Lubrication and Sealing for Long Lifespan Bearings
Bearings are the heart of rotating machines and their proper maintenance is critical for reliable operation. Lubrication is one of the most important aspects of bearing maintenance and is essential for ensuring a long bearing life. Proper lubrication and sealing will enhance operational performance and extend the operational lifespan of a bearing.
The primary purpose of providing a bearing with a proper lubricant is to reduce friction, while also helping to protect the bearing from contaminants that can cause wear, resulting in premature bearing failure. Sealing is important to keep lubricants safely inside the bearing while disrupting the entry of contaminants. Bearing lubricants also act as a coolant and can work to cancel out any vibration or noise in the bearing.
For maximum bearing life expectancy, the right lubrication technique and seal should be chosen for the given application. The properties of an appropriate lubricant should be matched with the bearing components being used, as well as the operating speed and duty cycle of the bearing. The most common types of lubricants for bearings are grease, and oil (mineral or synthetic). The exact type of lubricant chosen should be based on the bearing environment and rotational speed.
The choice between oil and grease is largely dependent on application requirements. Grease is most often used for bearings that are subjected to high cycle or high speed operation, or for applications where contamination is a concern. Oil is preferable for bearings that are running at slow rotational speeds and where contamination is not a concern.
The proper sealing of a bearing is also essential in order to ensure its longevity. Seals are designed to contain lubricant within the bearing while blocking the entry of contaminants. In general, most bearing manufacturers offer seals in different materials and sizes, depending on application requirements. Seals are typically either contact seals or non-contact seals.
Contact seals are generally used in applications which require maximum protection from contaminants, such as those which involve high speeds, high temperatures and heavy loads. Non-contact seals, on the other hand, are used mainly for slow speed or low temperature applications, where a lower level of contamination protection is required.
In addition to the appropriate lubricant and seal, proper bearing maintenance also requires frequent and cuurent checking and replacing of lubricants and seals. It is also important to inspect and replace components as needed, as well as to monitor for any wear or damage to the bearing components. Proper lubrication and sealing can help to significantly improve bearing performance, extend the life of the bearing, and maximize the benefits offered by the bearing. Proper maintenance and upkeep will help to ensure a longer bearing lifespan and save money by avoiding premature bearing failure.
