Issues regarding the lubrication of imported equipment
Thread Content
The motor attached to one of our company’s imported pumps has been in operation for many years without regular lubrication. Later, due to high bearing temperatures and excessive noise, the bearings had to be replaced. However, the motor could not operate for even a few months after the new bearings were installed. So, would using domestic lubricant on imported equipment cause it to fail more quickly? Should lubricant also be added regularly?
Generally, SKF bearings are lubricated with SKF-specific grease; for critical equipment, it is advisable not to use domestic grease. For outdoor rolling bearings, Mobil 3 lithium-based grease can be used, while for sliding bearings, ISOVG46 or ISOVG68 is suitable. Reducers with a rotation speed of around 1000 revolutions per minute can be lubricated with ISOVG 320!
The main factors to consider are: 1. Temperature – this determines the composition of the base oil used in the grease. 2. DN value – it helps in selecting the appropriate viscosity for the grease. 3. Operating conditions – these determine the type of soap base suitable for the grease. Of course: 1. If long lifespan and maintenance-free operation are required, a higher-quality grease should be chosen. 2. In environments with water/vapor, etc., extra care should be taken when selecting a grease.
Changing the oil does not necessarily accelerate bearing damage; what’s important is to use an alternative oil that can serve as a replacement
The topic posted by the original poster is very thought-provoking! I agree with the view from the fourth floor: it’s not that using domestic lubricants on imported equipment will necessarily accelerate the occurrence of equipment failures; rather, it’s important to choose lubricants that can be replaced! The equipment in your company has been in use for many years without regular lubrication; are the imported devices made of self-lubricating materials? It seems logical that motor bearings require regular lubrication with grease.
When changing the lubricant, one should use a substitute that is compatible with the same type of lubricant. Of course, it is necessary to apply grease regularly and keep records in order to maintain the equipment properly