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Developing a consistent and systematic replenishment approach can go a long way toward ensuring the quality ofyourrelubrication practices.
In previous articles we've addressed lubricant selection for all types of components. This month we'll address grease type lubricant application methods for common grease lubricated components.
Unlike oil application, applying grease to components holds a bit of mystery and intrigue. Unfortunately, the mystery part often produces great inconsistency and poor quality on the plant floor.
Most oil reservoirs provide machine operators with a portal through which the operator can determine that the right quantity of oil is in place. Whether the machine's oil tanks are square-, round- or trapezoid-shaped, the machine designer is expected to provide a simple, easy way to judge oil volume and, hence, oil application effectiveness.
This option doesn't translate well for grease lubricated machine sumps. Given that grease doesn't flow so well inside the machine sump, a grease sump viewport would quickly become obscured by grease.
In addition, since there are no transparent materials with the strength of steel from which bearing housings could be constructed, we have to settle with carefully planning the replenishment volumes and then verifying the effectiveness of the practice with readily available measurement tools.
SUPPLYVOLUME: PLAIN AND ELEMENT BEARINGS
Following selection of the best fit grease lubricant, the next step toward creating precise, reliability-centered lubrication practices is to apply the right volume of lubricant at the best or at least a healthy interval. (Note, you can find archives of Best Practice articles addressing selection of appropriate viscometric range and additive structure for bearings and gears in the Members Only area of the STLE Web site, www.stle. org)
Grease lubricated applications are nearly always expected to be continuous loss systems. As such, a planned, consistent, systematic replenishment practice is necessary to protect both the grease in the machine components and the components themselves. This article presents grease application and frequency for plain and element bearings.
Plain bearing grease application. There isn't much printed literature providing practical advice for quantity and frequency of application for plain journal bearings without delving into the original design parameters and operating states. Given that the original design considerations greatly influence the viscosity and supply rates, this is understandable. Following the OEM's advice should...