Predicting_Lube_Life轴承润滑剂寿命预测.pdf

Predicting Lube Life - Heat and Contaminants are the Biggest Enemies of Bearing Grease and Oil Michael Khonsari, Louisiana State University and E.R. Booser, Consultant, Niskayuna, N.Y. Unless bearings come prelubricated and sealed from the factory, they will periodically need a change of lubricant. How often depends on operating conditions and lubricant type. Bearing lubricants are generally divided into synthetic and mineral-based oils and greases. A synthetic grease will be comprised of a synthetic oil lubricant thickened with either a metallic soap or a nonsoap thickening system. Mineral lubricating oils deteriorate when they oxidize or react chemically with dissolved atmospheric oxygen. This raises oil acidity and encourages varnishlike surface deposits, both of which can shorten bearing life. Lubricant makers add oxidation inhibitors to help break down hydroperoxides that form during the initial oxidation step. Additives extend oil life by interrupting oxidation chain reactions and by deactivating any catalytic metal surfaces touching the oil. Oxidation-inhibiting additives are slowly consumed during the initial oxidation period. Adding more inhibitor within this time frame lengthens the induction period and delays acceleration of oxidation reactions. Synthetic lubricants (Figure 1) generally last longer at elevated temperatures than their mineral-oil counterparts. Figure 1. Life Expectancy of Inhibited Synthetic Lubricating Oils in Air Some types have special low-temperature and low-flammability properties. However, hydrolysis or the tendency to absorb water - even from exposure to atmospheric humidity - tends to shorten the life of some phosphate, silicate and ester synthetic oils. Avoiding hydrolysis may require special additives, desiccating air filters and filtration with activated alumina or clay-based fuller’s earth. Rate of Change Elevated temperature is probably