Consider using equipment lube tags to help avoid adding the wrong oil to a machine. The following are the benefits to using lube tags:

• Reduces possibility of error by inexperienced lubricator

• Facilitates training of new lubricators

• Reduces confusion associated with switching suppliers

Methods for labeling lube tags:

• Use color and/or shape coding where possible

• Color code tags indicating lube name and viscosity and affix to each reservoir

• Tags can be plastic, stainless steel, aluminum or coated paperboard

If a machine is experiencing foaming problems, consider the following causes during investigation:

• Mechanical - heavy agitation

• Antifoam additive depletion

• Contamination by materials/chemicals that change (lower) interfacial tension

More Great Tips

Today we are going to look at an excerpt from the book "Lubrication and Lubricant Selection." The following passage discusses steam turbine lubricants:

"Steam turbines are oil lubricated, and have very critical requirements for oil properties. The temperatures are high, speeds are high and water is present. Reliability is particularly important because; a steam turbine may be very large, is often a major central feature of a complex plant, and is expected to operate for long periods - often years - without maintenance

"Due to the high temperatures and speeds there is a strong tendency for oxidation, so that highly refined oils with anti-oxidants are used.

"Condensation of the steam leads to water contamination, and because of the high temperature and speed, this tends to form an emulsion. Centrifugal separators are used to remove the water but the oil must be formulated for easy separation, and must be kept clean by filtration and generally clean housekeeping.

"There is also a tendency for rusting, because water is present, and rust inhibitors are added to protect metal surfaces in the system.

"High speed also tends to cause foaming, which can be harmful in two ways.

1. If foam enters a bearing it will be a less effective lubricant, and bearing damage may result.

2. Because foam occupies a larger volume than the oil that is in it, any excessive foaming will lead to loss of oil from the system.

"Steam turbine oils are therefore formulated to reduce the amount of foaming."

Daily Tips

• Gear drive breathers should be inspected frequently to help avoid ruptured seals, loss of lubricants and contamination entry.

• In enclosed gear drives, with either splash or circulation systems, a magnetic plug or magnetic filter will help collect harmful wear debris. For splash systems, use a magnetic plug or a magnet in the bottom of the case. For circulation systems, a magnetic filter can be used. Removing wear debris can help extend oil and machine life. Wear debris can also be examined upon removal for troubleshooting purposes.

• Enclosed gear drives typically have a couple of plugs or bullseyes to see if it is operating. When the drive is running, the oil level should show in the upper bullseye.

• Worm gear drives that are exposed to high operating and ambient temperatures should be filled with oil until the gears are covered. This allows for more rapid heat dissipation in the gearbox. To allow for expansion of the lubricant, be sure to leave some room at the top of the gearbox. Also, ensure that the oil level is not above the breather opening.

Contamination control starts by keeping contaminants out of the equipment from the beginning. The costs associated with keeping the contamination from the beginning are much less than cleaning a system once it has been contaminated. Once the contamination is introduced to the lubricant, the lubricant can start to degrade and internal components can deteriorate prematurely. Implementing a few good maintenance

practices can provide the reliability needed to keep equipment running in optimum condition.

More Great Tips

• Low viscosity make-up oil - Add sufficient higher viscosity oil of the same type to correct viscosity decrease.

• High temperature operation - Check whether oil circulation rate is sufficient.

• Oil oxidation - Eliminate air leakage at seals; reduce high temperature operation; reduce drain interval.

• Leaking gear case cover, seals - Eliminate gear case leaks; replace leaking seals.

• Over-extended oil-drain period, high wear rates - Drain oil more frequently or use oil more suited to severe conditions.

• Oil oxidation - Eliminate air leakage at seals; reduce high temperature operation; reduce drain interval.

Daily Tips

More Great Tips

Today we are going to look at another excerpt from the book "Lubrication for Industry." This book has a great section on Lubrication Theory that should be fundamental reading for any lubrication professional. Here's a passage about two of the many functions of a lubricant:

"If a lubrication barrier were not in place, moisture in the air would eventually cause oxidation, leading to corrosion. Lubricants cling to the element surface, providing a barrier against moisture. The choice of lubricant type is critical because some lubricants act as a catalyst, trapping moisture droplets and holding them at the element surface, thereby increasing the oxidation and corrosion process!"

"Basically stated, lubrication keeps the dirt contaminants out. Dirt is evident in all aspects of surface contact. It may show up as metallic wear particles or silicon particulates. The lubricant's job is to "flush" these contaminants out of the bearing surfaces so that they may be wiped away, as in the case of grease, or caught in a filtration medium (oil). Generally,

the lubricant will act as a seal against outside dirt ingestion."