which the lubricant compositions may be used. It has been found that the lubricant compositions reduce corrosion on metals when in use, perhaps because or reduced oxygen exposure to the surface of the metal. The reduced corrosion can extend the life of the equipment, and also improve performance because corrosion can induce increased friction, altered tolerances between adjacent metal pieces, etc. The corrosion protection may be particularly effective for soft metals. Dry Lubricant Compositions [0037] The disclosed lubricant composition of the first aspect comprises: oil chosen from mineral oil, silicone oil, synthetic oil, or a combination thereof; surfactant; water in an amount of from about 0% to about 48% by weight based on total weight of the composition; and several optional ingredients, such as biocide, chelating agent, etc.; wherein a weight ratio of the oil to the surfactant is in a range of from about 1:1 to about 48:1, or from about 1:1 to about 24:1. [0038] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition comprises water in an amount of less than about 48%, or less than about 15%, or less than about 10%, or less than about 5%, or less than about 1% by weight based on total weight of the lubricant composition. In some embodiments, the water is present in an amount of from about 0% to about 15% by weight of water, or from about 0% to about 5% by weight of water, based on total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the lubricant composition is substantially free of water. [0039] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition comprises the oil in an amount of at least about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, or about 70% by weight based on total weight of the composition; and/or no more than about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85% about 90%, or about 98 by weight based on total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the oil is present in an amount of from about 40% to about 90% by weight, or from about 70% to about 90% by weight, based on total weight of the composition. [0040] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition comprises the surfactant in an amount of at least about 2% at least about 4%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 7.5%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, about at least 20% or at least about 25% by weight based on total weight of the composition; and/or no more than about 25%, no more than about 27.5%, no more than about 30%, no more than about 35% or no more than about 40% by weight based on total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the surfactant is present in an amount of from about 2% to about 50% by weight, or from about 4% to about 50% by weight, or from about 4% to about 27.5% by weight, or from about 10% to 25% by weight, based on total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the surfactant comprises a nonionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, an anionic surfactant, or a combination thereof. [0041] In some embodiments, the oil is present in an amount of from about 50% to about 98% by weight, or from about 50% to about 96% by weight; and the surfactant is present in an amount of from about 2% to about 50% by weight, or from about 4% to about 50% by weight, or from about 2% to about 27.5% by weight, all based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. [0042] In some embodiments, a weight ratio of the oil to the surfactant is in a range of at least about 1:1, about 1.5:1, about 2:1, about 2.5:1, about 3:1, about 3.5:1, about 4:1, about 4.5:1, about 5:1; and/or no more than about 5:1, about 6:1, about 7:1, about 8:1, about 10:1, about 12:1, about 15:1, about 20:1, about 22:1, about 24:1 or about 48:1. In some embodiments, a weight ratio of the oil to the surfactant is in a range of from about 1:1 to about 48:1, or from about 1:1 to about 24:1. [0043] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition further comprises fatty acid having from about 4 to about 28 carbon atoms. The fatty acid may be a mixture of two or more fatty acids. The fatty acid is described in more detail below. [0044] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition further comprises esters of fatty alcohol, wherein the fatty alcohol includes from about 4 to about 28 carbon atoms, and wherein the ester of fatty alcohol comprises monoester, diester, triester, or any combination thereof. The ester of fatty alcohol may be a mixture of two or more esters of fatty alcohols. [0045] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition is substantially free of vegetable oil, fatty amine, fatty amine salt, polyglycol, phosphate ester, or any combination thereof. [0046] The disclosed lubricant composition of the second aspect comprises: oil in an amount of from about 50% to about 98 % by weight, or from about 50% to about 96% by weight, wherein the oil is chosen from mineral oil, silicone oil, synthetic oil, or a combination thereof; surfactant in an amount of from about 2% to about 50% by weight, or from about 4% to about 50%, or from about 4% to about 27.5% by weight; water in an amount of from about 0% to about 15% by weight, or from about 0% to about 5% by weight of water, based on total weight of the composition; and optionally a biocide, a chelating agent, or other additives commonly used in lubricant compositions. [0047] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition comprises the water in an amount of less than about 48%, or less than about 15%, or less than about 10%, or less than about 5%, or less than about 1% by weight based on total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the water is present in an amount of from 0% to about 48% by weight of water, or from 0% to about 15% by weight of water, based on total weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the lubricant composition is substantially free of water. Mineral Oil [0048] Mineral oils (also known as base oils, mineral base oils or lubricant base oils) are primarily hydrocarbons that can include alkanes, naphthalenes, aromatics, and polycyclic compounds with a boiling point typically greater than 100 degrees Celsius (°C), and often greater than 300 °C. Many mineral oils are produced from petroleum distillates, but other sources are also possible. Some mineral oils include higher levels of impurities, but others are more refined. Examples of mineral oils include motor vehicle engine oil, including semi-synthetic or fully synthetic embodiments. As used herein, the term “mineral oil” includes, but is not limited to, motor vehicle engine oil, white oil, white mineral oil, light liquid paraffin oil (LLPO), paraffin oil, liquid paraffin (a highly refined medical grade), paraffinum liquidum, liquid petroleum, mineral seal oil, and combinations thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, mineral oils may be prepared from naturally occurring crude petroleum oil. Crude petroleum oil may be distilled first at atmospheric pressure and then under high vacuum to yield vacuum distillates and residual fractions that can be further refined. Many mineral oils have 15 or more carbon atoms. Synthetic oil may be produced from sources other than petroleum oil, and typically has greater consistency in the structure of the molecules. For example, the molecular weights may be more uniform, the alkane v. naphthenic v. aromatic structure may be more consistent, etc. [0049] Mineral oil is generally a colorless, odorless, light mixtures of higher alkanes from a mineral source, particularly a distillate of petroleum, as distinct from usually edible vegetable oils. Liquid paraffin, sometimes referred to as paraffinum liquidum, paraffin oil, liquid paraffin oil or Russian mineral oil, is typically a very highly refined mineral oil that has seen uses in cosmetics, medicine, and other industries. Paraffin used as a fuel is sometimes referred to as kerosene, and is not appropriate for cosmetic or medicinal uses. Paraffin oil is generally transparent and colorless, with nearly no odor, and is composed of saturated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum. [0050] Synthetic oil includes compounds that are artificially synthesized or modified, as opposed to compounds mined or drilled for such as petroleum or crude oil. Synthetic oil can be manufactured with chemically modified petroleum components, but can also be synthesized from other raw materials. In many examples, the base material is derived from crude oil that is distilled and then physically and/or chemically modified. The synthesis process is typically protected as a trade secret, and varies with different types of synthetic oils. Synthetic oils have many uses, such as engine oil in demanding conditions, metal stamping, etc. [0051] In this description, a distinction is made between “mineral oil” and “synthetic oil,” where the composition is different such that the two types of oil can be distinguished based on the composition. The table below provides several properties of each type of oil. In general, “mineral oil” is defined as having more than 4 weight percent cyclic hydrocarbons, including more than 3 weight percent bicyclic hydrocarbons, whereas "synthetic oil” has less than 1 weight percent cyclic hydrocarbons, including less than 1 weight percent bicyclic hydrocarbons, where all weight percents are based on a total weight of the oil. Text Table 1

