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Lube Select
Lube Select
Summary
Selecting the correct lubrication for a particular bearing is a
crucial step for bearing longevity. SKF engineers have
considerable experience and knowledge of greases and oils in
association with bearing operation. This knowledge has been
encapsulated into an online computer program called LubeSelect.
The program allows users to choose from a range of grease and
oil types dependant on the particular operating conditions of the
application.
Gerard Schram
7 pages
April 2002
Figure 3. Lubricant selection via application conditions. Other conditions like vertical shaft, outer ring rotation,
and special requirements like high rust protection, low noise, biodegradability, etc., can also be specified.
The relevant fuzzy logic calculations are Therefore, the so-called geometric mean
selected from fuzzy decision theory - a operator is chosen by:
computational intelligence methodology. In
essence this means that: Scorej = ∏
np
(µ )
i, j
υi
, for i = 1,..., n p and j = 1,...., n g
Where:
• The scoring on different performance
criteria is (weighed) averaged νi = normalized weight factor
• The user selects "importance factors" µi,j = performance of the jth grease for the ith
to weigh the criteria, and criterion
After assessment, the grease lubricants are The oil (type) lubrication advice is mainly
ranked according to their individual scores. based on temperature and viscosity ratio. The
The final scores are expressed in percentages. result is a list of possible oil types, and the
The grease’s rank, including its scoring, desired viscosities, see Figure 5. The
including "stars" that indicate their rating, is additional information is provided for the oil
the key outcome of selection advice, see types as well. With the information, the user
Figure 4. A range of non-SKF grease can select a particular oil from any supplier.
lubricants are included as well.
Selection via application profiles
The system is further extended by various Another approach to select a lubricant is to
rules for exception handling and ranking. The consider proven-practice application profiles.
recommended grease(s) are accompanied by In cooperation with SKF business segments,
calculated grease life (or re-lubrication lubrication experts, application engineers, and
interval), viscosity ratio, start-up (viscosious) about 50 application profiles (e.g., pulp &
friction, grease quantity, and other grease paper applications) are included. The profiles
information. are straightforward.
Figure 4. LubeSelect suggests a range of alternative lubricants. Apart from the scoring, viscosity ratio and grease
life values are given as well. Individual information and reporting functions are provided by clicking on one of the
grease designations.
Figure 5. LubeSelect suggests a range of alternative oil types. Depending of the viscosity ratio at operating
temperature, the required oil viscosity is provided. Additional input is given concerning the viscosity ratio at peak
temperature and the start-up torque at minimum temperature.
References
Klir, G.J., Yuan, B. Fuzzy Sets and Fuzzy
Logic. Prentice Hall NJ: 1995.