Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1189076
away from moving elements, avoiding excessive churning and drag losses. Effect of Contamination One study discovered that particle contamination can increase fluid temperature by as much as 8 degrees C (due to increased friction). Increased cleanliness of crankcase oils has been found to reduce fuel consumption in diesel engines by 1 to 4 percent or more. Too Much Lubricant Overgreasing bearings is known to increase frictional losses and raise bearing temperature. e same is true for bearings that are underlubricated. For bath-lubricated bearings and splash-lubricated gears, a change in oil level by as little as one-half inch (1.3 centimeters) can increase temperature by more than 10 degrees C. is, of course, translates to greater energy consumption, shorter oil life and increased wear. Air Robs Energy Excessively aerated oils due to worn seals and wrong oil levels can have similar effects. Studies have also shown the negative effects of overextended oil change intervals on fuel economy in diesel engines. Deferred filter changes cause excessive flow resistance and fluid bypass. Oil Mist In the right application, there can be significant energy savings from total-loss lubricant delivery technologies such as oil mist and centralized lubrication systems. e amount of fluid that a machine uses to lubricate frictional surfaces at any moment is extremely small compared to the amount of fluid some machines must keep in continuous motion. Wear Causes Energy Losses Wear not only leads to machine operational failure but also impedes performance in the intervening period leading up to repair or overhaul. During this period, there usually is impaired productivity (efficiency) due to sluggish or erratic machine function, as well as increased energy consumption. For instance, when hydraulic pumps and actuators wear, they lose volumetric efficiency. is slows work and increases the consumption of energy (and heat distress to the lubricant). Gears and bearings also consume more energy as a result of wear. Even diesel engines suffer from decreasing combustion efficiency due to wear in the valve train, bottom-end bearings and combustion chambers (rings, pistons, cylinder walls, etc.). A corresponding increase in fuel consumption results. 2. Reducing Your Annual Lubricant Spend As previously mentioned, lubricant procurement is not the largest expenditure in a typical maintenance budget. www . machinerylubrication.com | November - December 2019 | 5