34
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September - October 2017
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www.machinerylubrication.com
Quick Test for Lubricant Compatibility
Suppose you run out of a lubricant and are in critical need to top
off the reservoir. If the equipment is force-lubricated from a sump,
it usually is better to leave it a little low until you can obtain the
proper fluid. If you simply cannot resist the temptation to conduct
a science experiment, take a few minutes to perform the following
test: In a clean, clear plastic bottle, add equal amounts of both
lubricants, leaving some headspace. Shake the bottle vigorously
and allow to settle. Do you see more than one layer, a hazy or milky
appearance, any color change or sediment? Any of these results is
a red flag and a warning not to mix these fluids. In two separate
bottles, vigorously shake the samples of the two fluids separately.
Do the bubbles rise to the top and pop as quickly in the mixture as
they do in the individual fluids? If you skip the test and go ahead
and mix the lubricants, a foaming problem and subsequent major
disaster could be heading your way.
Prevent Damage When Changing Bearings
When changing pillow-block bearings with a cylindrical
outside diameter on the outer race, be sure to clean the grease
channel located in the housing prior to installation of the new
bearing. The grease in the channel tends to attract dust and dirt
over time. When the bearing is changed, this dirt can become
displaced into the grease channel as the new bearing is tipped
into the housing. The dirt can either pass through the applica-
tion hole in the outer bearing race or plug the hole, resulting in
damage to the new bearing.
Oil Sampling Made Easy
If you collect a lot of oil samples from tight areas or hard-to-
reach locations, obtain a battery-operated medical suction unit.
Your sample bottle hand pump can be easily conver ted so the
suction unit will draw the sample directly into the bottle as the hand
pump did. Just install a new bottle and turn on the suction unit.
You now can use both hands and all your concentration to get the
tubing into the oil in the sump. These units can be obtained from
any medical-supply store.
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
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