1. Lubricant Type Selection
1.1. Grease vs. Oil
- Grease: Preferred for heavily loaded and low/medium-speed bearings.
- Mineral or Synthetic Oil: Suitable for high speed, high temperature, and long operating periods.
1.2. Oil Viscosity
- Should be selected according to ISO or AGMA standards.
- SAE or ISO viscosity grade is determined based on load and speed data.
2. Lubrication Amount and Frequency
-
Greasing:
- Excess grease puts pressure on the bearing, increasing its temperature.
- Recommended amount: 30–50% of bearing volume (varies by bearing type).
-
Oiling:
- Continuous or periodic oiling with a circulating or static oiling system.
-
Frequency:
- More frequent checks and lubrication are required in high temperature, dusty, or heavy load conditions.
3. Lubrication Techniques
- Manual greasing: Used for small bearings or easily accessible areas.
- Automatic greasing: Ideal for large bearings or hard-to-reach areas.
- Circulating lubrication system: Ensures continuous renewal of oil at high speeds and temperatures.
4. Monitoring and Control
- Temperature Control: Should be continuously monitored with a thermometer or IR sensor.
- Vibration Analysis: A vibrometer can be used to detect insufficient or excessive lubrication.
- Grease/Oil Condition: Regular checks of oil level, consistency, and contamination should be performed.
5. Dirt and Water Control
- Seals and housings must be intact to prevent water or dust from entering the bearing.
- Contaminated grease or oil rapidly destroys the bearing.
6. Recommendations and Tips
- Create a lubrication plan and document it for each bearing type.
- If excessive temperature or abnormal noise occurs during operation, check the lubrication.
- Preventing both under and over-lubrication is critical for heavy industry bearings.
You can contact us for technical support on solutions suitable for your business.
