Manufacturers and equipment handlers can optimize their equipment's life span, productivity, and oil application and consumption to increase profitability.
FREMONT, CA: Lubrication options like oil lubrication impact an equipment's functionality based on viscosity, oil distribution, and heat production. Specific lubricants are appropriate for certain applications and equipment. The appropriate lubrication minimizes heat buildup and energy utilization, protects equipment against corrosion, absorbs and transfers excessive heat, and reduces contamination.
Proper lubrication contributes to equipment performance, accuracy, and longer shelf life. The right lubrication reduces energy consumption and improves operational efficiency and profitability. That’s why it is important to understand the key considerations in identifying the optimal lubricant for any application.
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Manufacturers and equipment handlers must consider lubrication types and their usability in different applications.
Oil lubrication: Selecting the right oil type needs to be based on bearing, load, speed, lubrication method, and operating temperature. In-bearing lubrication should be high-quality synthetic oils or mineral oils. Correct oil selection for in-bearing applications makes lubrication easier to handle as this oil has a better reach within the bearing. Certain oils work well in high temperatures or high-speed applications. Depending on the application, oil can involve wick-feed, drip-feed, oil bath, pressurized circulating systems, and air-oil mist.
Lubricant composition: Additives in lubricants lend additional properties for various use cases. Manufacturers need to pay close attention to the additives in the lubricant. In the case of grease composition, quality and type of thickeners added to the base oil can have advantages and disadvantages regarding heat resistance, ease of pumping, shear stability, and water resistance. Choosing between oil lubricants and grease involves higher lubricant losses than that grease.
Oil bath: Handlers need to consider oil levels in an oil bath. Oil levels should not exceed the lowest rolling element center point, and lower oil levels reduce high churning in rolling bearings. Handlers can reach optimal oil levels by maintaining elevation drains and gauges.
Pressurized circulating oil system: Pressurized circulating oil systems has some advantages in incorporating oil filtering devices, meter control of oil quantity, and lubricant allocation. These oil systems reduce deterioration and are economically practical. The system's oil flushing application can remove moisture and contaminants from the bearing and supplies enough oil for lubrication and cooling.
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