[0052] The synthetic oils have a narrower range of hydrocarbon lengths, and the range of hydrocarbon length will vary from one type of synthetic oil to another. Synthetic oil is different than “mineral oil,” as used herein, where mineral oil includes a greater number of cyclic hydrocarbons, as mentioned above. Some references will refer to synthetic oil as s subset of mineral oil, but that is not the case in this description. The synthetic oils typically do not include some impurities present in the mineral oil, such as waxes, sulfur compounds, etc. This can increase the flow properties of the synthetic oils. Silicone Oil [0053] Silicone oil or modified silicone oil is any liquid polymerized siloxane with organic side chains. In some embodiments, the silicone oil comprises polydimethyl siloxane, polymethyl hydrogen siloxane, amino siloxane, phenyl methyl siloxane, vinyl siloxane, hydroxyl siloxane, polyether siloxane, polyester siloxane, quaternary ammonium siloxane. One example of a silicone oil is polydimethyl siloxane, which has a CAS number of 63148-62-9, where polydimethyl siloxane examples referred to herein primarily include polydimethyl siloxane, but other impurities are also possible. Polydimethyl siloxane with a viscosity of about 1,000 centistokes (Cst) has a molecular weight of about 30,000 Daltons, and polydimethyl siloxane with a viscosity of about 100 Cst has a molecular weight of about 5,000 Daltons. Other molecular weights and viscosities are also possible. The tested samples indicate silicone oil with viscosities of 100 Cst to 1,000 Cst provide the desired lubricity while allowing for control of the blackness typically seen with alternative types of oil. This indicates a broader range of molecular weights would also provide acceptable performance, such as a molecular weight range of from about 2,000 Daltons to about 50,000 Daltons, or from about 1,000 Daltons to about 100,000 Daltons. [0054] Modified silicone oil is included in the definition of a silicone oil. One example of a modified silicone oil is polyether siloxane, with a CAS number of 134180-76-0. References herein to polyether siloxane primarily include the compound polyether siloxane, but may also include other impurities. Many other types of modified silicone oil are also known to those skilled in the art. [0055] The Examples show modified silicone oil can provide the desired lubricity while also allowing for acceptable control of the blackness typical of other types of lubricants. As such, the modified silicone oil may be used without the need for adding a surfactant, but the addition of a surfactant is possible. Furthermore, the modified silicone oil may be used in conjunction with other types of silicone oil, also without the use of a surfactant, and provide adequate performance. Nonionic Surfactant [0056] Nonionic surfactants suitable for the present disclosure include, but are not limited to: esters of fatty acid; fatty alcohol surfactants such as cetyl alcohol and oleyl alcohol; fatty alcohol alkoxylate surfactant such as fatty alcohol ethoxylate, fatty alcohol propoxylate, and fatty alcohol ethoxylate/propoxylate; fatty alcohol alkoxylate carboxylates such as fatty alcohol ethoxylate carboxylate, fatty alcohol propoxylate carboxylate, fatty alcohol ethoxylate/propoxylate carboxylate, and fatty alcohol butoxylate; sorbitan ester surfactants; sorbitan ethoxylated ester surfactants; polysorbates, or any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of fatty alcohol ethoxylate surfactant include castor oil ethoxylate surfactants, ethoxylated esters of oleic acid, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the nonionic surfactant includes an alcohol alkoxylate having from 4 to about 28 carbons atoms in a hydrocarbon hydrophobic portion of the surfactant, and from about 1 to about 80 hydrophilic units in a hydrophilic portion of the surfactant, wherein the hydrophilic units comprise ethylene oxide units, propylene oxide units, butylene oxide units, and combinations thereof. This can be referred to as a C4-C281-80 EO alcohol alkoxylate, which has 1-80 ethoxide units terminating in an alcohol moiety, and an alkane chain with 4 to 28 carbons attached to the ethoxide units. [0057] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant comprises ester of fatty acid having the following chemical structure:

wherein: R1 includes from 4 to about 28 carbon atoms, or from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms; R₂ includes from 4 to about 28 carbon atoms, or from 3 to about 15 carbon atoms, or from 5 to about 12 carbon atoms; and each of R1 and R2 independently includes a linear chain carbon structure, a branched chain carbon structure, a cyclic carbon structure, an aromatic carbon structure, or any combination thereof. [0058] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant comprises fatty alcohol alkoxylate having the following chemical structure R—O—(CH(Y)—CH2—O)n—(CH2)m—COOH, wherein: R is an alkyl group containing 6 to 24 carbon atoms, Y is H or CH₃, n is a number ranging from about 3 to about 50, and m is a number ranging from about 0 to about 3. [0059] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant comprises fatty alcohol ethoxylate that includes C4-28 alkyl group and from about 1 to about 80 hydrophilic repeating units, wherein the hydrophilic units comprise ethylene oxide units, propylene oxide units, butylene oxide units, and combinations thereof . [0060] In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant comprises fatty alcohol ethoxylate that includes from C12-24 alkyl group (i.e., R is an alkyl group containing 12 to 24 carbon atoms) and from about 3 to about 14 ethylene oxide repeating units (i.e., n is from 3 to about 14). In some embodiments, the nonionic surfactant comprises fatty alcohol ethoxylate that includes from C8-14 alkyl group and 3-8 ethylene oxide repeating units. [0061] Non-limiting examples of the fatty alcohol ethoxylate surfactants include lauryl alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, C9-C11 alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, C12-C13 alcohols ethoxylate surfactant, C12-14 alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, C12-15 alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, C14- C15 alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, C14-C16 alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, C16-C18 alcohol ethoxylate surfactant, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate surfactant includes C12-143EO alcohol ethoxylate. [0062] Sorbitan ester surfactants may include, but are not limited to, sorbitan monoester, sorbitan diester, sorbitan triester, or any combination thereof. Non-limiting examples of the sorbitan ester surfactants include sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monopalmitate, sorbitan tristearate, sorbitan trioleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, or a combination thereof. [0063] Sorbitan ethoxylated ester surfactants may include, but are not limited to, sorbitan ethoxylated monoester, sorbitan ethoxylated diester, sorbitan ethoxylated triester, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, sorbitan ethoxylated ester surfactants include ethoxylated sorbitan mono-, di-, and/or tri-esters with linear or branched long chain fatty acids. Non-limiting examples of the sorbitan ethoxylated ester surfactants include polyoxyethylene sorbitan trioleate, ethoxylated sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate, polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate, or any mixture thereof. Polysorbates are also possible nonionic surfactants. Cationic Surfactant [0064] In some embodiments, the lubricant composition may include a cationic surfactant. The cationic surfactant may be present in the lubricant composition in an amount of from 0 to about 30 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition. However, other concentrations are also possible. In an exemplary embodiment, the cationic surfactant comprises quaternary ammonium-based surfactants. Examples of quaternary ammonium-based surfactant include, but are not limited to, alkyl benzalkonium chloride, alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzylammonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, dyristal dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, cetyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride, stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, alkyl benzalkonium bromide, alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium bromide, dialkyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzylammonium bromide, didecyldimethylammonium bromide, dyristal dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide, cetyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide, cetylpyridinium bromide, stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide, alkyl benzalkonium iodide, alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium iodide, dialkyl dimethyl ammonium iodide, alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzylammonium iodide, didecyldimethylammonium iodide, dyristal dimethyl benzyl ammonium iodide, cetyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium iodide, cetylpyridinium iodide, stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium iodide, or any combination thereof. Anionic Surfactant [0065] Anionic surfactants may be included in the lubricant composition in some embodiments. Anionic surfactants have a negative charge on a hydrophilic end, as understood by those skilled in the art. Many examples of anionic surfactants are known and may be incorporated into the lubricant composition. Amphoteric surfactant [0066] Amphoteric surfactants include a potentially ionized positive and negative moiety on the hydrophilic end of the compound. The pH of the composition influences the charge of the surfactant. Many examples of amphoteric surfactants are known and may be incorporated into the lubricant composition. Fatty Acid [0067] The lubricant composition may include a fatty acid in some embodiments, where the fatty acid may be present in an amount of from 0 to about 30 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition. The fatty acid for the present disclosure includes from about 4 to about 28 carbon atoms. The fatty acid may be saturated fatty acid, or unsaturated fatty acid that includes one or more carbon-carbon double bond. Furthermore, the fatty acid may include a linear chain carbon structure, a branched chain carbon structure, a cyclic carbon structure, an aromatic carbon structure, or any combination thereof. The fatty acid may be substituted or unsubstituted. In some embodiments, the fatty acid is a mixture of two or more fatty acids. [0068] Non-limiting examples of fatty acids are butyric acid, caproic acid, octanoic acid, decanoic acid, undecylenic acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, 9-cis–tetradecanoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid, lauroleic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, conjugated linoleic acid, tall oil fatty acid, arachidic acid, eicosenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, behenic acid, docosadienoic acid, lignoceric acid, nervonic acid, ricinoleic acid, dimerized fatty acid, trimerized fatty acid, polymerized fatty acid, or a combination thereof. Ester of Fatty Alcohol [0069] The lubricant composition may also optionally include an ester of a fatty alcohol, where the ester of the fatty alcohol is present in an amount of from 0 to about 30 weight percent, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition. The ester of fatty alcohol for the present disclosure is the ester of fatty alcohol, wherein the fatty alcohol includes from about 4 to about 28 carbon atoms, and wherein the ester of fatty alcohol comprises monoester, diester, triester, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ester of fatty alcohol is a blend of at least two esters of the fatty alcohols. In some embodiments, the ester of fatty alcohol comprises monoester of fatty alcohol. [0070] In some embodiments, the ester of fatty alcohol has the following chemical structure:

