Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/190260
ML LUBE-TIPS The "Lube-Tips" section of Machinery Lubrication magazine features innovative ideas submitted by our readers. Additional tips can be found in our Lube-Tips email newsletter. If you have a tip to share, email it to us at editor@noria. com. To receive the Lube-Tips newsletter, subscribe now at www.MachineryLubrication.com/page/subscriptions. temperatures could be a result of metal-to-metal contact, in which case a higher viscosity oil would be warranted. If the wear metals in the sample are low, then the heat could be the result of having too high a viscosity oil, and fluid friction would be the source of heat. In this case, a lower viscosity oil may solve the high-temperature problem. If these solutions don't work, check the temperature of the drive train (the electric motor, coupling and the Advice for Bearing Lubrication Inclined or vertical shafts can lead to grease escaping from the bearing due to gravity. This will eventually lead to lubricant starvation and eventual premature failure of the bearing. Consider using a grease with good adhesive properties of penetration class 2 to 3. In addition, a baffle plate mounted in the housing below the bearing will help to retain the grease where it is needed — in the bearing. Solving Hot Gearbox Problems If a gear reducer is running hot, don't automatically think that it needs a higher viscosity oil. Take a sample of oil for a metals analysis. If the sample shows high wear metals, then the high reducer). If the electric motor is hotter than the reducer, then maybe the electric motor is undersized and the reducer is acting as a heat sink. In this case, have the electricians install the proper size motor for the load. The oil viscosity may have been correct. Bar Magnets Capture More Wear Debris If your plant has large equipment with accessible openings inside the gearbox or reservoir, consider placing bar magnets inside the unit to capture damaging particles. Although magnetic plugs are good, they will not always capture all metal particles. Bar magnets capture a considerable amount of wear debris that may accumulate from large equipment with pinions and bull gears. If a significant amount of wear metal is found, you know there is a problem and can correct it before it causes more damage. How to Detect Air Trapped in Filters Use infrared surveys on oil filters to easily determine if air is trapped at the top of the filter canister. Infrared technology will see the oil through the canister. If air is trapped at the top of the canister, the filter will not be in full use. At times, the filter canister may be filled only one-fourth to one-half full due to the air. The air-bleed valve must be opened to release the air, allowing the oil to rise to the top of the canister. In this way, the filter will be in full use. Add a Washer to Match Grease Guns and Fittings To ensure that the proper lubricant is utilized in a bearing, use a thin colored washer at the fitting and paint the grease gun the same color as the washer. To install the washer, unscrew the grease fitting. Find a washer with an inner diameter a little larger than the outer diameter of the fitting's threaded shaft. Insert the fitting into the washer and screw in the washer/fitting assembly. Tip for Flushing Bearing Housings When converting from one grease to another, it may be helpful to determine how much soap residue is in the bearing housings and estimate how much flushing will be necessary to eliminate the old material. If the amount of old material is low and the residue is soft and pliable, then you may be able to simply increase the relube frequency, perhaps doubling the cycle for a while to flush out the old grease. 18 | September - October 2013 | www.machinerylubrication.com