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Mechanical Drives 2 Lap 4
Mechanical Drives 2 Lap 4
LEARNING
DRIVES 2 ACTIVITY
PACKET
LUBRICATION CONCEPTS
TM
B503-XC
LEARNING ACTIVITY PACKET 4
LUBRICATION CONCEPTS
INTRODUCTION
Nearly every industry in the world uses a machine of some sort. In order for these
machines to function properly and last as long as they were designed to, component wear
and tear must be kept to a minimum. This is accomplished through proper lubrication.
In this LAP you will learn about the various types of lubricants and how they are
applied. The use of this information is vital in preventing the premature failure of any
type of machine.
ITEMS NEEDED
Needed Amatrol Supplied
Items
SEGMENT 2 OILS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
OBJECTIVE 5 Describe three types of oils and give an application of each
OBJECTIVE 6 Define viscosity and give its unit of measure
OBJECTIVE 7 Describe the operation of a viscosimeter and give an application
SKILL 1 Use a viscosimeter to measure oil viscosity
OBJECTIVE 8 Describe how oils are specified
SKILL 2 Select an oil specification for a given application
SEGMENT 3 GREASES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
OBJECTIVE 9 Describe four types of grease and give an application of each
OBJECTIVE 10 Describe how greases are specified
SKILL 3 Select a grease specification for a given application
OBJECTIVE 11 Describe the function and operation of a grease gun
Activity 1 Grease gun component identification
OBJECTIVE 12 Explain how to use a grease gun to lubricate a pillow block bearing
SKILL 4 Use a grease gun to lubricate a pillow block bearing
his
dT A lubricant is a slippery substance placed between two moving solid
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surfaces.
Lubricants provide six general functions:
• Reduce Friction Load
• Reduce Component Wear
• Dissipate Heat
• Absorb Shock Between Mating Components
• Prevent Corrosion
• Restrict Contamination
Each of these functions is described as follows:
UNLUBRICATED
LUBRICATED
THIN
FILM
LUBRICATING
FILM
LUBRICATED
UNLUBRICATED
Prevent Corrosion
Corrosion occurs when metals are attacked by oxygen or other
elements. Lubricants prevent corrosion by keeping these elements from
coming in direct contact with machine components.
Restrict Contamination
Contaminants can invade mechanical systems through small gaps.
These gaps can be filled with a lubricant, thus preventing contaminants
from entering. Re-lubrication also removes contaminants by forcing
them out or by acting as a wash.
dT
his There are four types of lubricants:
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• Liquid
• Semisolid
• Solid
• Gas
Each of these types is described as follows:
Liquid Lubricants
The most versatile and best known lubricants are in liquid form.
Liquid lubricants include all types of oils, as shown in figure 6. Liquids
are ideal for use in most mechanical and all hydraulic applications. As a
liquid they can be poured, take the shape of the container they are in, and
occupy a definite volume of space which cannot be changed, except by
adding or removing some of the liquid. These properties help liquid
lubricants to completely coat mechanical surfaces.
Liquid lubricants are often used in applications where components
are lubricated by being dipped in an oil bath or where the oil is circulated
by some sort of pump.
Gas Lubricants
A gas serves the purpose of a lubricant by filling the gap between
two solids, preventing them from coming in contact with each other, as
shown in figure 8. Gas lubricants also serve as a coolant to moving parts.
Gas lubricants are most often used in applications which have high
rotational speeds and extreme temperatures.
GAS
FILLED
CHAMBER
ROTATING
SHAFT
dT
his Because there is such a broad range of mechanical applications
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which require lubrication, many types of lubricants are made, each
having different properties. This is accomplished mainly with additives.
An additive is anything added to a lubricant to enhance or change a
particular performance characteristic.
There are nine types of lubricant additives:
• Detergent
• Dispersant
• Extreme Pressure
• Foam Inhibitor
• Oxidation Inhibitor
• Pour Point Depressant
• Rust Preventive
• Viscosity Index Improver
• Water Repellent
Each of these additives is described as follows:
Detergent Additives
Detergent additives prevent the formation of deposits on the
surfaces. Used in oils, detergents break up and wash away deposits, as
shown in figure 9.