wherein: RA includes from 4 to about 28 carbon atoms, or from 3 to about 15 carbon atoms, or from 5 to about 12 carbon atoms; RB includes from 4 to about 28 carbon atoms, or from about 6 to about 20 carbon atoms; and each of RA and RB independent includes a linear chain carbon structure, a branched chain carbon structure, a cyclic carbon structure, an aromatic carbon structure, or any combination thereof. [0071] In certain embodiments, RA is an alkyl chain comprising from about 7 to about 9 carbon atoms, and RB is an alkyl chain comprising from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms. [0072] Examples of the suitable esters of fatty alcohols include, but are not limited to, salicylate ester of fatty alcohol, caproate ester of fatty alcohol, caprylate ester of fatty alcohol, caprate ester of fatty alcohol, or any mixture thereof. [0073] In some embodiments, the ester of fatty alcohol comprises tridecyl salicylate, dodecyl salicylate, decyl salicylate, octyl salicylate, 2-ethylhexyl salicylate, lauryl caproate, myristyl caproate, oleyl caproate, linoleyl caproate, linolenyl caproate, palmityl caproate, palmitoleyl caproate, stearyl caproate, lauryl caprylate, myristyl caprylate, oleyl caprylate, linoleyl caprylate, linolenyl caprylate, palmityl caprylate, palmitoleyl caprylate, stearyl caprylate, lauryl caprate, myristyl caprate, oleyl caprate, linoleyl caprate, linolenyl caprate, palmityl caprate, palmitoleyl caprate, stearyl caprate, or any mixture thereof. Biocide [0074] When desired, the disclosed dry lubricant composition may comprise biocide as an optional ingredient in an amount of from 0 to about 30 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition. A desirable antimicrobial performance may be achieved when the disclosed dry lubricant composition includes a biocide. As used herein, the term “biocide” also encompasses any antimicrobial agent. Suitable biocides include, but are not limited to, quaternary ammonium salt, chlorobenzene, isothiazolinone, alcohol, amine, organic acid, aldehyde, phenol-based biocide, benzotriazole, 2,2-dibromo-2-cyanoacetamide, 3,5-dimethyl-1,3,5- thiadiazinane-2-thione, or any combination thereof. Particularly good results when the biocide is combined with cationic surfactants. [0075] Examples of quaternary ammonium salts include, but are not limited to, alkyl benzalkonium chloride, alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, dialkyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, alkyl dimethyl ethylbenzylammonium chloride, or any combination thereof. [0076] Examples of chlorobenzene biocides include, but are not limited to, chlorhexidine, triclosan, chloroxylenol, dichlorohydroxydiphenylether, or any combination thereof. [0077] Examples of isothiazolinone biocides include, but are not limited to, 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one; 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, or any combination thereof. [0078] Examples of alcohol biocides include, but are not limited to, phenoxyethanol; benzyl alcohol, 1,2-hexanediol, bronopol, ethylhexylglycerin, butylated hydroxytoluene, paraben, butylated hydroxy anisole, or any combination thereof. [0079] Examples of amine biocides include, but are not limited to, (N-(3- aminopropyl)-N-dodecylprododecylpropane-1,3-diamine; sodium hydroxymethylglycinate; imidazolidinyl urea; or any combination thereof. [0080] Examples of organic acid biocides include, but are not limited to, salicylic acid, benzoic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, undecylenic acid, glycolic acid, pelargonic acid, formic acid, sorbic acid, malic acid, ascorbic acid, furoic acid, polygluamic acid, boric acid, or any combination thereof. [0081] Examples of aldehyde biocides include, but are not limited to, succinaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, or any combination thereof. [0082] Examples of phenol-based biocides include, but are not limited to, butylated hydroxytoluene, butylated hydroxy anisole, paraben, derivatives of paraben, or any combination thereof. Chelating Agent [0083] When desired, the disclosed dry lubricant composition may comprise a chelating agent as an optional ingredient in an amount of from 0 to about 30 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition. Examples of suitable chelating agents include, but are not limited to, glutamic acid diacetic acid, methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), phosphonobutane tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), ethylene glycol-bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, iminodisuccinic acid, hydroxyethyl ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid, 1,3-propylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ethanoldiglycinic acid, hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP), amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP), diethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, polymer of phosphoric acid, gluconic acid, aspartic acid, glucoheptonic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, triethanol amine, hexametaphosphate (HEMP), ion exchanger, polyacrylates, polysaccharides, bentonite, clay, sorbitol, alkylpolyglucoside, or any salt thereof. [0084] In some embodiments, the chelating agent includes, but are not limited to, methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA) or salt thereof, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) or salts thereof, iminodisuccinic acid sodium salt, trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane tetracetic acid monohydrate, diethylene triamine pentacetic acid, sodium salt of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), pentasodium salt of N-hydroxyethylene diamine triacetic acid, trisodium salt of N,N-di(β-hydroxyethyl)glycine, sodium salt of sodium glucoheptonate, or any combination thereof. [0085] In some embodiments, the chelating agent in the disclosed dry lubricant composition also functions as a biocide. Anti-Oxidant [0086] The lubricant composition may also optionally include an anti- oxidant in some embodiments. The anti-oxidant may be a primary or secondary anti-oxidant, and the anti-oxidant may include a plurality of different anti-oxidant compounds combined in the lubricant composition. The anti-oxidant may be present in the lubricant composition in an amount of from 0.01 to about 2 weight percent, when optionally present, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition. In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-oxidant may include one or more of an aminic compound, a phenolic compound, a thiol compound, a thiophene compound, a thioester compound, a phosphate compound, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. The general chemical formulas for some of these compounds are presented below, but alternative embodiments may also be utilized.

