MODULE 2
LUBRICATION
LUBRICATION
• To reduce friction between the surfaces in
contact.
• Dissipate heat.
• Take away foreign particles.
• Reduce wear between surfaces in contact.
Characteristics
• Viscosity : resistance to flow
• Wetability : ability to spread.
• Oiliness : ability to adhere to the
surface
• Flash-point : temperature at which the
lubricant catches fire
• Fire-point : temperature at which
vapours are formed
• Pour-point/Freeze point :
temperature at which the
lubricants freezes and cannot be used.
TYPES OF A P P L IC A T IO N S
L U B R IC A T IO N
G ra v ity fe e d V e rtic a l g rin d in g
m /c , v e rtic a l s lid e s .
F o rc e d fe e d C o m m o n ly u s e d
o n m o s t m /c .
S p la s h G ear boxes
M is t lu b ric a tio n H ig h s p e e d
a p p lic a tio n s -
V e h ic le e n g in e s ,
p n e u m a tic
c y lin d e rs .
Gravity feed lubrication
• Lubricant oil is stored in a cup(cylinder)
• There is a valve at the bottom of the cup, that
controls the flow of lubricant oil.
• The cup is kept at a higher level and the oil
flows down under gravity.
Forced feed lubrication
• A pump(gear pump) sucks oil from the oil tank
intermittently with the help of a timer and sends it to
the oil dispensing unit.
• When a set pressure is attained in the line, the motor
stops.
• The oil dispensing consists of a non-return valve and
spreads the lubricants at the necessary points.
• Pump is used to maintain lubrication at constant
pressure
Forced feed Lubrication
Mist lubrication
• Consists of a air-filter, a pressure regulator, and
the lubricator(known as FRL).
• The lubricant oil is mixed with the compressed
air.
• This is used to lubricate parts moving at high
speeds, so that the lubricant oil film stays.
• Eg. High-speed bearings, engines, pneumatic
cylinders and actuators.
FRL Unit
GREASE
Type of Consistency Usable Applications Identification
grease at 25C temp
in C
Bearings operating in wet
Graphite Lime based grease with
310-340 65 conditions and open
grease 50% graphite content
gears.
Ball and roller bearings
RL Calcium based red
220-250 70 operating at moderate
grease coloured grease
speed
Yellow Line shaftings, sliding Lime based with smooth
265-295 65
cup surfaces, grease cups buttery texture
Water
Water pumps and Calcium based grease
pump 175-200 65
shaftings, seal brown in colour
grease
Oils and their properties
Oils Viscosity Flash Point Pour Point Viscosity
cSt @ 40 C C C Index
HYDROL32 29-34 190 (-) 3 90
HYDROL46 42-48 190 (-) 3 90
HYDROL68 64-72 210 0 90
Selecting a lubricant
• Types of moving parts and their speed
• Higher speeds necessitates the use of a
thicker(more viscous) lubricant.
• Temperature of operation:
• For higher temperature operations, a Lubricant with a
higher flash point is to be used.
• Pressure
• Mist lubrication is useful for high speed
application.
• Besides greases are also used in high-
speed, high-pressure applications.
Improper use of lubricant
• Low viscosity lubricant if used in high speed
applications
• Lubricant of lower flash point used at high
temperatures. As temperature increases viscosity
decreases and the film of lubricant becomes thin. This
results in contact of the moving parts and forced wear
occurs.
• Improper selection of the lubricant will result in
reduced life of the parts.
Visual Inspection
• The level of the lubricant in the tank should be
checked. The minimum and the maximum limit
should be marked on the indicator.
• Floating impurities, moisture on the surface of
the lubricant, solid particles suspended or
settled at the bottom, separation of the lubricant
into two layers, change in color, odour make the
lubricant ineffective.
• Sometimes, the lubricant is supplied at the
wrong place
• On vertical slides, the lubricant should be
applied at the top, so that the lubricant can flow
under gravity.
• In vertical gear trains where splash lubrication
is used, half of the gear is needed to be dipped
in the lubricant.
Care to be taken
• Properties of lubricants change with time. This
makes it necessary to change the lubricant after
a certain period of time.
• Change in properties include change in
viscosity and change in fluidity of the lubricant.
• Mixing of different lubricants or impurities
should be avoided.
Conclusion
• Lubricants essentially increase the life of the
component where they are applied.
• Proper selection and use of lubricants can help reduce
the manufacturing costs by improving the tool life.
• Inspection at regular intervals of time is necessary so
as to maintain the quality and the quantity of lubricant
under use.
