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43 viewsLubrication
Lubrication material
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Pedro VictorCopyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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/ 26
‘[SSSSEs MILLWRIGHT MANUAL: CHAPTER 6
Lubrication
Sliding friction
Rolling fretion
Fluid fiction...
Properties of oil
‘Theories of adhesion snd cohesion,
ities.
Viscosity,
Oil lubrication... o
‘Labriation using an ofl wedge
‘Boundary lnbiction using an adherent im
Hyd 0 on
‘Additves and inhibitors
il lbrication systems...
Choosing a grease
(Great lbeeaton systems
Special oil and grease lubrication...
‘Automatic briatos
Ope Bn
Enclosed geart..
(il and grease comparison
Lubrication during cutting .
Cating 0
Using cutting ei.
‘Safe handling of lubricans
Safety routine
Safe storage and disposal. Kinds of friction
cLwae—LuBrICATION
I CHAPTER 6
Lubrication
(Correct lubrication ruces ction between components and increases
component life by reducing wear. Lubricants are substance (avaly oils)
sed todo this.
ESEREE
‘The mos carefully finished metal surface isnot uly ft, but is covered with
microscopic iregularities—projecions and depressions as shown in
Figure 1
I. AWN
amt
oan
ea
axe in contact as they move
Figure 1. Magnified finished surtaces
‘Unde load, retion increases, Friction between moving surficess grouped
{tothe main types: sliding, rolling and fluid friction.
Sliding friction
Sliding fiction occurs when two surfaces slide over eachother, such asin
joumal bearings or pistons sliding in a cylinder Figure 2), In sling fiction,
‘he contact pressure is usually spread ove a large area. This meas thatthe
pressure per square inch is comparatively light.
Figure 2 Sling retion Rolling friction
Rolling friction takes place when spherical or eylingrial body rolls over a
surface. Common examples ae tall nd ole bearing. Figures 3 and 4
show various types of ant-iction bearings using balls and rollers.
Figure 3 Types of ing teion
very small amount of aiding
‘ition berween the ball o roller and
the separators
‘With ball and roller anti-friction ie
‘eating treo cst
foal win erste
prsetoadig sigh Tr Uso B
Figure 4 Ball bearings
‘The balls and rollers in ant-ricton bearings ae slighty deformed under
Josd ike ate under the weight of aca (eee Figure 4). This increase the
ding fiction between rolling embers and races. The separators used in
tnt-friction bearings also contibatea small amount of sliding fiction to
their operon.
Fluid friction
Lubrication is a way to reduce some ofthe effects of fiction, When
lubricating oil is applied to two snfaces in contact, a film of el is formed,
filling up th depressions and covering the projections on hoth surfaces
Figure 5 Magnified bearing surfaces with an ol fim between thern| Properties of oil
MLLWRIGHT—UBrICRTION
‘Because there is no metal-to-metal contact, sliding occurs between the Iyers
‘foil within the film. This i alld "uid fcton.”
Lubrication isthe reduction of fection to «minimum bythe replacemest of
dry friction with uid rction
a cacao)
Labricatng ll ike oer Liquids, consists ently of extremely tiny
pariles called molecules which are in violent motion, These molecules
‘tract one another so that few drift away. The molecules may also be
‘nracted by metal and other surfaces, to which hey are then held imal. A
layer of oil several particles thick may build upon the lubricated surface and
follow the movement of that surface.
‘Theories of adhesion and cohesion
Adhesion
The theory of adhesion states that adhesive forces cause unite material to
stick together (polar auraction). Examples are he forces of adhesion
between grease and metal or between ol and metal,
Cohesion
The theory of cobesion states that cohesive force ease molecules of ike
‘atrial to stick together. Examples are the fores of cohesion between,
Tease molecules (or between copper molecules).
Forees on ol layers
(il forms in layers of globules and cohesive fores oocur between the layers
the oilisin contact with metal surfsces, adhesive forees occur betweea the
oil and metal surfaces,
For example, in Figure 6, the surfaces
‘move aghnst eachother, layer 1 adheres
to the top metal surface, layer 7 adheres
to the botiom metal surface. The layers
inbetween rll over eachother,
‘overcoming the cohesive forces, The
only fition isthe uid fietion between
oil plobules. This tate i maintained as
Joog as there i suitable quantity of oi
Figure 6 Layers of lsuls
wo to mot eiacae Oiliness
Because oftheir chemical composition, some molecules ae attracted and
held more strongly to metal than oer, The adhesive fores are strong. Oils
Fich in these molecules are sad tobe high in ollness or lubricity.