Aminic compound Phenolic compound

Thioester compound Phosphite compound

Other Optional Ingredients [0087] When desired, the disclosed dry lubricant composition may comprise additional ingredients to further enhance processing and/or performance performances in amounts ranging from 0 to about 30 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition. Such additional ingredients may include, but not limited to, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, organic solvent, corrosion inhibitor, preservative, anti- rust agent, anti-foaming agent, defoamer, anti-wear agent, viscosity modifier, stress-cracking inhibiting agent, anti-freezing agent, stabilizing agent, pH adjusting agent, hydrotrope, or any combination thereof. The optional ingredients are chosen in a way that they are compatible with the other chemical components in the composition, for example, in respect of their miscibilities and stabilities. The amounts and types of such additional ingredients will be apparent to those skilled in the art. [0088] Suitable anionic surfactants may include phosphate ester surfactant such as monoester phosphate, diester phosphate, or a mixture thereof; carboxylate surfactant; sulfate surfactant; sulfonate surfactant; succinate surfactant such as monoalkyl succinate; sulfosuccinate surfactant such as alkyl sulfosuccinate; maleate surfactant such as monoalkyl maleate; taurate surfactant such as alkyl taurate, acyl taurate; sulfoacetate surfactant; isethionate surfactant such as acyl isethionate; or any combination thereof. [0089] The phosphate ester surfactant includes monoester, diester, or any combination thereof. The phosphate ester may comprise an alkyl and group containing from about 10 to about 20 carbon atoms, or from about 12 to about 18 carbon atoms. Furthermore, the phosphate ester may comprise ethylene oxide (EO) and/or propylene oxide (PO) repeating units. [0090] In some embodiments, the phosphate ester comprises at least one alkyl group having from about 10 to 20 carbon atoms (or from about 12 to 18 carbon atoms), as well as from 2 to about 10 (or from 3 to about 6) ethylene oxide (EO) and/or propylene oxide (PO) repeating units. In some embodiments, the phosphate ester comprises an alkyl group having from about 12 to 18 carbon atoms, and from about 3 to about 6 ethylene oxide (EO) repeating units. [0091] Non-limiting examples of phosphate esters include oleyl–3EO– phosphate ester, C16-18 alkyl–O–5EO–phosphate ester (monoester and/or diester), C12-14 alkyl–O–4EO–phosphate ester (monoester and/or diester), C13-15 alkyl–O–7EO–phosphate ester (monoester and/or diester, oleyl–O- 4EO-phosphate ester (mixture of monoester and diester), C17 alkyl–O– 6EO–phosphate ester (monoester and/or diester), or any combination thereof. As used herein, for example, “3EO” means 3 ethylene oxide repeating units. [0092] In addition, the phosphate ester may be in any form of salts including, but not limited to, amine salt, alkaline metal salt, alkaline metal earth salt, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the ammonium salt of phosphate ester includes C8-20 alkyl ammonium salts (or C10-18 alkyl ammonium salts) of monoester, diester, or a mixture thereof. Non-limiting examples of such ammonium salts of phosphate esters include C11-14 alkyl ammonium salts of monohexyl phosphate, C11-14 alkyl ammonium salts of dihexyl phosphate, or a mixture thereof. [0093] Non-limiting examples of suitable carboxylate surfactants include alkyl carboxylate such as salts of C8-18 carboxylic acid; alkyl ether carboxylate (aka alkoxylated carboxylate) such as C16-18 alkyl ether carboxylate; or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the carboxylate surfactant comprises an alkyl group having from about 4 to 18 carbon atoms, along with from about 3 to about 10 ethylene oxide (EO) and/or propylene oxide (PO) groups. Non-limiting examples of such carboxylate surfactants include C12 alkyl–4EO–carboxylate, C16-18 alkyl– 2EO–carboxylate, C16-18 alkyl–5EO–carboxylate, C16-18 alkyl–5EO– carboxylate, C4-8 alkyl–8EO–carboxylate, or any mixture thereof. [0094] Non-limiting examples of sulfate surfactants include alkyl sulfate such as C12-18 alkyl sulfate; alkyl aryl sulfate; alkyl ether sulfate such as C12-14 alkyl ether sulfate; alkyl aryl ether sulfate; or any combination thereof. [0095] Non-limiting examples of sulfonate surfactants include alkyl aryl sulfonate such as dodecylbenzene sulfonate; alpha-olefin sulfonate; alkyl glyceryl sulfonate; or any combination thereof. [0096] Suitable organic solvents for the present disclosure are the water- miscible solvents such as, but not limited to, C1-C6 alcohol, glycol ether, or the like. Exemplary C1-C6 alcohols are methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, or mixtures thereof. An example of a glycol ether is dipropylene glycol methyl ether. Methods of Dry Lubrication [0097] Reference is made to FIG. 1. A portion of a conveyor system 10 includes a conveyor belt 12, a lubricant application system 14, and a wash application system 16. The conveyor belt 12 has a bearing surface 20 that is configured to support an article 22 thereupon. The conveyor belt 12 is supported by a support belt 24 in the illustrated embodiment, but other types of support for the conveyor belt 12, or no type of support, are possible alternate embodiments. [0098] The disclosed method of lubricating the bearing surface 20 of the conveyor belt 12 typically uses the lubricant composition 30 as described above. The bearing surface 20 may be stainless steel in an exemplary embodiment, but alternate embodiments are also possible. Fore example, glass bearing surfaces 20 are possible, as well as rubber, carbon steel, and a wide variety of other materials or combinations of materials. The bearing surface 20 may be a continuous belt that is flexible, or a plurality of plates that work in concert to carry the article 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the article 22 carried by the conveyor system is one or more glass bottles, but many other articles 22 are possible in alternate embodiments. The method may include the following steps: [0099] applying the disclosed lubricant composition 30 discontinuously to the bearing surface 20, where the lubricant composition 30 may be applied neat. The tern “neat,” as used herein, means the lubricant composition 30 is applied without dilution at the point of application. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricant composition 30 is applied by contacting the bearing surface with an application device, where the application device may be a brush 32, a sponge, a lubricant spray nozzle 34, or other device. The application device is typically soaked in the lubricant composition 30 during application. In the illustrated example, the lubricant application system 14 includes a lubricant storage container 36, the brush 32 that applies the lubricant composition 30 to the bearing surface 20, and the lubricant spray nozzle 34 that applies the lubricant composition 20 to the support system (i.e., the support belt 24 in the illustrated embodiment). As such, the lubricant composition 30 can be used for lubricating a bottom of the conveyor belt 12, including the support belt 24 and/or other support structure or drive mechanisms for the conveyor belt 12. The lubricant composition 30 may also be used for lubricating other aspects of the conveyor system 10 as needed. The application device is typically soaked in the lubricant composition 30 during application. The lubricant application system 14 may include other components that are not illustrated, such as one or more pumps, lines, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricant application system 14 may include manually applying the lubricant composition to the bearing surface 20 or components of the conveyor system 10, such as with the brush 32. Other methods of application are also possible, such as spraying, dripping, etc. [0100] The lubricant composition 30 is applied periodically to the bearing surface 20 (and may also be applied to other surfaces of the conveyor system 10, such as the drive mechanism or other components.) In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricant composition 30 is applied at least when a coefficient of friction (COF) increases beyond a COF maximum value. This is done to maintain the COF at an acceptable value for proper operation of the conveyor system 10. As such, the COF of the bearing surface 20 may be monitored to aid in determining when to apply more lubricant composition 30. It is also possible to apply more lubricant composition 30 at specified time intervals. For example, based on experience, the conveyor system 10 may operate for known time before the COF increases above the COF maximum value, so the monitoring of the COF may be dispensed with by applying the lubricant composition 30 at time intervals that maintain the COF below the COF maximum value. In an exemplary embodiment, the lubricant composition 30 is applied to the bearing surface 20 in an amount of from about 1 to about 50 grams per square meter of bearing surface 20. [0101] In an exemplary embodiment, the bearing surface 20 includes stainless steel, and the COF maximum value may be from about 0.1 to about 0.25, or from about 0.09 to about 0.25, or from about 0.09 to about 0.20. However, other COF maximum values may also be utilized. As such, the coefficient of friction may be measured and the COF maximum value may be determined using a bearing surface 20 primarily comprising stainless steel and a friction surface of glass, where the coefficient of friction is measured between the bearing surface 20 and the friction surface. [0102] The bearing surface 20 is periodically washed, such as by rinsing the bearing surface 20 with an aqueous composition 40 using the wash application system 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the wash application system 16 includes an aqueous composition tank 42 and an aqueous nozzle 44 for applying the aqueous composition 40 to the bearing surface 20. Other embodiments of the wash application system 16 are also possible, ranging from something as simple as a bucket for manually splashing the aqueous composition 40 onto the bearing surface 20 to a complex, computer controlled system, and everything in between. [0103] In an exemplary embodiment, when a blackness of the bearing surface 20, or a blackness of the articles 22 being transported on the bearing surface 20, exceeds a set maximum blackness value, the bearing surface 20 may be washed. In an exemplary embodiment, the bearing surface 20 is washed with the aqueous composition 40, where the quantity of the aqueous composition 40 used is in excess of the amount of lubricant composition 30 applied to the bearing surface 20. It has been found that the bearing surface 20 may be washed a plurality of times before the COF exceeds the COF maximum value. Therefore, the bearing surface 20 may be washed a plurality of times before the lubricant composition 30 is re-applied to the bearing surface 20. It has also been found that the blackness may be washed off with an aqueous composition 40 wash during operation, so the conveyor system 10 can continue operations when the blackness is washed off. Also, the lubricant composition 30 can be applied while the conveyor system 10 is operating, so the current system allows for continuous operation with a dry lubricant composition 30 that maintains the COF below the maximum COF value, and also allows for removal of the blackness such that unsightly coloration is avoided. In some embodiments, it has been found that the conveyor system 10 may be washed with the aqueous composition 40 at least six times or more between applications of the lubricant composition 30, all while maintaining the COF below the COF maximum value and the blackness within acceptable limits. [0104] A wash additive 46 may be included in the aqueous composition 40 in some embodiments. The wash step may be more effective at removing the blackness when the wash additive 46 is included in the aqueous composition 40, and as a result less of the dry lubricant composition 30 may be needed. The wash additive 46 may be included in the aqueous composition 40 intermittently in some embodiments, so the aqueous composition 40 includes the wash additive 46 for some wash processes, but the aqueous composition 40 may not include the wash additive 46 for every wash. The operator may determine if the wash additive 46 is desirable based on the level of blackness observed, the coefficient of friction on the conveyor belt 12, the use of a pre-determined number of washes with or without the wash additive 46, or other techniques. It is also possible to include the wash additive in the aqueous composition 40 for essentially all of the wash processes. [0105] In an exemplary embodiment, the wash additive 46 optionally includes an anti-oxidant. The anti-oxidant may be a primary or secondary anti-oxidant, and the anti-oxidant may include a plurality of different anti- oxidant compounds combined in the wash additive 46 and/or the aqueous composition 40. The anti-oxidant may be the same or different than the anti-oxidant optionally utilized in the lubricant composition 30. The anti- oxidant may be present in the aqueous composition 40 in an amount of from 0.01 to about 2 weight percent, when optionally present, based on a total weight of the aqueous composition 40. As such, the concentration of the anti-oxidant in the wash additive 46 may be set such that, when diluted in the aqueous composition 40, the concentration of the anti-oxidant in the aqueous composition 40 is from about 0.01 to about 2 weight percent. In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-oxidant may include one or more of an aminic compound, a phenolic compound, a thiol compound, a thiophene compound, a thioester compound, a phosphate compound, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof, as discussed above for the lubricant composition 30. The general chemical formulas for some of these compounds are presented below, but alternative embodiments may also be utilized.

