Application of oil mist technology under reasonable lubrication conditions

Thread Content

According to scientists’ calculations, at least 60% of damage to mechanical components is caused by friction and wear. Therefore, proper lubrication can reduce the wear of mechanical components, which is significant for extending the service life of mechanical equipment and generating greater economic benefits. Improving lubricants and mechanical friction lubrication designs, as well as optimizing lubrication maintenance procedures and management systems, enables mechanical equipment to use lubricants in a proper and effective manner. This improves the efficiency of such equipment, extends its operational cycle and service life, thereby generating significant economic benefits ； Advocating the use of new technologies, new processes, and new equipment helps to reduce the significant waste and mechanical accidents caused by poor lubrication, which will ultimately bring substantial economic benefits to enterprises in the long run. The application of rational lubrication technology in our country began in the 1990s, and it has not yet received sufficient attention from various industries; it is 20 to 30 years behind that of developed countries abroad. But as early as 1992, the **Technical Supervision Bureau issued a standard regarding proper lubrication, namely GB/13608—1992 \"General Principles for Proper Lubrication Technology.\" Thus, China established a regulatory framework for the application of this technology. 17 years later, an updated version of the \"General Principles for Proper Lubrication Technology\" was released in 2009; by that time, it had been integrated into the national policies related to energy conservation, emission reduction, and a low-carbon economy. Oil mist lubrication originated in 1930, when a Swedish bearing manufacturer used it on high-speed textile bearings. Compared to other lubrication methods, oil mist lubrication was not widely accepted at that time; although its inherent lubricating properties were sufficient for bearing operation, the main objections related to environmental pollution and high investment costs. It was not until at least 10–15 years later that it found more widespread use in the petrochemical industry. Oil mist lubrication, as a recommended and permitted method of lubrication, has been included in the AP1610-7th standard and has continued to be adopted in the newer versions of the API610 standard. Oil multinational companies such as SHALL Oil developed their own design and installation guidelines for oil mist lubrication technology in 1996, in order to standardize the widespread use of this technology within their companies. Oil mist lubrication is an innovative lubrication technique with excellent performance that has been widely used around the world. Compared to traditional oil bath lubrication, oil mist lubrication creates a high-quality, clean lubricating film. Its main advantages in terms of lubrication include: 1) a reduction in the operating temperature of bearings by 10–15 °C; in some pumps, it is even possible to stop the cooling water supply for the bearing housings ； 2) Bearing damage can be reduced by 85%–95% ； Axial seal damage can reduce it by 45% to 65% ； Bearing life can be extended by 6 times ； 3) The maintenance costs for mechanical pumps can be reduced by 60% to 80% ； 4) The total lubricant consumption can be reduced by over 40% ； 5) It can reduce energy consumption, saving on electricity costs and other energy-related expenses ； 6) It can significantly reduce the inventory of spare parts required for pumps, saving capital ； 7) The oil mist creates a slight positive pressure inside the bearing chamber, preventing moisture and foreign contaminants from entering, thus keeping the bearings very clean and well-protected. In light of the aforementioned effects of oil mist lubrication technology, this approach is in line with the principles outlined in the \"General Guidelines for Rational Lubrication Technology\", as well as with the requirements to vigorously promote energy conservation, emission reduction, cost reduction, and low-carbon development.