Viscosity
Viscosity is the resistance to flow. Because of different cohesive ores, not
all fobeicatng ols low wat equal readiness, Te molecules in higher
viscosity ols have more efficly sling past one another. ils with high
viscosity ae thicker and pour moe slowly than those with low viscosity.
‘Viseosity isthe most imparant property of lubricating ol I largely
etermines the suitability ofthe ol. Ie affects the generation of heat in
‘bearings, the ease with which machines startin the cold, the sealing effects
ofthe ol and the rte of consumption or loss of ol
Effects on lubrication
(Oi! molecules edhere wo the surface ofa rotating journal snd sional
‘molecule ae cared along by ther pul: High-viscosity ols, wih ther less
active molecules, exert greater pressures and can carry greater loads.
‘Greater loads ean also be exried fhe journal is speeded up) A layer of oil
aso adheres tothe surface ofthe stationary sleeve and pulls egunst the bulk
‘ofthe oil. Tis pull oppose that of the moving joural. The molecles in
between are dragged along at various speeds, depending upon their neamess
to the surfaces, Faster-moving molecules must be dragged past those moving
‘more slowly. The fiction between molecules with different speeds acts as &
(rag on the journal. Power must be expended to overcome it
(
Choosing the best viseosity
‘The highest vscoity ols not necessarily the best lubricant. The ideal
choice of ol viscosity depends on sped (rpm), oad, temperature, pressure,
and environment.
Considering the load und speed:
‘+The higher the viscosity ofthe ol the greater the load it wil ear.
‘+ ‘The higher the journal sped, the lower the ol viscosity needed to cary @
specific load.
+ To:minimize power losses, the ol should have the lowest viscosity able
to cay the load onthe bering
In practice, the viseosity you must choose is dictated by plan requiemens
‘or manufacure's specifications
MLLWRIGHTLUBPICATION A
Viscosity-temperature effects
When ols heated, the molecules move with increasing violence. This
causes them to move further apart and the oll expands, Because the
molecules ae more active and have more room to flow past one another, the
cil thins ou—its viscosity drops. This change may be very great.
(Choose ol that has the desired viscosity at its operating temperature.
Sometimes the operating temperature utuates, The machine may be ata
Jow temperature, possibly sub-zero, wien operation stats, As operation
‘continues, it may attain fey high temperatures Inthe case of «hydraulic
system, 93°C (200°F) is not unusual. Obviously the oil mist be viscous
‘enough tthe highest temperatares to cary the loads imposed.
Viscosity measurement
‘Viscosity is measured in two ways: dynamic and kinematic,
Dynamic or absolute viscosity
Dynamic or absolute viscosity is determined by measuring the fore required
‘o overcome fluid frton ina film of known dimensions. Because it
depends only on fad friction, dynamic viscesity is used mast frequently in
‘bearing design and oilfow ealeulations,
Kinematic viscosity
‘Kinematic viscosity isa measure of viscosity thats afected by the density
ofthe oll. tis used most often to compare lubricants when both are
‘measured atthe same temperature using the same unit system.
‘The most common unis of kinematic viscosity, are metic centistokes,
abbreviated cSt. Most viscosities are determined in centistokes and converted
‘o other systems using published conversion tables.
16s
mits
Saybolt viscosimeter
‘Several instruments were developed to measure viscosity, but the one most
‘often used by of manufactures is Sayboltvscosimeter. The unit of
‘measurement is based onthe Fahrenheit emperature used for thie method. It
isthe Saybolt universal second abbreviated SSU or SUS.
‘The viscosimeter is used a follows:
‘+ Heat a 60 mL sample of ol to exaetly 40°C (1O0°F). (Several other
specific temperatures may be used for various service conditions)
*+ Allow te oll to flow through a caliraed orifice 1.765 mm in diameter
‘and 12.25 mm long.
*+ ‘Measure the ime i takes in seconds fr 60 mito drain off.
Fy er
SULWarGHT—LUBRICATON
os Oil lubrication
‘Viscosity index.
When subjeced tothe same change in temperature, all ils do not change
viscosity at the same rate. The specific viscosity reaction of m ol whose
temperature changes is indicated bythe viscosity index (VD).