Thioester compound

Phosphite compound [0106] The wash additive may also optionally include a chelating compound (a chelant) in an exemplary embodiment. The chelant may be present in the wash additive 46 in an amount such that the chelant is present in the aqueous composition 40 at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition 40. The amount of chelant in the aqueous composition 40 may be adjusted based on the hardness of the water, where the hardness of the water reflects the amount of mineral dissolved in the water. The chelant may include one or more different compounds, which may optionally be combined in the aqueous composition 40. The chelant may be selected from carboxylates (including but not limited to amino carboxylated), phosphates, and phosphonates, but other types of chelants may also be used. [0107] Examples of carboxylate chelants include glutamic acid, diacetic acid, methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), phosphonobutane tricarboxylic acid (PBTC), ethylene glycol- bis(β-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid, iminodisuccinic acid, hydroxyethyl ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ethylenediamine-N,N′-disuccinic acid, 1,3-propylenediaminetetraacetic acid, ethanoldiglycinic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, gluconic acid, aspartic acid, glucoheptonic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, and triethanol amine, but other carboxylate chelants may also be utilized. Examples of phosphate chelants include, but are not limited to, phosphoric acid, polymers of phosphoric acid, and hexametaphosphate (HEMP). Exemplary embodiments of the phosphonate chelants include, but are not limited to, hydroxyethane diphosphonic acid (HEDP), amino trimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP), and diethylene triamine penta methylene phosphonic acid. As mentioned above, other types of chelants may also be utilized, such as ion exchange type chelants, polyacrylates, polysaccharides, bentonite, clay, sorbitol, alkylpolyglucoside, and salts thereof, but other types may also be effective. [0108] The wash additive 46 may optionally include a reducing agent, where the reducing agent can aid in the cleaning action of the wash additive 46. The reducing agent may be organic and/or inorganic in various embodiment. Exemplary reducing agents include, but are not limited to, sulfides, metabisulfite, other sulfites and/or bisulfites, thionates, dithionates, hydrides, and derivatives and combinations thereof. The reducing agent may be present in the wash additive 46 such that the concentration of the reducing agent in the aqueous composition 40 is from 0 to about 20 weight percent, or from 0 to about 10 weight percent, or from about 3 to about 8 wight percent in various embodiments, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition 40. [0109] The wash additive 46 may also include other optional compounds, such as surfactants (nonionic, cationic, anionic, zwitterionic), pH adjustors, water-soluble oils, and other additives such as fragrance, colorants, etc. [0110] Upon applying the disclosed dry lubricant composition 30 discontinuously to the bearing surface 20, the lubricant composition 30 provides an excellent lubricity between the bearing surface 20 and a contact surface of the article 22 as indicated by the coefficient of friction (COF) in a range of from about 0.09 to about 0.25, and remains on the surfaces when the aqueous composition 40 is repeatedly intermittently applied the surface. The disclosed lubricant composition 30 reduces the friction between the surfaces and ensures the good gliding contact to permit a proper high speed conveyor operation. Furthermore, the lubricant composition 30 prevents undue friction between the conveyor belt 12 and the support belt 24, or other support structures, such that operations of the conveyor system 10 remain within design specifications. Without lubrication, the support belt or other support and/or drive mechanisms of the conveyor system 10 would eventually fail. [0111] In some embodiments, the initial coefficient of friction is in a range of from about 0.07 to about 0.20, and the lubricant composition 30 is re- applied discontinuously to the bearing surface 20 when the monitored coefficient of friction on the bearing surface 20 increases to about 0.25, or increases to about 0.20, but other maximum COF values are also possible. [0112] As the conveyor operation proceeds, blackness starts to develop and accumulate on the bearing surface 20, causing the cleanliness and aesthetic concerns for the processing/packaging operation. Furthermore, the blackness can transfer to the surface of containers that have been transported on the conveyor belt 12, thus jeopardizing the aesthetic appearance of the containers and devaluing the product contained therein. In some conventional methods of dry lubrication, the conveyor operation is stopped for a proper cleaning to ensure the sufficient removal of blackness from the surfaces before any further conveyor operation could proceed. [0113] In the method described herein, at a certain time period after the application of dry lubricant composition 30 to the conveyor system 10, the aqueous composition 40 is applied intermittently to the bearing surface 20 for the removal of blackness from the bearing surface 20. The aqueous composition 40 may be intermittently applied to the bearing surface 20 using any known applicators including, but not limited to, a non-energized spray nozzle; an energized spray nozzle such as, but not limited to, a high pressure spray nozzle, a compressed air, a sonication applicator to deliver the aqueous composition on the top, between, and/or below the conveyor belt; a metered diaphragm pump; a peristaltic pump; a valveless rotating reciprocating piston metering pump; a brush applicator; or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the aqueous composition is applied when the blackness is visually observed on the bearing surface 20. In some embodiments, the aqueous composition 40 is applied at a set periodic time period, such as at a minimum of one hour after the application of lubricant composition 30. In some embodiments, the aqueous composition 40 is applied at every one hour after the application of lubricant composition 20. However, other embodiments of when to apply the wash are also possible. [0114] Without limiting to any theory, it is believed that upon applying the aqueous composition 40 intermittently to the bearing surface 20 (e.g., the surface of conveyor belt), the disclosed lubricant composition 30 forms a lubricant emulsion on the bearing surface 20. The lubricant emulsion emulsifies the blackness on the bearing surface 20, and the resulting emulsified blackness can be rinsed away from the bearing surface 20 with the intermittently applied wash, such as with the aqueous composition 40. Hence, at least a portion of the lubricant composition 30 on the bearing surface 20 may function as an emulsifier for blackness and is removed from the bearing surface 20 along with the blackness. As a result, the amount of lubricant composition 30 on the bearing surface 20 of conveyor belt 12 continues to decrease as the conveyor operation proceeds. At a certain time period of the conveyor operation, the amount of lubricant composition 30 on the bearing surface 20 decreases to a level that is too low to provide sufficient lubricity between the surfaces (e.g., the bearing surface 20 and the surfaces of articles 22 thereon such that the maximum COF value is exceeded). This is indicated by an increase in the COF value between the bearing surface 20 and a surface of the articles 22 being transported by the conveyor system 10, as the conveyor operation proceeds and the aqueous composition 40 is intermittently applied to the bearing surface 20. Accordingly, the lubricant composition 30 may be re-applied to the bearing surface 20 so that sufficient lubricity between the bearing surface 20 and the article 22 being transported on the conveyor system 10 is maintained to ensure the good gliding contact. [0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the COF value between the bearing surface 20 and the article 22 being transported by the conveyor system 10 is monitored during the conveyor operation. In an exemplary embodiment with a stainless steel bearing surface 22 and glass container on the bearing surface 20, the COF value should be in a range of from about 0.09 to about 0.25 for the method of dry lubrication to facilitate the proper conveyor operation. If the COF value is lower than 0.07, the containers may fall off the conveyor belt due to insufficient friction between the bearing surface 20 of the conveyor belt 12 and the surface of the article 22 being transported on the conveyor system 10. As such, a lower limit of about 0.09 for a stainless conveyor belt and a glass friction surface provides a reasonable safety margin such that falling containers may be avoided. If the COF value is higher than 0.25, the friction between the bearing surface 20 of the conveyor belt 12 and the surface of the articles 22 being transported by the conveyor system 10 may be too high to provide a good gliding contact between surfaces. The disclosed method of dry lubrication provides excellent lubricity. For example, the disclosed method of dry lubricant has been found to provide the COF value in the range of from about 0.09 to about 0.20, even at six hours after the application of the disclosed lubricant composition to the conveyor belt 12. See TABLE 2. [0116] Compared to the conventional method of dry lubrication, the disclosed method of dry lubrication exhibits a high efficacy in removing blackness without the need to