DEPOSITS BEING
CLEANED AWAY
BY DETERGENTS
IN OIL
BUILD-UP
INSIDE
OIL LINE
DIRT PARTICLES
SUSPENDED IN
OIL RESERVOIR
WITH WITHOUT
FOAM INHIBITOR FOAM INHIBITOR
his
dT There are five basic methods with which a lubricant can be applied
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to mechanical components. The method used depends on the application
for which the lubrication is being used. The five basic methods are:
• Manual Method
• Drip or Gravity Method
• Splash Method
• Bath Method
• Pressure Method
Each of these methods and the applications in which they are used is
described as follows:
Manual Method
In this method, lubricants are periodically applied with a brush or
drip can, as shown in figure 13. This method requires that the machinery
be shut down for safety.
NOTE
tic
e This The manual method of lubrication requires the shutdown of
No
OIL CUP
DRIPS ON
DRIVE
COLLECTION
PLATE
SLINGER
OIL LEVEL
OIL LEVEL
This method is best used in applications that run at high speeds and
high temperatures. The bath helps to dissipate heat from the machinery.
Figure 17. A pump and hose spray oil onto machinery components.
Ans
1. A lubricant is a slippery or smooth substance that lessens the
__________ between two moving solids.
his
dT By far, the most commonly used lubricant is oil. There are three
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categories of oils:
• Vegetable and Animal Oil
• Mineral Oil
• Synthetic Oil
Each of these oil categories is described as follows:
REFINERY
OIL WELL
MINERAL OIL
CRUDE
Synthetic Oil
Synthetic oils are artificial, man-made oils. Many are also used to
lubricate industrial machinery. These oils are either a combination of
synthetic products mixed with mineral oils or made completely of
synthetic components. Synthetic oils are made to be used in applications
that are too extreme for natural oils to withstand. One application where
synthetic oils are used is in space equipment and auto racing.
his
dT The single most important characteristic in an oil is its resistance to
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flow. Sometimes called fluid friction, this anti-flow characteristic is the
oils thickness, or viscosity.
The viscosity of a lubricant is extremely important in mechanical
systems. That is why machinery manufacturers base their lubrication
recommendations on viscosity. If the viscosity is too low, there will not
be enough protection between moving surfaces and excessive leaking
will occur, as shown in figure 19. If the viscosity is too high, the oil
doesn’t flow properly or not at all, as shown in figure 20. Both situations
can cause improper operation and premature failure of mechanical
components.
Figure 20. Viscosity that is too high can cause flow problems.
CONTROL
THERMOMETER BOX
HEATER
OIL CONTAINER
OIL
BATH
OUTLET
OIL TUBE
SAMPLE
PLUG
PLUG
SAYBOLT
FLASK
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It has two tubes, each with a steel ball bearing in it, as shown in figure
23. One of the tubes is filled with an oil of known viscosity, a standard,
and the other tube is filled with the oil to be measured. The tubes lie next
to a scale whose markings are graduated in Saybolt Universal Seconds
(SUS).
Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will use a hand-held
viscosimeter to approximate the viscosity of three types of
oils.
• Hand-held viscosimeter
• Clean rag
• Empty can for oil spills and disposal
• 3 cans of oil samples (labeled A, B, and C) from your instructor
❑ 2. Perform the following substeps to clean the viscosimeter.
A. Dip the nozzle tip of the viscosimeter into the oil sample.
B. Draw oil into the sample chamber by pulling up on the plunger
knob, as shown in figure 25. The plunger works in exactly the
same manner as a syringe.
C. Eject the sample into the empty can and wipe the nozzle tip off
with the rag
In this way the plunger and oil cleans the inside of the sample
chamber.
NOTE
e This
tic The reference chamber contains an air bubble that is used to
No
C. Eject the air bubbles from the sample chamber by holding the
meter straight up and slowly pushing in the plunger rod. Do
this until all of the air has been ejected and oil just begins to
ooze out. Wipe away spilled oil with the rag.
D. Re-insert the nozzle into the oil sample to finish filling the
sample chamber with oil.