‘The higher the VI number, the smaller the change in viscosity due to
temperature, For example, a premiuny rade ol for turbine lubrication has a.
V1 of 92 to 96, Some all-weather hydraulic els have'e VI of 20.
Lubrication using an oil wedge
(i molecules are fee to move in any direction as long as they keep close
together. Therefore, they espond collectively to any application of fore,
‘They readily occupy any clearance between a moving component and its
surroundings such as journal and sleve, forming an oll wedge (se
Figure).
toot eoparates ura ram
‘sleovs ln lring postin, (3)
‘A oumal bog 9st
‘ras upsleor o¥ wha
96 \weogo rales ura om
Seow. nul operate. (2)
® » e
altel waage shite o 2
Figure 7 Oi wedge in a simple bearing
‘When a shafts at res, most ofthe ol is squeezed out ofthe contact area,
Dring rotation the following happens:
1. Asthe shaft bepis to rotate slowly oil elms up the side ofthe bearing.
[emoves inthe opposite direction othe rotation.
2, Eventually, oil surounds the shat ling it hydraulically.
13, At fall sped, ol enters at the area of lowest pressure,
4, The shaft now earl theo in the direction of ration toward the area
‘of maximum pressure,
5, The oll wedge forms and fores the shaft up and toward the centre ofthe
‘bearing It does this unt pressure is equalized and shaft position i
raintained,
‘These actions depend on constant il fed and drain.
MLLNIGHT-—LUBRICATEN. — es
A
MuLwneeT—tusRcATON
[Eicieney ofthe oll wedge depends on:
+ load
+ rubbing speed or rpm
+ operating temperatre
+ clearance between surfices
+ ol viscosity or grease grade
volume of lubricant supplied
+ where the Ibricent i inroduced
+ shaft surface finish
Boundary lubrication using an adherent film
Under many circumstances itis not possible wo prevent metal-to-metal
‘contact entirely. When the film of ol fails for ashor time, this is called
‘boundary or marginal lubrication,
Boundary lubrication cccurs because:
‘Most bearings at est ae still under some pressure, Sine ther is no
‘motion to maintain the oil wedge, the sale load squeezes out all
lubricant except tht anraced tothe metal surfaces. When the machine is
‘tare, this residual fl isthe only source lubrication unt theo
wedge is e-erablished
* Some bearings are subject o frequent overloads, often asthe result of
shock loading. This canses higher Nui fiction, Rater than use an oil of
high enough viscosity to carry load peaks, itmay be necesszy or
preferable to carry momentary or bref overaads on residual ol films.
‘+ Newly machined surfaces may be o rough that an oil wedge sufficient to
prevent all meal-to-metal contact is difficalt to maintain In this cas, the
oils may moderate the wear process to thatthe new surfaces are worked
gently and uniformly toa smooth condition curing the runnin period.
‘Under al hese conditions, ction may be high, causing gest wear, unless a
‘eso oi im ean be maintained to minime contac etal with meta
its witha good ait to cling to besing sures give superior
performance
Hydraulic lock
Ifyou over-lubrcat threaded hole or the sere that treads into it, excess
oil drains to the botom ofthe threaded hoe, As he bolts tightened, it
‘rests the liquid causing a hydraulic lock that may erack the casing,
Do not tooverlubricat threaded hols or the screws that thread into them. Additives and inhi
‘Additives and inhibitors are divided ito three main groups air contol,
‘water contro, and load capac.
ors
Air control
Pevoleum oils contain a small quant of sir. For general lubricating
purposes air conten is usually not considered. However, ll peoleum and
‘vegetable oils react chemically with oxygen. This reaction is called
foxication It increased by high emperstres, nr contaminents, or water.
(Oxidation produces two general classes of waste products:
+ olbinzoluble materials suchas varnish o sludge
+ ollsoluble aids,
Basic oxidation stability i established by the refining process. Is increased
by the aditon of oxidation inhibitors or anti-corrosion additive that reduce
the formation of sludge or acid. Foam depressanis or foam inhibitors are
sed wo reduce the foam content in ano
Water control
‘Water usually gets ito a Tovicating system due to faulty seals and
condensation inside the metal housing or tank. This happens when the
‘machine cools to ambient temperature from an operating temperature of
40°C to 60°C (120°F 0 14077).
