Lubricating Bearings and Gearboxes

15 September 2020 by Mike Retford

Bearings and gearboxes need a thin film of oil between moving surfaces to prevent metal to metal contact. Lubrication systems provide a constant flow of oil to provide the lubricating layer and remove heat that is developed between moving surfaces. The supply of oil needs to be constant as any loss or lowering of flow could remove the lubricating layer and cause catastrophic machine failure. Lubrication systems are self monitoring so if the oil level is low or the outlet pressure is low, then alarms will be raised and eventually the whole system will be safely shut down.

The removal of heat is important so water cooled heat exchangers or air blast coolers are used. The temperature of the outgoing oil from the lubrication system is monitored to ensure that it is not too high. The oil flowing to the gearbox or bearings must be clean so filters are positioned on the outlet of the lubrication system. Cleanliness can be monitored by installing a particle counter or the oils chemical condition can also be monitored through in tank sensors.

The supply of clean and cool oil is a simple concept, but monitoring to guarantee enough flow, pressure and high cleanliness levels are important additions to ensure the system provides the oil required.

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