Module 4
Module 4
Module 4
• Sliding friction results from two surfaces moving across each other
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
• One is spring-activated
• The second is a chemically generated gas-activated unit with fixed flow rates
• Safety
• Increased Productivity
• 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
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.
• 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.
•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
•Spindle Oils
•Refrigeration Oils
•Steam Cylinder Oils
• Oxidation Inhibitors :
• Detergents and Dispersants :
• 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
Grease: