Selecting the ideal lubricant for bearing efficiency
Choosing the right lubricant for bearings – three factors to consider
When it comes to ensuring peak performance and longevity of bearings, selecting the right lubricant is paramount. Lubricating bearings might seem straightforward, but it's crucial to choose a grease that aligns with the unique characteristics and demands of the bearing. These are three factors to consider.
1. Lubrication method
Direct lubrication
When the grease is applied directly to the bearing or its housing, a grease with an NLGI grade between 1 and 3 is recommended.
Centralized or remote lubrication
Centralized and remote systems rely on distributed lubrication. For an optimal grease flow through pipelines, a lower NLGI grade, ranging from 1 to 000, is advised. Factors such as the pumping power of the centralized system and the dimensions of the pipelines dictate the precise NLGI grade required.
2. Temperature and load tolerance
Real-world operating temperatures are crucial considerations for selecting lubricants. Using thermal imaging during peak operational hours reveals the maximum temperature the grease must endure. When dealing with freezing tunnels, measuring the pre-operation temperature becomes essential as the bearing's ability to handle minimal temperatures matters.
Additionally, the type and size of the bearing offer insights into the load capacity the grease needs to handle. Roller bearings, for example, excel under radial loads compared to ball bearings.
3. DN Factor – Speed and endurance
Calculating the DN factor, representing the product of bearing diameter and rotational speed, is of utmost importance. The selected grease must be able to withstand the bearing's operational speed. Should the grease fall short in this regard, its ability to endure the previously mentioned factors becomes irrelevant. Neglecting this aspect could lead to premature bearing failure, contributing to unwarranted downtime and expenses.
Optimizing bearing lubrication
Considering the multifaceted aspects of bearing lubrication, we encourage you to reach out for expert guidance from our technical advisors. Our team is committed to helping you choose the optimal lubricant and providing solutions to address your bearing lubrication challenges.