cease the conveyor operation to ensure the sufficient removal of blackness from the surfaces with aggressive cleaning chemicals (e.g., a strong alkaline detergent composition containing surfactant), high pressure, and/or mechanical abrasion. See TABLE 3. [0117] Thus, the disclosed method of dry lubrication provides excellent lubricity and minimal blackness problem, and yet still consume low levels of water, energy and operation cost as the conventional methods of dry lubrication. [0118] In some embodiments, the method does not include intermittently washing the bearing surface 20. Compared to the method that includes intermittent washing, this particular embodiment does not require the intermittent intentional washing of the bearing surface 20 in order to facilitate the removal of blackness. Without limiting to any theory, it is believed that water on the bearing surface 20 or a surface of the article 22 being transported by the conveyor system 10 is sufficient to facilitate the removal of blackness without the need for intermittent application of the aqueous composition 40 to the bearing surface 20, or other intentional washing processes. The following are non-limiting examples of the water on the bearing surface 20: • during the container filling operation, the containers may be filled with the selected content (e.g., carbonated beverage) at a temperature of from about 2° C to about 17° C, thus resulting in a formation of condensate water on the outer surface of the filled containers. Hence, the containers have the condensate water on the outer surface after the containers leave the filling station; • during the container filling operation, the containers may be inadvertently over-filled or even broken. An application of spray water may be used to clean the content over-fills or spills, thus resulting in water on the bearing surface 20 as well as the outer surface of the nearby containers; • during the transportation of the containers on the conveyor, some of the containers may be inadvertently broken. An application of spray water may be used to clean the content spills, resulting in water on the bearing surface 20 as well as the outer surface of the nearby containers; • water on the bearing surface 20 may be carried over from other prior processing step (e.g., the container pre-wash step, the container wash step, and/or the container rinse step of the processing operation); etc. [0119] With the presence of water on the bearing surface 20, the disclosed lubricant composition 30 forms a lubricant emulsion on the bearing surface 20. The lubricant emulsion then emulsifies and effectively removes the blackness from the bearing surface 20. The disclosed method substantially reduces the amount of required wash aqueous composition 40: the disclosed lubricant composition 30 is applied without the need for dilution with water before being applied to the bearing surface 20 (i.e., is applied neat), and the blackness is effectively removed from the bearing surface 20 without the intermittent application of a wash. [0120] It has been found that when the method does not include intentionally applying a wash to the bearing surface 20, the reduction in water consumption could be 85% or more compared to the method using an intentional wash of the bearing surface 20. [0121] The disclosed methods of lubricating a bearing surface 20 may be employed for any conventional conveyor system 10 known to a person skilled in the art, such as the chain system, the track system or the like. The conveyor belt 12 may be partially or completely made of any material known in the art including, but not limited to, stainless steel, glass, rubber, plastic, polyacetal, polyamide or the like. These conveyor belts 12 are widely used in the food and/or beverage industry, e.g., for the cleaning, filling, or refilling of containers such as bottles. [0122] The articles 22 transported on the conveyor system 10 may be containers. Such containers may be partially or completely made of any known materials including, but not limited to, glass, metal, aluminum, plastic, paper, paperboard, or the like. Suitable plastic containers may be composed of polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, or polyvinylchloride, silica-coated polyethylene terephthalate, etc. Furthermore, the containers may be in a variety of sizes and shapes (e.g., bottles, jars, jugs, tubes, cartons, keg, small drums, barrel keg, rigid liquid packaging, brick liquid cartons, shaped liquid carton, gable top carton, pouch, etc.). In some embodiments, the container may be the “Affordable Small Sparkling Package” (ASSP). [0123] The disclosed methods of dry lubrication may be employed during the transportation of containers or other articles 22 on conveyor systems 10, whereby the conveyor system 10 is integrated into different operation units. Non-limiting examples of such operation units include those for bottle washing, sorting, filling, capping, labelling, or packaging steps. [0124] The disclosed lubricant composition 30 may be applied to the bearing surface 20 (e.g., conveyor belt) using any known applicators including, but not limited to, spraying, wiping, brushing, drip coating, roll coating, and other methods for application of a thin film. In some embodiments, applying the lubricant composition 30 discontinuously to the bearing surface 20 is performed using a non-energized spray nozzle; an energized spray nozzle (e.g., a high pressure spray nozzle, a compressed air, a sonication applicator to deliver the lubricant on the top, between, and/or below the conveyor belt); a controlled dosing applicator that allows the application of the lubricant composition 30 to the bearing surface 20 at an accurate and low dosage level according to the pre-set rate of application; a metered diaphragm pump; a peristaltic pump; a valveless rotating reciprocating piston metering pump; a brush applicator; or any combination thereof. For the application using a controlled dosing applicator that allows the application of lubricant composition to the surface at an accurate and low dosage level according to the pre-set rate of application, in some embodiments the low dosage level is in a range of from about 1 gram to about 50 grams per square meter of the bearing surface. [0125] The lubricant composition 30 may reside or be deliberately applied so as to reside between a conveyor belt chain and conveyor belt chain support such as a wear strip. As a non-limiting example, a nozzle may be placed underneath the conveyor belt top with a spray directed at the underside of the conveyor belt chain link, or a nozzle may be placed with a spray directed towards the wear strip at a location where it is accessible through or underneath the conveyor belt chain. Furthermore, a nozzle or other application device may be placed to apply the lubricant composition 30 to a support belt 24 or essentially any other component of a conveyor system 10 (or an associated process) that could be improved by lubrication. [0126] In the disclosed methods of lubricating the bearing surface 20, the lubricity of the bearing surface 20 may be monitored to determine whether and when the re-application of lubricant composition 30 is required in order to maintain a proper lubricity between the surfaces, as described above. In some embodiments, a sensor is utilized to determine the COF value between the bearing surface 20 and a contact surface of the article 22 being transported on the conveyor system 10, and the measured value is used to initiate the re-application of lubricant composition 30 when the COF value reaches the selected maximum COF value. In some embodiments, a vibration sensor is used to monitor the vibration between the surfaces and initiate the re-application of lubricant composition 30 when the vibration reaches a selected value. EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1 [0127] A pilot, looped conveyor system with a stainless steel conveyor belt commercially available from Selvel Conveyors Private Ltd. (India) was used in the study. The conveyor system was installed with a brush applicator at a fixed position, and was cleaned prior to the study. White mineral oil was used as mineral oils. Fatty alcohol and sorbitan ester were used as surfactants. The fatty acid used in the study was a mixture of palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid. [0128] A white tissue paper (used as the white substrate) was contacted with the top surface of conveyor belt (“conveyor belt”) to take an imprint of blackness on the conveyor belt, as described above. The resulting imprinted white tissue paper (“imprinted paper”) was then measured for the reflectance value using Pantone CAPSURE spectrophotometer model number RM-200, which was commercially available from X-rite Corporation (USA). The reflectance value of the imprinted paper was recorded as the “R₀” value, which was the reflectance value of the white tissue paper that was imprinted with the blackness on the conveyor belt when the tested lubricant was not yet applied to the conveyor belt. This value was recorded and labeled as the whiteness index, as described above. [0129] About 36 grams of the tested lubricant composition was applied to the brush applicator. The conveyor system was turned on to operate at an ambient temperature. As the conveyor belt moved, the brush applicator distributed and spread the tested lubricant composition onto the bearing surface of the conveyor belt. After at least three cycles of the chain movement on the looped conveyor system, eight glass bottles with a total weight of about 8 kilograms were placed on the conveyor belt. [0130] TABLE 1, TABLE 1.1 and TABLE 1.2 showed the tested lubricant compositions used in the study. TABLE 1

