Lubricants reduce friction and wear, carry away heat, protect against corrosion and keep contaminants out. Poor lubrication is a leading root cause of bearing and gear failures, which makes it one of the highest-value areas for improvement.
Choosing the Right Lubricant
Select oil viscosity based on speed, load and temperature. Greases combine a base oil, a thickener and additives; NLGI grade, base oil viscosity and compatibility between thickeners all matter. Mixing incompatible greases can cause softening and loss of lubrication.
The Four Rights
- Right lubricant: the correct type and grade for the machine.
- Right amount: over-greasing causes heat and seal damage just as under-greasing causes wear.
- Right place: clean the fitting and apply lubricant only at the intended point.
- Right time: follow condition-based or calculated intervals.
Storage and Handling
Store lubricants in sealed, labeled containers in a clean, temperature-controlled area. Use dedicated transfer equipment for each lubricant type, and colour-code containers and fittings to prevent mix-ups.
Monitoring Oil Condition
Regular sampling provides information on viscosity, water content, acidity, additive depletion and wear metals. Trending results over time reveals developing problems early. Fit breathers with desiccant and consider offline filtration for critical systems.
Training Matters
Even the best lubricant fails if applied poorly. Train technicians, write clear procedures and audit the lubrication program regularly.