Module 4

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LUBRICATION

Basic Functions of Lubrication


The basic functions of lubrications are to reduce friction, reduce wear, control
temperature rise, absorb shock, minimize corrosion, and seal out/flush out
contaminants.
1. Reduce Friction

• Sliding friction results from two surfaces moving across each other

• Rolling friction is the result of the roller on a stationary surface

2. Reduce Wear
3. Helps dampen or absorb shock
4. Reduce Temperature rise
5. Minimize corrosion
6. Seal out contaminants
7. Flush out contaminants
The golden rule of lubrication is said to be: ‘Good lubrication
depends on the right lubricant being available in the right
quantity at the right time’.
There are six basic methods by which lubricants can be applied and
these are selected according to design criteria and the particular
demands of the equipment.
Manual Application
Whether the lubricant is liquid, semi-solid, or solid, the simplest method of
application is by hand. An oil can may be used for liquid lubricant, a grease
gun for grease and a brush or spray gun for solid lubricant.

Gravity (Dripping)
This method is only suitable for liquid lubricants and is sometimes referred to
as drip-feed oiling. There are various types of drip-feed oilers and they usually
include some method of feed regulation.
Gravity (Dripping)
Splash and Bath Lubrication

Splash lubrication relies on the components requiring lubrication being


partially immersed in an oil sump so that they pick up oil as they rotate.
Pressure Lubrication

Many industrial applications, especially where loads are heavy and


operating speeds are high, require a pressurized system to ensure that an
adequate supply of lubricant can be determined.
Automatic Lubrication

There are three types of these units available.

• One is spring-activated

• The second is a chemically generated gas-activated unit with fixed flow rates

• The third unit is an electrochemical gas-activated unit.


Centralized Automatic Lubrication Systems
Centralized automatic lubrication systems can be readily justified for the
following reasons:

• Safety

• More Efficient Lubrication

• Increased Productivity

• Reduced Operating Costs

• Better Housekeeping
TYPES AND ADDITIVES OF LUBRICANTS
There are four basic types of lubricant :

1. Liquid

2. Semi-solid or plastic

3. Solid

4. Gaseous

And they can be classified according to their source:

1. Animal

2. Vegetable

3. Mineral.
Criteria for Measuring the Properties of Oils
The properties of lubricating oils are measured by the following criteria :

• Viscosity : This is the single most important characteristic and refers to the
‘thickness’ of a fluid and is also described as resistance to flow.

• Viscosity Index : The rate of change of viscosity with temperature is known as


the viscosity index

• Flash Point : This is the temperature at which the vapor of a lubricant will ignite.

• Fire Point : This is the temperature, higher than the flash point, required to form
sufficient vapor from the lubricant to cause it to burn steadily.

• Pour Point : This is the low temperature at which the lubricant becomes so thick
that it ceases to flow.

• Oxidation Resistance : When hydrocarbons are exposed to the atmosphere,


especially at increased temperatures, they tend to absorb oxygen
Criteria for Measuring the Properties of Greases

•Hardness :
Because greases are semi-solid they can be considered as ranging from hard to soft

•Dropping point: This is the temperature at which the grease will change from semi-
solid to liquid i.e. the melting point.

• Pumpability:
This is a measure of the ease with which the grease will flow through a system.

• Water resistance:
This determines whether or not grease will dissolve in water.

• Stability:
This property determines the ability of grease to retain its characteristics with time.
Some grease become soft and thin after being in use for a while.
LIQUID LUBRICANTS (OILS )

• Circulating Oils

•Gear Oils

•Machine and Engine Oils

•Spindle Oils

•Refrigeration Oils
•Steam Cylinder Oils

•Special Purpose Oils


Additives

• Oxidation Inhibitors :
• Detergents and Dispersants :

• Rust and Corrosion Inhibitors :

• Pour Point Depressants :

• Viscosity Index Improvers :


Anti-foam Agents :
• Anti-friction Compounds :
• Anti-wear Agents:
• Extreme Pressure Agents :
• Emulsifier.
•Emulsion breaker.
•Adhesive compound.
SELECTION OF LUBRICANT
The selection of a lubricant is determined by the following factors:

• Load:
The load on the bearing will determine the pressure that the lubricant will have to
work against.

• Speed:
As operating speeds increase the lubricated surfaces will tend to wear faster.

• Temperature:
The operating temperature may affect the properties of the lubricant.

• Environment:
The lubricant may be required to cope with the presence of water or corrosive
materials.
The following comparative advantages should be taken into account:
Oil :

• Provides cooling

• Feeds more easily and can be fed from a central supply

• Washes away dirt

• Can also lubricate other elements such as gears

• Absorbs less torque

Grease:

• Allows simpler bearing designs

• Provides better sealing against dirt

• Is easier to contain and seal

• Allows longer periods without attention

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