Values in the table are weight percent of the named component. Runs 1, 2, and 9 failed due to the L value, or the whiteness index was less than 41. Mineral oil is C9-50 hydrocarbon. The nonionic surfactant is an alcohol alkoxylate. The anionic surfactant is a sulfate ether. The cationic surfactant is a benzalkonium chloride. The sorbate is polysorbate 80 with a CAS number of 9005-65-6. Failure criteria was a coefficient of friction of 0.15 or greater, or a whiteness index of 41 or less. TABLE 1.1

Values in the table are weight percent of the named component. Runs 10, 11 failed due to high COF, run 12 failed for high COF and low whiteness index, and run 21 failed for a low whiteness index. Silicone oil for both 1,000 and 100 Cst has CAS # 63148-62-9. The polyether siloxane has CAS # 134180-76-0. The nonionic surfactant is an alcohol alkoxylate. The cationic surfactant is a benzalkonium chloride. The sorbate is polysorbate 80 with a CAS number of 9005-65-6. Failure criteria was a coefficient of friction of 0.15 or greater, or a whiteness index of 41 or less. TABLE 1.2

Values in the table are weight percent of the named component. Syn oil 1 is Shell Advance 4T Fuel save 10W-30 - Fully synthetic motor oil. Syn oil 2 is Gulf UltraSynth X Plus - Fully Synthetic Car engine oil. The nonionic surfactant is an alcohol alkoxylate. The cationic surfactant is a benzalkonium chloride. The sorbate is polysorbate 80 with a CAS number of 9005-65-6. Failure criteria was a coefficient of friction of 0.15 or greater, or a whiteness index of 41 or less. [0131] As the conveyor operation proceeded, water was applied intermittently to the conveyor belt through a spray nozzle of the Spray Gun SG550 device commercially available from Power Action, Inc. (China). The intermittent application of water took place at every one hour after the application of tested lubricant composition. [0132] Furthermore, the friction between the conveyer belt and glass bottles was measured and monitored on-line as the conveyor operation proceeded. The MecMesin Advanced Force Gauge (AFG) 500 device, which was a digital push pull commercially available from Mecmesin Ltd. (UK), was used for measuring and monitoring the coefficient of friction (COF) value. [0133] TABLE 2 reports the COF values of each tested lubricant compositions at different time periods after the application of such lubricant composition to the conveyor belt. TABLE 2 Efficient of Friction (COF) Value