E. Repeat substeps B - D until the sample chamber is completely
filled with oil and there is no sign of air bubbles.
F. While holding the viscosimeter as shown in figure 26, adjust
the syringe plunger to set the ball in the sample chamber to
zero. This is known as zeroing the meter.
C. As the leading ball approaches the 200 mark at the left of the
scale, gradually return the instrument to the horizontal position
to stop the lead ball on that mark.
D. Read the point of the scale next to the position of the other ball.
❑ 7. Perform Step 6 numerous times (at least 10 times) and record the
reading that most often occurs.
Viscosity of Sample A: ____________________________(S.U.S.)
❑ 8. Eject the oil sample into the waste oil can.
❑ 9. Perform Steps 2-8 in a similar manner to measure the viscosities of
the remaining two oil samples.
Viscosity of Sample B: ____________________________(S.U.S.)
Viscosity of Sample C: ____________________________(S.U.S.)
❑ 10. Make sure all oil is ejected from the viscosimeter and wipe it and
its case clean with a rag.
❑ 11. Return the meter to its case and return it to its proper storage.
his
dT Oils are usually specified in two parts: the type of oil and its
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viscosity. You have already learned much about oil viscosity. Next, you
will learn about the different types of oils.
There are seven basic types of oils in use today.
• Circulating oils - For use in gear or crank case circulation
systems or systems that have a pump to circulate the oil. These
also include hydraulic oils.
• Gear oils - For use on gears. These oils are the heavier, high
viscosity oils that will form a film that is thick enough to dampen
shock.
• Internal Combustion oils - These oils are the ones that you will
find in use in many automobiles. They are formulated to withstand
extremely high operating temperatures and high pressure.
• Machine oils - These are inexpensive oils for use in applications
where the rate at which oil is lost is quite high. These oils are
commonly used on plain bearings in heavy-duty or outdoor
equipment.
• Refrigeration oils - Most refrigeration systems are very complex
and delicate. The formation of oil sludge would cause them to fail.
For this reason, refrigeration oils are designed to not dissolve into
the refrigerant gas, have very little wax, and are able to function in
both high and low temperatures.
• Spindle oils - These oils are formulated to be tacky enough to
cling to high-speed machine components without being slung off.
These oils are usually found in machine spindles, such as those
used on high-speed textile machines.
• Steam Cylinder oils - These oils are usually mixed with steam
just before entering a steam cylinder. Therefore, they must have a
viscosity low enough to be atomized, yet it must be high enough to
lubricate hot cylinder walls.
When specifying an oil, you need to know the application for which
the oil will be used and the viscosity required. Sometimes, an application
may require an oil with particular additives or an oil made from a given
base. When this information is needed, it is simply added to the oil
specification.
NOTE
e This Lubricants are almost always specified by the manufacturer of
tic
the equipment. It is important for you to know how they are
No
specified so that you will know what to use for each machine.
This will also help you to select a different lubricant, if operating
conditions change significantly.
Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will be given an application
requiring oil lubrication. You will choose the best lubricant
from a list based on the information given in the
application.
This ❑ 1. Review each of the applications given below, choose the best
Do
VISCOSITY
OIL TYPE ADDITIVES
(SUS)
Extreme-pressure (EP)
A Gear Oil 1900 additives, Rust and corrosion
inhibitors, Water repellent
Viscosity-index improver,
E Internal Combustion Oil 500 Detergents, Dispersants,
Antifoam agents
Extreme-pressure (EP)
G Gear Oil 300 additives, Detergents
Viscosity-index improver,
J Internal Combustion Oil 1100 Detergents, Dispersants,
Pour-point improver
APPLICATION OIL
1 C
2 F
3 G
4 E
5 A
6 D
7 H
8 J
9 B
10 I
Ans
1. The most commonly used of all types of lubricants are
__________.
dT
his There are many applications in which the liquid nature of an oil is
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not well suited. Applications where components can’t retain the oil and
would require frequent re-lubrication or high-speed applications that
would create bubbles and foam in an oil are just a few. For these types of
applications, semisolid lubricants known as greases must be used.