‘In most oil lubrication systems, you wish to remove the water. In some
systems, he water canbe absorbed, but metal must be protected from rust
‘when water i present ia the system.
+ Demulsibity isthe abiliy ofa petroleum oll o separate from water upon
‘sanding. Itcan be increated by additives,
+ Emulsibitit is the ability of «petroleum ol to mix with water using &
special emulsifying agent. A common example isthe euting uid eed in
‘8 machine shop.
‘+ Rust inhibitors are aed othe ol to reduce the rusting of ferrous pars,
‘which wil occur if there is water inthe system.
Load capacity controt
(Chemicals are aed to the ol to increas its load capacity. Load capacity
_ddiives canbe separated into two general groups:
+ Anui-wear additives minimize surface wear under normal circumstances.
‘They are phosphorous, active sulphur, or zinc eompounds that polish the
contacting faces.
+ Bxireme pressure (EP) additives are used for heavy load or shock load
‘conditions. ‘The EP additives can be
~ compounds of sulphur and/or phosphorous
= lead soaps
= long-chain elastomers
‘Do not mix EP oils with other EP ols or standard oils. There may be chem=
‘al reactions, Also, donot mis diferent brands of ois,
Other additives
Detergents and dispersans are aditves that ae usally found in gasoline
and diesel engine ols, bu notin industrial ol. A detergent cleans the
surfaces of components. A dispersant keeps the contaminants in suspension.
‘A few premium industrial oils used in ful circulating system have smal
Setergent action. But, in general, decergent motor oils are nt added to
industrial os because of the fllowing possible complications
‘contamination ofthe ol causing excessive foaming
+ deposits in critical clearance spaces
+ Ger problems,
Oil lubrication systems
(it ubricaton is applied in two main types of systems: the ance-through or
wasted i system; and the enclosed system in Which te ois used over and
‘over agin. Some methods may be either type depending onthe application.
Once-through systems
(il used to lubricate a once through system canbe a relatively low-grade
(Gow-cox oi. This oll must mest viscosity and flm-srength requirements
Usually, dives ae no used ina oncethrough system, To suit plant policy
and prevent Tubrcating errors, the ence-hrough ol uted may be the same
rade of oil used in enclosed systems.
‘Various applicators are used to ol once through systems. Common bottle
oilers, sch as wick-fed or dip-feed oiler, ado gradually to suit,
>perating conditions Bote oilers an only be used above the bearing, asthe
1's flow fom them is by gravity
* The hand oiler or squirt can isthe oldest method of applying oil and is
sill in use. However, this method leads to extremes of over- or under-
Ibieation,
‘+The wick fed oler shown in Figure 8 uses the capillary action of &
strand or strands of woo! to transfer the ol from the reservoir to the shaft.
‘The flow of oil depends onthe number and length of woo! stands and on
the height ofthe ol in the reservoir. The capillary action ofthe wick
filters the oil, o after atime the wick gets dirty and must be replaced. Figure 8 Wickfeed llr
Figure 8 Oripead oiler
‘+The drip feed oiler shown in Figure 9 provides a visual check and 2
‘means of controling the flow of ol by adjusting a needle valve. The
needle valves easly fouled by a small piece of drt. The ole is filled
through a small hole in the top. This requires some cae and the use of a
strainer to keep foreign material from entering. To minimize ol loss, shot
the valve off when the machine is not used.
Enclosed system
‘An enclosed system is one in
‘hich the ols circulated and
used over and over epin. IF
the oils used over period,
highly stable oll with
additives is required. This
reduces oxidation, comosion,
foaming, and the formation of
cmulsons.
Ring oiler lubrication
‘Ang oiler isa mechanical
‘means of oiling a shaft. The
ring has an internal diameter
(QD) larger tan the outer
iameter (OD) ofthe shaft. I
rests ontop ofthe shaft with
the botiom of the ring in the
oil at the botom ofthe
housing. As the shaft ums,
Seton pall the ring around
with ol ctinging tits surface
gure 10)
Figure 10 Oi-ing lubrication of a
sloove bearing nan electte motor
MLLWREGHTLUBRICATON ‘The rings are made in one piece ori two hinged pieces (se Figure 11).
