Five Steps To Effective Lubrication

it’s easy to underestimate the importance of appropriate lubrication. However, with 36% of premature bearing failures being a result of inadequate lubrication, even the most sophisticated application manufactured using the highest quality components will be prone to premature failure without optimum lubrication.

INITIAL SELECTION

The first step to effective lubrication is ensuring that the correct type of lubricant for the operating conditions and the environment has been chosen. Types of lubricants include oils to greases, with options such as low or high temperature, water resistance, high pressure, high load and high-speed lubricants to suit every application.

You should seek expert advice if you’re unsure about which lubricant is most suitable for your application.

STORAGE OF LUBRICANT

Lubricant should always be stored in a cool, dry location. It should be clearly labelled and effectively sealed to avoid contamination, which could degrade the lubricant during storage and later cause the bearing to fail prematurely once applied.

The recommended maximum storage period for greases is two years, and for lubricating oils is ten years. However, this relies on reasonable stock-keeping practices and protection from extreme temperatures.

LUBRICANT APPLICATION

Always follow manufacturer instructions when it comes to the quantity of lubricant required and the intervals for application. Too much lubricant can cause the seal to fail, allowing contamination to enter the bearing, while too little lubricant increases friction, raising the internal temperature of the bearing and causing wear.

Automatic lubricators are particularly useful for lubricant application as they ensure that the correct dose is applied at the correct interval, removing the opportunity for manual error.

CONDITION MONITORING

Condition monitoring offers insight into the condition of machine components. Raised internal temperatures could indicate a lack of lubrication within a bearing, causing excess friction. This early indication allows lubrication levels to be corrected, preventing premature failure of the bearing due to wear.

RE-EVALUATION OF LUBRICANT

Finally, lubrication should be re-evaluated whenever there is a change in the operating conditions of the application. This will ensure that the type and quantity of lubricant is still appropriate for the application, helping to prevent lubricant degradation and prolong the life of machinery.