Greases are categorized by the soaps that are used to form their
semisolid bases. There are four basic types of grease. They are:
• Aluminum
• Calcium
• Lithium
• Sodium
These categories of grease vary only with the soap that is used to
make the thickening base. As you have learned earlier, a grease is made
up of a soap that holds an oil. For different applications, greases have
different oils with their own lubricating properties imbedded into them.
Since greases are most often used on bearings, the applications for
which they are used depends on the temperature and the loads placed on
the bearing.
Aluminum
Aluminum greases are most often found on bearings that operate in
all kinds of loads and at all temperatures.
Aluminum greases are excellent general-purpose greases.
Calcium
Calcium greases are usually limited to mild bearing loads and low
temperatures around 150°F.
Lithium
The most often used grease is lithium grease because it not only
provides excellent lubrication under moderate loads, but also at high
temperatures and speeds. Lithium grease is widely used in automobiles.
dT
his There are three qualities used when specifying a grease.
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• Type of soap
• Hardness
• Dropping point
You have already learned about the types of soap used in most
greases. You will now learn about the other two qualities used to specify
grease.
Hardness
The hardness of a grease affects its ability to be pumped. Hardness is
determined by using a device known as a penetrometer, as shown in
figure 28.
DIAL
CONE
GREASE
SAMPLE
TABLE A
DIAL
CONE GREASE
SAMPLE
TABLE A
GREASE CATEGORIES
Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will be given an application
requiring lubrication with grease. You will choose the best
lubricant from a list based on the information given in the
application.
This ❑ 1. Choose the best lubricant for the following application from the
Do
following list.
Application 1:
A manufacturer specifies that a soft lithium grease with a high
dropping point be used.
The Lubricant to use is: _____.
DROPPING
GREASE TYPE NLGI NUMBER POINT (°F)
A Lithium 4 550°
B Calcium 2 200°
C Lithium 1 350°
D Aluminum 2 500°
E Lithium 2 450°
F Sodium 6 350°
G Calcium 5 200°
H Aluminum 2 190°
I Calcium 2 550°
J Sodium 3 350°
APPLICATION GREASE
1 E
2 B
3 A
4 D
5 F
6 C
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grease gun, similar to the one shown in figure 31. This is a manual
method of supplying grease to a machine.
Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will examine the grease gun and
identify the location and function of each of its main
components.
This ❑ 1. Select a grease gun from the tool crib. It should look similar to the
Do
HEAD
CAP GREASE
PLUNGER HOSE
ROD BARREL
GREASE
COUPLER
PUMP
HANDLE
dT
his Most pillow block bearings have a zirk fitting built into them for the
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purpose of re-lubrication. This fitting has spring-operated ball valve that
allows grease to flow in, but not out, as shown in figure 34. It is very
important that the grease fitting be wiped off with a clean rag before
coupling the grease gun to the fitting. This removes any dirt that could
be forced into the bearing during the lubrication operation. Once the
fitting has been wiped off, the coupler is pressed onto the grease fitting.
COUPLER
ZIRK
FITTING
There are some types of bearings that don’t require any lubrication
during their operating lifetime. In these cases, the manufacturer lubricates
the bearing at the factory. They also install seals or shields to keep the
lubricant from leaking out. You should be aware of these types of bearings,
since any attempt to lubricate them could damage their seals or shields.
tion
u
CAUTION
Ca
CAUTION
Procedure Overview
In this activity, you will load a grease gun with a grease
cartridge and then couple the grease gun to a fitting on a
pillow block bearing to lubricate the bearing.
• Grease gun
• Cartridge of grease
• Pillow block bearing
❑ 2. Perform the following substeps to load the grease gun and prepare
it to lubricate a pillow block bearing.
A. Pull back on the plunger rod until it is full extended, then turn
it so the rod teeth are engaged with the key-hole slot, as shown
in figure 37.
HEAD
CAP
PLUNGER
ROD BARREL
GREASE
HOSE
GREASE
PUMP COUPLER
HANDLE
G. Push the plunger rod until grease begins to ooze out of the
grease coupler. This purges all air out of the grease gun, a
process known as priming.