‘They are usually metal, but can also be made of flexible, light, adder chain,
‘Two or more rings may be used on mukiple bearing systems
Cla)
Figure 11. Oter rings
‘Splash lubrication
‘Splash Ibrcaton isthe most
common method of lubrication in
enclosed gear systems, In most
‘its the larger gear picks up the
cil and caries it to the mesh po
(see Figure 12), Iealso splashes,
to atrough which drains tothe
bearings. The ol level must be kept
‘high enough to ensure thatthe gear
will pick up sutficient oi,
Figure 12 Splash lubsiaton
‘Too much olin the housing results in excessive foaming and a marked
temperanre rise ofthe unit Tis decreases the vscoity ofthe oi resulting
ina less effective oll wedge and a marked rise in the operating temperature,
This reduces the service life ofthe ol and causes eal lip-seal failure
Ot bath lubrication
Worm-wieel gears and moderate-peed chains are lubricated by passing
‘them through anol bah. Worm. wheel units with the worm onthe boom
sxe lubricated by the worm passing ol othe whee from an ol bath, An
oiler rng is attached tothe shat, and is called a linger. It works es follows:
‘+ The linger picks up ol from the bath and transfers it tothe worm
bearings and to the gear.
+ As the gear rotates, it contacts two scrapers witha clearance of 0.010" 10
oss.
‘+ The serpers remove the oil from the ger and dret ito troughs which
‘recast inthe housing and lad to the gear’ bearings.
Reccireulating lubrication
Enclosed circulating lubrication is used mainly when large mamber of
‘earings all use the same grade of el. Another general application i running
‘earings at a high temperature and pumping cool ol from te reservoir over
the shaft and bearings to conto the eat rise. This system can be used for
either friction or ant-rction bearings, but no for both together.
eee
MLW LUBREATON en ‘The basi enclosed circulating system consists ofa reservoir, pump a pipe
‘with flov-contol valve to each bearing and. dain from eich bearing back
to the tank In addition, after and s heat exchange to cool te oil may be
‘required. This type of pressure system allows for higher speais and heavier
Jas, Usuly, a premium rade oils used to obtain maximum hours of
sevice life between oil changes.
‘Also, when a shaft is vertical, a postive displacement pump aries
lubrication from the reservoir tothe upper bearing aginst gravity.
(Ol mist Wbrication
‘Ar and eitmislobsication is frequently recommended for high-speed
bearings and high-velocity roller chain. The volume of ol suplied is
sufficient to provide an oll wedge, but not enough to create fsming or oil
churning that wil lsd to eat rite, Oi mist lbriation maybe enclosed or
once trough.
‘Make sure hat the oll and air suplies are clean. Smal solid particles of,
material can plug the jets or cause wear Inthe components
Ol tanks
Several tyres of lubrication reservoirs can be made inthe pli. The basic
style is aint with a removable or hinged metal lid covering smaller ¢
‘pening fo adding oil (Figures 13 and 14). Rae of flow is conolled by a
valve and sight glass on the dain line. Te drain line canbe ether pipe or
‘bing, buctabing is boner at ican beled around obstuctiors readily and i
‘an withstand more vibration. The tubes in a multple-valve unk ere
‘connected by a pipe called the header (Figure 14)
Ten
vee
‘Slot
ne to beaing.
{thes to beng +
Figure 13 Singlewvalve ol!tank Figure 14 Oitank wih multpe valves
ILLWRIGHT-—LUBRICATON (Oil quality checks
itn continuous us (uch as ina splash system ofa ful-cireulating system,
with pump) gradually deteriorates through oxidation and exposure to other
‘contaminants. Checks on il quality may be either accurate or approximate,
To make an accurate ol quality check, do ove of he following:
‘+ Sec up an in-plant Iaboratory tes routine; or
*+ Send samples to an approved testing laboratory fora detailed analysis.
To mate an appréximate ol quality check:
1. lone clean, clear glass container with new ol
2, Filla similar glass container with used oll that hasbeen taken from a
‘machine that is either running or bas jst stopped running.
3. Compare the two oils using the following four tests:
*+ By smell—Many things can cause a change in odour, For exemple, ss
‘nol oxidizes and picks up impurities it odour changes; also fan
oll as been overhested, it smells bum.
+ By touch—Rub a sample of used ol between thumb and fingers and
feel for impurities. Breakdown in bearings and gear wear can ease a
sity fel.
