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Bearing lubrication: comparison of gasoline and grease, relubrication intervals and automatic lubrication systems

Technical analysis: Bearing lubrication: grease vs oil, relubrication intervals, and automated lubrication systems

Лубрикація підшипників: порівняння газоліну та мастила, інтервали перезмащення та автоматичні системи лубрикації - UNITEC-D Industrial MRO
Лубрикація підшипників — ключовий елемент надійності промислового обладнання. У статті розглядається порівняння газоліну та мастила, інтервали перезмащення, а також автоматичні системи лубрикації з пі

Introduction

Bearing lubrication is critical to ensuring the longevity and reliability of industrial equipment. Choosing the right type of lubrication, relubrication intervals and lubrication system affects production efficiency, operating costs and safety levels. This article discusses the comparison of gasoline and grease, relubrication intervals, as well as automatic lubrication systems with support for DSTU, EN, ISO standards and CE, UkrSEPRO certification.

Fundamental principles

Bearing lubrication reduces friction and wear, maintains temperature, protects against corrosion, and improves operating efficiency. The main principles include:

  • Formation of a thin layer of lubrication between surfaces;
  • Heat removal through convection and heat conduction;
  • Protection against moisture and pollution;
  • Maintaining the appropriate pressure level for efficient operation.

The choice of lubrication depends on the operating conditions, speed of rotation, load and environment. Gasoline is used in systems with high volumetric flow, and lubricant - in conditions of high humidity or high temperatures.

Technical specifications and standards

Lubrication of bearings must comply with the following standards:

  • ISO 281 — standardization of requirements for bearings;
  • ISO 1043 — classification of lubricants;
  • ISO 6743/L — gasoline classification;
  • DSTU 2298:2014 — requirements for lubrication of industrial equipment;
  • EN 12151 — requirements for operation of lubrication interfaces.

To choose lubrication, the following parameters must be taken into account:

  • Temperature of the working environment (from -30 to +120 °C);
  • Bearing rotation speed (from 50 to 10,000 rpm);
  • Load (from 5 to 100 kN);
  • Friction coefficient (from 0.01 to 0.15).

Selection and calculation

Lubrication is selected using a table that takes into account the main parameters:

Parameter Lubricant Gasoline
Operating temperature -30 to +120 °C -20 to +150 °C
Speed 50–10,000 rpm 500–20,000 rpm
The load 5–100 kN 10–150 kN
Coefficient of friction 0.01–0.15 0.005–0.10
Pressure interval 0.5–5 bar 0.1–10 bar
Maximum duration of operation 10–20 thousand hours 5–15 thousand hours

Relubrication intervals are determined by the formula:

T = (K * V * N) / (1000 * P)

where:

  • Т — relubrication interval (hours);
  • K is the dependence coefficient (0.5–1.5);
  • V is speed (m/s);
  • N is the number of bearings;
  • P is load (kN).

Installation and debugging recommendations

When installing lubrication systems, it is necessary:

  • Use lubrication levels that meet ISO 1043 and EN 12151 standards;
  • Avoid damage to bearing surfaces;
  • Ensure system tightness;
  • Perform pre-lubrication before starting;
  • Use automated systems to reduce costs.

After installation, the system must undergo stability testing, including:

  • Temperature measurement;
  • Pressure level control;
  • Check for tightness;
  • Measurement of the coefficient of friction.

Reasons for failure and root cause analysis

Communication occurs through:

  • Wrong choice of lubrication type;
  • Insufficient relubrication interval;
  • Damage to the system;
  • Increased temperature;
  • Pollution.

Visual signs of failure:

  • Blue or white deposits;
  • Bearing surface with high friction;
  • Increase in temperature;
  • Decreased efficiency.

Predictive maintenance and condition monitoring

To monitor the condition of the bearings, the following are used:

  • Temperature measurement;
  • Vibration analysis;
  • Spectral analysis;
  • Pressure monitoring.

Systems with automatic control provide:

  • Cost reduction;
  • Increasing efficiency;
  • Risk reduction.

Comparison table

Indicator Lubricant Gasoline Automatic system
Temperature -30 to +120 °C -20 to +150 °C -30 to +150 °C
Speed 50–10,000 rpm 500–20,000 rpm 500–20,000 rpm
The load 5–100 kN 10–150 kN 10–150 kN
Coefficient of friction 0.01–0.15 0.005–0.10 0.005–0.05
Maximum duration 10–20 thousand hours 5–15 thousand hours 20–50 thousand hours

Conclusion

Proper lubrication of bearings, selection of the appropriate type of lubrication and use of automatic systems ensure increased durability of equipment and production efficiency. United-D is a reliable supplier of lubrication components that meet the requirements of DSTU, EN, ISO and CE, UkrSEPRO certification. You can find a wide selection of components on our e-catalog: https://www.unitecd.com/e-catalog/.

Sources

  • ISO 281 — International Organization for Standardization;
  • ISO 1043 — International Organization for Standardization;
  • ISO 6743/L — International Organization for Standardization;
  • DSTU 2298:2014 — State standards of Ukraine;
  • EN 12151 — Norms of the European Union.

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