[0134] As shown in TABLE 2, the compositions that proved successful are illustrated. This allows for determination of the compositions that provide adequate performance as described above. [0135] As the operation of the conveyor system proceeded, blackness (i.e., the residue comprising chromium, iron, silica, soil, dirt or any mixture thereof) increasingly accumulated on the conveyor belt. [0136] In the study, the tested lubricant composition was applied to the conveyor belt and the whiteness index was measured using the technique described above, and this was recorded as the L₀ value. The conveyor system was operated for one hour. At such one (1) hour time period, water was sprayed to the conveyor belt, 0 to 500 grams per square meter and then the operation of conveyor system was stopped. A white tissue paper was contacted with the conveyor belt to take an imprint of blackness on the conveyor belt and to measure the whiteness index. The reflectance value of the imprinted paper was measured and recorded as the “L1” value, as described above. The conveyor system was started again and operated for one more hour, followed by an application of water spray to the conveyor belt. Then, the operation of the conveyor system was stopped to take an imprint. The reflectance value of the imprinted paper was measured and recorded as the “L₂” value. The conveyor system was started again and operated for one more hour, followed by an application of water spray to the conveyor belt. Then, the operation of the conveyor system was stopped to take an imprint. The reflectance value of the imprinted paper was measured and recorded as the “L3” value. These steps continued every one hour until the reflectance values of the imprinted paper were obtained and recorded as the “L₄”, “L₅” “L₆” values, respectively. [0137] TABLE 3, shows the reflectance values of the imprinted paper at different time periods. The reflectance value of the imprinted paper was not acceptable when it was lower than 41 (i.e., unacceptably high level of blackness). TABLE 3 Reflectance Value of Imprinted Paper

[0138] Although not shown in TABLE 3, when a comparative vegetable oil-based dry lubricant was used, a whiteness index for the conveyor belt when the vegetable oil-based dry lubricant was used increased from the initial value of 51.00 to lower than the acceptable value of 40.00 after one hour of application. Thus, the comparative vegetable oil-based dry lubricant provided an unacceptable high level of blackness after only one hour after an application. The test results illustrated in TABLE 3 demonstrate the various compositions that provided adequate performance, as compared to those that failed. [0139] Anti-oxidants were added to the lubricant composition 30, and tested to determine if the anti-oxidant provided value. The data is presented below in Tables 4-6, where Table 4 provides the chemical composition of 6 different test formulas, Table 5 provides COF values for the chemical compositions listed in Table 4, and Table 6 provides blackness testing results for the compositions provided in Table 4. The same aqueous composition was used for washing throughout Tables 5 and 6. Table 4 Chemical Composition

Table 5 Coefficient of Friction Values

Table 6 Reflectance Value of Imprinted Paper

[0140] As can be seen from Tables 4-6, the use of anti-oxidants in the lubricant composition results in a lower coefficient of frication over time. This is evident because the higher concentrations of anti-oxidants result in lower coefficients of friction, which is especially noticed after about 6 hours of operation. Also, the anti-oxidants do not negatively impact the blackness from the conveyor belt, as seen by the reflectance values over time. This provides a measurable improvement in performance. [0141] Tables 7-9 Provide experimental data for several synthetic oils. Table 7

BP – Boiling point, in degrees Celsius. All values in weight percent, based on a total weight of the test formula. Table 8, Coefficient of Friction Values

Table 9, Reflectance Value on Imprinted Paper

[0142] As can be seen from Tables 7-9, synthetic oils combined with the described surfactants provide good lubricity without forming excessive blackness on the substrate. Furthermore, Composition S5 shows that synthetic oils can be combined with silicon oils to provide good results. Additionally, Composition S6 illustrates that silicon oils can be combined with vegetable oils to provide good results. [0143] Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A lubricant composition for conveyor systems comprising: an oil, and a surfactant, wherein a ratio of the oil to the surfactant is from about 1 to about 48, and wherein the lubricant composition comprises water in an amount of from 0 to about 15 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition.

2. The lubricant composition of claim 1, wherein the oil primarily comprises synthetic oil.

3. The lubricant composition of claim 1, wherein the oil comprises synthetic oil and silicon oil.

4. The lubricant composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises a nonionic surfactant, and the ratio of the oil to the surfactant is from about 1 to about 24, and wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of alcohol alkoxylates, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, sorbitan esters, and combinations thereof.

5. The lubricant composition of claim 4, wherein the surfactant comprises an alcohol alkoxylate having from 4 to about 28 carbons atoms in a hydrocarbon hydrophobic portion of the surfactant, and from about 1 to about 80 hydrophilic units in a hydrophilic portion of the surfactant, wherein the hydrophilic units comprise ethylene oxide units, propylene oxide units, butylene oxide units, and combinations thereof.

6. The lubricant composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises an anionic surfactant.

7. The lubricant composition of claim 1, further comprising an anti- oxidant in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition, wherein the anti-oxidant comprises one or more of an aminic compound, a phenolic compound, a thiol compound, a thiophene compound, a thioester compound, a phosphate compound, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

8. The lubricant composition of claim 1, wherein the lubricant composition comprises the surfactant in an amount of from about 10 to about 25 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition.

9. A method of lubricating a conveyor system, the method comprising the steps of: applying a lubricant composition to a bearing surface of a conveyor belt, wherein the bearing surface is configured for supporting an article carried by the conveyor system, wherein the lubricant composition comprises an oil and a surfactant, where a ratio of the oil to the surfactant is from about 1 to about 48, and where the lubricant composition comprises water in an amount of from 0 to about 15 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition; and washing the bearing surface a plurality of times before re-applying the lubricant composition to the bearing surface, wherein washing the bearing surface comprises applying an aqueous composition to the bearing surface.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: measuring a coefficient of friction on the bearing surface; and re-applying the lubricant composition to the bearing surface when the coefficient of friction exceeds a COF maximum value.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the oil primarily comprises a synthetic oil.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the oil primarily comprises a mineral oil.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the surfactant comprises a nonionic surfactant, the ratio of the oil to the surfactant is from about 1 to about 24, and wherein the nonionic surfactant is selected from the group of alcohol alkoxylates, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, sorbitan esters, and combinations thereof.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the surfactant comprises an alcohol alkoxylate having from 4 to about 28 carbons atoms in a hydrocarbon hydrophobic portion of the surfactant, and from about 1 to about 80 hydrophilic units in a hydrophilic portion of the surfactant, wherein the hydrophilic units comprise ethylene oxide units, propylene oxide units, butylene oxide units, and combinations thereof.

15. The method of claim 9, further comprising: measuring a whiteness index of the bearing surface, wherein the whiteness index is determined by rubbing a contact point of a white substrate on the bearing surface for a distance of from about 10 centimeters to about 15 centimeters with a weight of about 5 to about 40 kilograms urging the white substrate toward the bearing surface, and then measuring a reflectance value of visible light at the contact point to determine the whiteness index; and washing the bearing surface when the whiteness index falls below about 41.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the bearing surface is washed at least 6 times prior to re-applying the lubricant composition to the bearing surface.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein the lubricant composition comprises an anti-oxidant in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 2 weight percent, based on the total weight of the lubricant composition.

18. The method of claim 9, wherein the aqueous composition comprises an anti-oxidant in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 2 weight percent, based on a total weight of the aqueous composition, wherein the aqueous composition comprises a chelant in an amount of from about 0.1 to about 25 weight percent, based on the total weight of the aqueous composition, and wherein the aqueous composition optionally includes a reducing agent in an amount of from 0 to about 20 weight percent, based on a total weight of the aqueous composition.

19. A method of lubricating a conveyor system, the method comprising the steps of: applying a lubricant composition to a bearing surface of the conveyor system, wherein the bearing surface is configured for supporting an article carried by the conveyor system, wherein the lubricant composition comprises a synthetic oil and a surfactant, and wherein the lubricant composition comprises water in an amount of from 0 to about 48 weight percent, based on a total weight of the lubricant composition; and washing the bearing surface with an aqueous composition a plurality of times before re-applying the lubricant composition to the bearing surface.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the lubricant composition further comprises a silicon oil.