+ By sigh—As an oil oxidizes and picks up impurities, it ums a darker
colout. The darker the ol the more wear or the greter the amount of
‘impurities.
the used oi is the same colour asthe new ol buts cloudy, there
‘may be dissolved air or water inthe oil. If the oil doesnot clear ater
Allowing time for itt see, the usual ease ie water,
{fa litle used ol poured onto a sloped sheet of paper shows bands of
colour, metalic pales ae in suspension. Stel particles give silver
bands end brass or bronze particles give gold bands,
+ By using « magnet—Drop a clean small magne into the wed ol
‘sample to check for ferrous partile in suspension. Some equipment
thas magnetic plugs atthe lowes: pont ofthe sing to trap ferrous
particles.
Properties of grea nmmmsssns sas
(Greases are usually made by thickening lubricating ois with sogp, The
thickener controls Water resstanee, resistance to machine breakdown fom
‘constant use, temperature range, andthe ability ofthe grease o say in pace.
‘Soap content for general use greases is usualy from 7% to 18%, but ean be
alow a5 3% and a high as 0% for special presses
‘ILLWri—LuaRcaTIoN Grease types
Simple soap greases,
‘Simple soap greases are made by combining a fatty aid with one ofthe
following base meals: calcium, sodium, aluminum, lhiam or barium.
+ Calctum soap (ume base)—requires a small amount of water to stabilize
the oilsoap structure. At boat 175°F (80°C), the intemal water starts to
‘workout, otha the soap and oil separate. Calcium soap greases are
‘recommended for damp conditions but not for high temperarures.
* Sodium soap (soda base)—is soluble in water but has a good, high
‘temperature range. Sodium soap grees sre only recommended for dry
conditions and high operating temperarares
* Aluminum soap—gives singness toa grease snd is used where
subesiveness is important. Aluminum soape ere water-resistant but net
‘recommended for high temperatures
+ Luhium and barium soops—are recommended for wsterreistance and
high temperatures, and are the most commonly used sogp greases
‘Mixed soap greases!
‘Mixed soup greates are made by combining various types of soeps to extend
the high temperature resistance ofa sodium base.
‘amount of calcium-base grease and expect to get a mixed-soap-base grease
Precise ratios ae required.
1 Do not ry ming a small amount ofsodium-base grease with a small
‘Complex soap greases
Complex sop greases ar made fom special soaps ad ake uult-purpose
Non-soap greases
[Non soap greases are used to suit special conditions of temperature,
environment or service life, Some common thickeners are earbon black,
silica gland special clays.
Multi-purpose greases
Malt-purpose greases are designed to allow one grease tobe uted intend of
three or four separate grades. Iteuts down on inventory and time of
pplication, and prevents lubrication errs. A muli-purpose grease
conesponds o 8 molti-purpose oi
MILLWRIGHT-—LUBRICATION Extreme-pressure (EP) greases
"Extreme pressure (EP) greases ar designed for shock loading or high-local-
ressueareas. They usually contain compounds of chlorine, phosphorous ot
sulphur as additives. Molybdenum disulphide (mol) isa common additive
for improving the ant-wear capacity ofa grease
Penetration numbers and NLGI grades
Grease consistency is measured by penetration numbers, A metal cone of
‘definite weight and surface area i allowed to sink fr 5 second into the
surface ofthe grease at 25°C (77°F) The amount of penetration measured in
tenths ofa milimete isthe penetration number ofthe grease.
‘The National Lubricating Grease Intute (NLGT) hat a system to classify
‘grease consistency. Soft greases have high penevation numbers and low
[NLGI grades. The NLGI grades range from 000 forthe softest grease
through 0,0, 1,2, 3 4, and, to 6 forthe hardest.
‘The temperature and speed of operation determine the required NLGI grade
‘or penesaton numberof the grease. Temperature and environment
‘etermins the choice of soap bate and the frequency of lubrication required.
Dropping point
‘The dropping potntis the temperature at which «grease becomes fuid
‘enough te drip. Common greases in genera industrial use have dropping
points hat range from 135°C (275°F) to 182°C (360°F), but greases with
Tower or tigher dropping points ae available,
Directional Nuidity
Grease has «peculiar characteristic called directional uid. When moving
‘ina bearing the grease tends o “shear” into thin layers that move in the
rection of rotation (ee Figure 15 and Figure 7), Under shearing sess, the
apparent viscosity ofthe grease falls rapidly unt it approaches the viscosity
ofthe ol used in its manufaetre,
Lei —LBRICATION Grease lubrication
Choosing a grease
Choice of grease is determined by:
+ the company requirements for choice of lubricants, mean of application,
and frequency of application
+ the type, speed, temperature, pressure and environment cf the bearing or
‘machine unit
+ manufacturer's recommendations
Select grease for its consistency atthe operating temperature of he system,
Itshould be fluid enough to flow gradually into the bearing cr onto a gear.
