10/7/2017 How to Define a Lubrication Failure

How to Define a Lubrication Failure

Noria Corporation
Tags: maintenance and reliability

"How would you define a lubrication failure?"

A failure is a lack of success in accomplishing a goal or

expectation. Therefore, to define a lubricant failure, it is
important to describe the goals that were not achieved in
terms of lubrication. These goals often are attributed to
the lubricant but are supported by the lubrication method,
system and practices. They would include providing a
lubricant film to separate moving parts to minimize
friction, wear and excessive heat generation; acting as a
heat-transfer fluid to cool machine components;
transferring force/executing work in hydraulic/hydrostatic
applications; and allowing the removal of contaminants from the lubricant and lubrication system through
a separation method. In addition, the lubricant should also prevent the buildup of varnish and sludge in
the system, remain in place even with some clearances in the lubricated components, simplify/extend
relubrication activities and inspections, and protect against rust and corrosion.

Attaining these goals will contribute to extended machine life and reliable operation. However, when just
one of these goals is not achieved, you could say there has been a lubrication failure. This may represent
a number of possible failure modes that are the result of a single cause or a variety of combined causes.
These causes may be generated by the lubricant's properties and performance, the lubrication system, the
lubricant handling and application practices, the machine's operation or the contaminants present in the
environment.

Keep in mind that a lubrication failure will lead to a machine failure. Typically, machine failures related to
a lubricant failure are easy to identify when there is a catastrophic issue. However, in other cases, the
connection to the lubrication failure may not be evident, such as when it is combined with other
mechanical/operational factors, when the lubrication failure has affected the machine's performance or
efficiency but has not produced a catastrophic problem, or when maintenance practices mask ongoing
lubrication problems, e.g., scheduling more frequent bearing changes to avoid catastrophic failures.

In conclusion, it is possible to define a lubrication failure as a breakdown that occurs when trying to
achieve your lubrication goals. A more practical definition would be any lubrication-related failure that
compromises the machine's reliability or lifespan. Remember, these types of failures may not always be
traced to their root causes due to excessive scheduled practices, incorrect failure mode classification or a
lack of sufficient information to analyze the issue.

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