Lubrication is one of the primary tools of machine maintenance, it is used to mitigate the effects of friction. Friction is the resistance created when two surfaces slide or rub together. Any piece of equipment, machine, tool, or other mechanism with rotating or moving parts experiences friction. Friction causes heat and wear and must be reduced and controlled to prevent premature wear and damage to parts and equipment.
- Lubrication is the application of any substance that reduces friction by creating a slippery film between surfaces.
There are specific best practices for lubricating different machines and best lubricants for different environments and applications. In addition to different lubricants and equipment, there are computerized scheduling software and automatic delivery systems. Lubricants can be solid, semisolid, and liquid.
- Liquid lubricants: Oils
- Semisolid lubricants: Greases
- Solid lubricants: Granules, powders
Lubricants reduce wear to moving parts by:
- Reducing friction
- Removing heat
- Sealing parts from dirt, grit, and moisture
Friction and wear between moving surfaces are reduced when a film of lubricant is applied to the surfaces.
There are four levels of lubricant film protection, from least to greatest:
- Dry friction: occurs when each surface is unprotected from the abrasion of the other surface by any lubricant.
- Mixed film lubrication: occurs when surfaces are partially lubricated.
- Boundary lubrication: occurs when metal to metal contact occurs between the high points of surfaces, but less friction is generated than with mixed film lubrication because they are covered with heavier film.
- Fluid film lubrication: occurs when all moving parts are separated from each other by the lubricant film and friction is minimal.
Benefits of lubrication:
Lubrication reduces friction and wear between moving parts, extending equipment life and improving efficiency, reliability, safety, and temperature control. Lubricants also reduce noise and vibration, prevent overheating, and absorb heat generated by friction.
Leading Technology:
Ultrasound solutions contribute significantly to asset condition management by providing insight into health assets, reducing energy waste and improving product quality. Ultrasound is one of the leading NDT tools on the market. The LubeChecker ultrasound tool takes out the guess work. No more “just give it 5 shots of grease” mentality. Instead, achieve precision lubrication to extend the life of your asset and reduce lubrication-related failures.
Safety Awareness:
Because of the many different types of materials used to make lubricants, they are considered hazardous materials. Workers must understand and know how to perform lubrication activities safely and efficiently. Special precautions must be taken when handling lubricants to prevent contamination of lubricants, cross-contamination of lubricants and equipment, as well as bodily injury and illness from toxic substances. Dedicated containers for new lubricants as well as receptacles for waste oil are a must, as is proper placarding, signage, and lubrication procedures.
Download our 5-Step Acoustic Lubrication Procedure an effective lubrication procedure to grease bearings right.
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Lubrication by Chris Finley