Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/957021
42 | March - April 2018 | www . machinerylubrication.com Th e " Lub e -Tips " se c tion of M a ch i n e r y Lu b ricatio n magazin e feature s innovative ideas submit te d by our rea der s . Bearing Lubrication Caution It is important that rolling-element bearings lubricated by an oil circulation system do not rotate at any time in the dry condition, especially after a long period when most of the oil will have drained away from the bearing. Rotation under this condition can cause severe damage to the rolling surfaces. is situ- ation may be avoided by ensuring that the oil pump, which supplies the oil to the bearings, is started before the machine drive system is put into operation. How Water Contamination Affects Oil Viscosity It's important to understand what can happen to the viscosity of an industrial lubricant, such as hydraulic or gear oil, when it is contaminated with water. A common misconception is that the water will reduce the viscosity of the lubricant. In fact, if an excessive amount of water is "whipped" into the oil in such a way that it forms a stable emulsion, the viscosity can increase, sometimes dramatically so. e oil/water emulsion will not lubricate as well as clean, dry oil. Not only that, but the viscometrics of an emulsion are different than that of oil, so other problems such as poor valve response or high-pressure drops across filters can occur. Check Makeup Valves in Oil Sumps e oil sumps of modern gas engines are getting smaller while the power outputs are increasing. is puts increased stress on the oil in circulation. Many sump levels are controlled automatically by makeup valves. Check the setting of these valves, as they can often be set low, which means you do not get the full charge of oil in the sump and face shorter drain periods. Also, make sure you drain the oil cooler as well as the sump during the oil change, as there is often a considerable amount of old oil (up to 10 percent) held in the pipework just ready to contaminate your fresh oil. Have Some Tips? Did You Know ? If you have a tip to share, email it to e ditor@ noria .com . Additional tips c an b e found in our Lub e -Tips email n ewslet ter. To re ceive th e Lub e -Tips n ewslet ter, subscrib e now at M achin er yLubric ation .com . LUBE-TIPS