‘The temperature is affected by fietion, by charng in of greases, and by
the ambient emperamre,
‘When using diferent grease pes, tae the following precalons:
‘+ Do notmix greases from different companies in he same bearing.
+ Do notmix various grease grades ofthe sme company isthe same
bearing.
+ Donotuse extra additives
Grease lubrication systems
‘The inital packing ofa bearing is usally done by hand. Grese guns and
cups are usually not recommended forthe fra filing ofa bering as there i
‘no relisle check on the position or amount of grease. Ovefling uni the
srese leas past the seals can damage them. Use a grease gun oF cup to add
Beas: to 8 working bearing ony
Hland-packing bearings
‘To coneety lubricate «bearing asembly, hand pack the bearing with the
comet grease:
1. Fle paces between the rings with grease after assembly.
2 Pack the housing ov tht for high specie and oneal for slow
speeds
43, Do not oer pack—this causes the grese to churn, giving higher
‘temperatures. Over packing reduces the lubricating valueof the grease,
andthe lifespan ofthe seals.
‘After afew minutes of operation, the excess grease carried bythe separator
‘nd rolling elements is forced ou nto the housing void, leaving the bearing
trun on the correct amount of lubricant.
‘MILLWIGHT—LUBRICATION On low-speed applications with extreme
conditions of moisture, di, or poor
sealing, you may fil the housing with
‘grease. Excess grease works out past the
za to form a secondary seal to Keep out
contaminants,
Figures 16 and 17 show how gresse is
‘packed in anttition bearings.
Figure 16 A packed deep-groove
sure 1 “Sal bearng
Misa th tr race anc pack wa
ith groaso i betwoonanderound
‘hats o ler. Aign he eter,
"aca ar pac grease around
‘iors anda arable sce on
ot ee othe boing
Figure 17 Packing a doublerow,sot-igning roller bearing
Greasing with a gun
Greasing with a gun hs the advantage of nt,
epending on gravity fr low conditions (see
Figure 18),
‘The lubrication person (ole) can walk loor
level while greasing bearings at ay level using
Piping to allow for greasing a distance. Fixed
bearings use 1/8 black or galvanize piping.
‘Movable bearings use a loop of cil-esistant
‘pressure hose betweea the bearing and the fixed
Pipe. The pipe or gun connects to the bearing by
various types of nipples that tach diel tothe
bearing cap,
Figure 18 A grease gun
MLWrigrtuanGATION o7 ‘When using a grease gun:
1. Check bearings at close range frequently in ease the grease Tine breaks or
‘works oot ofthe bearing
2. When sing two different greases for different jobs, use two gus.
3. Make sure thatthe correct nipple connection is used om the bearing
DY ern nts com nama a ese
Greasing with a spring-compression cup
‘Compression grease cups attach directly tothe bearing and give a steady
retered supply of grease for up to four hous. Presure i applied 0 the
grease by screwing the eap dow by hand, or by en automatic spring
compressor (se Figure 19). There isa serew near the attachment point
allow for flow adjasument.
‘When using a spring-compression
grease cup, do the fellowing:
1, Serew the grease cup ino the
Dearing or into the short pipe
‘connection tothe bearing.
2, Do not connector disconnect
‘aris where you mus each across
‘moving machinery, or where they
ay fal into the machinery.
3, When the caps are off, keep
‘contaminants out of the grease.
4, Protect he housing from
‘grease cup
Special oil and tsmannse
grease lubrication
‘Automatic lubricators
In gore plans, a mechanism similar tothe sping-compresson cup
uiomatically and regularly lubricates components, These mechanisms are
tigger electronically or mocheneely.
ow LIWRIGHT—LUBAIGATION ‘Open gears
Sere mee
eomenet ni
Seema
+ teaperatare BS i
Roe \
ees
pat ‘\
* choice of lubricant os
Figure 20 Ot-
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