Lubrication Basics

Proper lubrication facilitates uninterrupted machine operation and is one of the most important aspects of machine health and efficiency. The most common industrial lubricants primarily consist of a base oil and are either mineral-based, synthetic, or vegetable-based. Additives are also added to the base oil to optimize the properties of the lubricant. Another form of lubricant, grease, is made by combining a base oil with a thickening agent.

Why is Lubrication Important?

It serves many purposes, but the ultimate goal of a lubricant is to reduce unwanted friction (the resistance encountered when solid surfaces slide against each other). This friction reduction is accomplished by separating two solid surfaces with a thin layer of lubricant.

Friction, unabated, can cause many problems for machinery. Every metal surface within a machine, no matter how finely finished, will have some degree of roughness, with high points called asperities. As the surfaces move past each other, these asperities come into contact and catch on one another.

As the asperities catch and move, they rip each other apart, causing abrasions and adhesion, and in some scenarios, they can even weld and seize together. The pieces of metal torn from the component surfaces become free-moving particulates and are introduced to the machine’s lubrication system, causing further problems. Additionally, friction produces heat which, if unchecked, can quickly degrade the lubricant and cause catastrophic machine failure.

Beyond friction reduction, lubricants can also provide:

• Heat control — The heat created by friction is absorbed and transferred by the flowing lubricant. Additionally, heat generation is reduced by the lubricant’s reduction of friction.
• Contamination control — Grease and other lubricants can be used to create a seal between a machine’s internal components and the external environment, which prevents the ingress of contamination. In addition, lubrication circulating within a machine can carry contaminants to a tank, sump or filter, where they can then be removed.
• Protection against chemical attack — Lubricants and their additives can coat the surfaces of machine components, protecting them from corrosion, such as rust.
• Transfer of energy — Hydraulic oil, because of its incompressible nature, is used to transfer energy within a hydraulic system.

What is Lubrication?

As stated above, there are three types of base oils used in a lubricant: mineral, vegetable, and synthetic. Vegetable oils, because of their lower oxidative stability and limited flow properties at cold temperatures, are seldom used for industrial purposes; instead, mineral and synthetic base oils are often used in industrial applications.

• Mineral — Derived from crude oil, the quality of mineral oil depends on the refining process. Mineral oils are generally made up of four different types of molecules — straight paraffin, which have a long, straight, chained structure; branched paraffin, which have the same structure as paraffin molecules, with a branch to the side; naphthene, which have a saturated ring structure and are most commonly used in moderate temperature applications; and aromatic, which have a non-saturated ring structure and are primarily used in the manufacturing of seal compounds and adhesives. 

• Synthetic — Making up a smaller fraction of lubrication oils used for industrial purposes (primarily because of cost), synthetic oils consist of man-made or highly modified molecules. There are several types of synthetic oils with various properties. Despite their higher cost compared to mineral oils, synthetic oils are sometimes a preferred choice in certain applications — this may be due to various reasons, but is often tied to the unique benefits of each type of synthetic, such as increased oxidation stability, thermal resistance and higher viscosity index. 

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Purpose of Bearing Lubrication for Maintenance & Functionality

Lubrication plays an important role in both the mechanical operation and the longevity of your bearings. While there are many factors associated with bearings failure, improper, contaminated or lack of lubrication is attributed to over 50% of such instances. In the correct applications (over lubrication is also an issue), lubricants & grease extend the life of bearings and ensure proper functionality. Bartlett Bearing Company, Inc. highlights the importance of bearing lubrication as part of your overall preventative maintenance plan.

6 Reasons Lubrication is Important for Bearings & Other Components

Prevents Oxidation: High temperatures and water rapidly consume the limited volume of antioxidants present in bearing lubrication. Regular application is necessary to prevent oxidation, corrosion, sludge buildup and impaired oil flow.

Minimizes Corrosion: Proper lubrication prevents corrosive elements like water and salt from seeping into the bearing. Over time, rust and corrosion will develop and system breakdown is inevitable. Bearings and seals should be inspected regularly to prevent corrosion buildup.

Contaminant Barrier: Bearing lubrication serves as an important protective barrier against contaminants and organic debris. If the bearing seal becomes damaged in any way (loose, punctured, ripped, etc.), contaminants will seep into the bearing and cause total failure.

Reduces Component Friction: The primary job of lubrication & grease is to reduce friction between the bearing and adjacent components. Friction generates heat, which can cause bearings to deteriorate and the destruction of seals. Excessive friction when bearings are not properly lubricated leads to premature machinery breakdown.

Decreases Wear & Tear: Lubrication helps to separate moving parts and lessen heavy vibrations, which is vital to preventing wear & tear and excessive friction.

Stabilizes Bearing Structure: Lubricants not only play an important role in maintenance, but also to the overall functionality and reliability of bearings. Lubricants help bearings take on the weight of different loads and act as stabilizers for bearing structures.

Purchase High Quality Bearing Lubrication Products

Mobil Polyrex EM: This lubrication is specially formulated for electric-motor bearings. The advanced thickener formulation and manufacturing techniques provide improved bearing performance & long-lasting protection.

Aqua Shield: A multi-functioning lubricant & sealant combination that provides long-lasting lubrication and prevents corrosion.

Chevron Black Pearl: These greases are multipurpose, water resistant and are designed for bearings under extreme pressure. Rust and oxidation inhibitors ensure long-lasting capabilities for your machinery.

Castrol Tribol GR 100 PD Range: This high performance grease works well under extreme pressures in a wide variety of applications.

Shell GadusRail S2: One of Shell’s highest quality greases, it is manufactured to provide superior mechanical stability and service life.

Bartlett Bearing Company, Inc. supplies high quality, multi-purpose bearing lubricants & grease to prevent friction, oxidization, rust, corrosion and excessive wear & tear. With six locations across the United States, we are dedicated to meeting your company’s needs and exceeding your high expectations. Our quality products are available at competitive prices with fast & efficient delivery.

Lubrication reduces friction and allows moving machine parts to slide smoothly past each other. An automatic lubrication system has many advantages compared to manual lubrication. Find out how it results in extended equipment life, reduced wear and smaller maintenance bills.

Lubrication is a crucial element in the efficiency and life-expectancy of any rotating equipment. According to a study by SKF, over 50% of bearing failures are the result of improper lubrication. Selecting the appropriate lubrication solution can help reduce premature bearing failures and increase machine uptime, productivity and energy efficiency.
 

What is lubrication?

Lubrication can be defined as the application of oily or greasy substances, also called ‘lubricants’, in order to reduce friction and allow moving machine parts to slide smoothly past each other.

Lubricants form a film between the metal surfaces of machine parts to avoid metal-to-metal contact and to keep the machine running efficiently.