1. How Proper Lubrication can Minimize Rotating Equipment Repair
Posted on May 31, 2014 | Comments (0)
Does your rotating equipment overheat repeatedly or completely seize up? Maybe you have
noticed your equipment is making more noise than before. Is your equipment smearing? Is it
discolored? Rotating equipment that is not adequately lubricated will not function properly.
Adhering to a regular lubricating maintenance schedule is necessary to keep your rotating
equipment functioning at its optimum levels. The two largest causes of rotating equipment
failure are inadequate lubrication and lubricant contamination. Properly lubricated equipment
will operate for longer periods, at lower temperatures, and extending the mean time between
repairs (MTBR).
The point of lubricating moving parts is to:
 Decrease or eliminate friction
 Reduce wear
 Protect from corrosion
 Absorb heat
 Reduce noise
 Prevent damage from debris
All of these results of poor lubrication lead to serious downtime and preventable costly repairs.
So, do you just slap some oil in there and hope for the best? Absolutely not! The viscosity, type,
method of lubricating, and the quantity are all determined by your particular equipment.

2. Viscosity
A lubricant’s viscosity is an important property (most experts will say it is the most important) as
it ensures the load carrying ability of the lubricant is at its most effective. Viscosity is determined
by your equipment’s operating temperature, rotating speed, and load. Oils with a lower viscosity
will have higher shear rates than higher viscosity oils. If you use a lower viscosity oil while
operating under high temperatures, the oil film will deteriorate and metal-to-metal contact will
occur causing wear, corrosion, and damage. If the viscosity is high, but operating temperatures
are low, resistance to flow will increase the temperature, cause overheating, breakdown of the oil
film, and oxidation of the oil. Consulting your equipment’s OEM manual will help you acquire
viscosity recommendations.
Types of Lubricant
The particular type of lubricant used is determined by service temperatures and operating speed.
There are two lubricants used – grease and oil. Though most lubricants are petroleum-based,
there are synthetic lubricants available. Both are subject to differing degrees of oxidation and
deterioration, and are suitable for certain types of components and temperatures. Synthetic oil is
less sensitive to fluctuations in temperature and oxidation – making it longer lasting and not
needing to be changed as often. Hydrocarbon oil is more widely used, but synthetics are
becoming an ever-popular choice for consumers.
Methods of Lubrication
There are different methods of lubricating your rotating equipment:
Oil Misting: Mist generator systems are centralized systems of compressed gas that is used to
atomize oil. Low pressure systems then distribute the atomized oil at multiple dispersal areas for
optimal lubrication. Oil mist systems are highly effective at keeping equipment lubricated and
minimizing temperature fluctuations. This is the best lubricating technology available on the
market today.

3. Grease: The lubricant of choice for most machine elements, but is limited by service
temperatures. Grease has additional sealing properties and minimizes leakage and contaminants.
Unfortunately, grease lubrication does not dissipate heat like oil mist and oil splash systems.
Because it is highly resistant to motion, it takes longer at start-up for adequate lubrication to
occur.
Oil Splash: Splash lubrication is the most common method of lubrication. In this method, parts
can be in direct contact with the lubricant, or oil rings and flingers may be used. As in the mist
generator systems, splash lubrication is effective in regulating temperature. Splash lubrication is
at its most effective when oil is filtered and replenished regularly. With oil rings and flingers,
parts are not in direct contact. The oil ring or flinger picks up oil and transfers the lubricant over
the rotating parts. Oil rings and flingers require close monitoring of lubricant levels — too much
oil and the ring or flinger becomes submerged and will not adequately splash the oil; if the level
is low, it will not pick up enough oil to lubricate the parts.
Quantity of Lubricant
Too much lubricant and your rotating equipment must work harder to move causing it to
overheat; too little lubricant, friction increases, oil film fails, metal-to-metal contact occurs, and
your equipment stops operating and needs repairs. Your equipment needs the right amount of
lubricant to function at its optimal level.
Keeping your rotating equipment properly lubricated will be one of the most important parts of
your maintenance program. Adhering to this will ensure a longer operating life, lower service
costs, and reliability of your equipment.
Houston Dynamic Service has over 35 years of experience with rotating equipment service and
repair. Give HDS a call to help keep your equipment operating at its peak performance.
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