Machinery Lubrication

Machinery Lubrication November-December 2017

Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation

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www . machinerylubrication.com | November - December 2017 | 49 Solid particulate contaminants can lead to machinery failure mechanisms such as three- body abrasive wear. Moisture contamination can result in adhesive failure mechanisms and increase the rate at which lubricants break down. Oil by nature is hygroscopic, which means it will absorb moisture readily from any source, including from humidity in the air. By utilizing a desiccant breather, you can reduce the amount of moisture in the air that is entering the system. e headspace is important to keep in mind, as it can help determine the amount of "breathing" that will occur inside the machine. erefore, it is imperative to under- stand how much the headspace can fluctuate. For instance, the headspace in a splash-lubri- cated gearbox will fluctuate less than that of a hydraulic system reservoir where there are large volumetric changes within the sump. is volumetric flow rate must be within the breath- er's capabilities, or it may cause a vacuum or pressurization condition inside the component. e environment in which the machine operates should be considered as well. For severe environments, such as those with water spray and large amounts of dirt, select a desic- cant breather that can handle the expected amounts of contamination. For the most severe environments, you might choose a breather with a check valve or bladder assembly to help prolong the desiccant's life. The cleanliness level required by the machine must also be taken into account when determining the desired desiccant quality. Of course, the more critical machines should receive the most attention. Considering all of these variables will provide the most effective way to select a desiccant breather. While a number of options are available, some are better suited for certain situations. Remember, it is far better to provide more protection than needed rather than to skimp on quality in order to save money. ML If you have a question for one of Noria's experts, email it to editor@noria.com. ML Great Products. Great Service. Whether it's fixing an issue, finding the right application, the right product, oil analysis, cross-over, compatibility, or any other need, we're here to support our customers. Customer Service is not dead. Find us online at klsummit.com ( 800.749.5823 Klüber Lubrication NA LP Summit products are made in U.S.

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