NOTE
tic
e This It is very important to keep the coupler directly in line with the
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F. Use the clean rag to wipe away the old grease that has oozed
out of the pillow block bearing.
❑ 4. Return all materials to their proper storage. Ask your instructor
where to dispose of the rag.
Ans
1. Greases are a combination of a lubricating oil and some form
of thickening _________.
dT
his Whether it is simply a shelf to store a few grease cartridges or a shed
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containing many barrels of oil, nearly every industry that uses machinery
needs a place to store lubricants.
A lubricant storage area has two functions: to safely store lubrication
materials and to keep them clean. In order for a storage area to fulfill
these functions, there are several rules that should be followed. They are:
• Store in a Clean and Orderly Manner
• Protect from Environment
• Prevent Fire
• Use Fire Suppression Equipment
• Provide Safety
Each of these is described as follows:
NO SMOKING
WITHIN
50 FEET
FIRE
FIRE
his
dT A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is a document that specifies
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any hazards or special precautions that must be taken with a specific
material. Oils, as well as other chemicals, which are used in the plant
must have an MSDS filled out and available for anyone who will use the
material.
tic
e This NOTE
No
MSDS PAGE 1 OF 2
MATERIAL SAFETY DATE 3/17/94
DATA SHEET
I. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Material
Based On The U.S. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT OF 1970, This
product should not be considered hazardous
Section I
Manufacturer’s Name Emergency Telephone Number
Address (Number, Street, City, State, and Zip Code) Telephone Number For Information
Date Prepared
Extinguishing Media
iiln
b
h
ito
t
Tom Downs
Medical Conditions
Generally Aggravated by Exposure
Other Precautions
Work/Hygenic Practices
Page 2
Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will learn how to read and
interpret a material safety data sheet. This skill is
extremely important because this will allow you to
recognize hazardous conditions.
NOTE
Canada specifies that an MSDS must contain nine sections.
However, like the United States, the exact format is not specified
as long as each section is presented. These sections include:
• Product information
e This • Hazardous ingredients
tic
• Physical data
No
e This
tic NOTE
No
This activity will use the United States’ OSHA form 174.
This
❑ 1. Locate the Title Block of the MSDS, shown in figure 46.
Do
WARNING
ning
ar The following MSDS is a sample used for training only. Do not
W
I. IDENTIFICATION
II. INGREDIENTS
GENERAL: normal handling with general ventilation would not expose operators to safety or health hazards
VIII. REACTIVITY
STABILITY: Stable
HAZARDOUS POLYMERIZATION: None
HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION: Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Carbon, Water
dT
his Many industrial plants operate large machines 24 hours a day. These
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types of operations can cost a fortune in lubrication alone. One way to
reduce the cost of lubrication is to recycle the lubricants. In many cases,
oil can be removed from a machine, cleaned of all impurities, and put
back into the system, as shown in figure 50.
DIRTY
OIL
RECYCLING
=
CLEAN
OIL
e This NOTE
tic
No
Only oils are recycled. It is too difficult and not very cost
efficient to try to remove impurities from grease.
dT
his There are four common methods used to recycle oil. They are:
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• Gravity Separation
• Straining
• Filtering
• Centrifuge
Each of these is described as follows:
Gravity Separation
This is one of the most simple, but slowest of the four recycling
processes. Gravity separation is capable of removing water and any
contaminants that do not mix well with oil.
Recycling using the gravity separation method is accomplished by
heating the oil to reduce its viscosity. It is then put into a tank, similar to
the one shown in figure 51.
CLEAN OIL
OUTLET
OIL
WATER
DIRT
Due to gravity, water and other contaminants will sink to the bottom
of the tank. Clean oil can then be drawn off the top and returned to use.
These tanks normally have some means of removing the contaminants
that have been removed from oil.
An oil separation tank can be as simple as the one shown in the
figure above, or it can be more complex.
CLEAN OIL
OUTLET
HOUSING
STRAINING
DISKS
STATIONARY
SCRAPING
BLADE
DIRTY OIL
INLET
There are several types of strainers, but they all function in nearly
the same way. Some of the more common ones are shown in figure 53.
COFFEE-TYPE
WIRE MESH
STRAINER
SCREEN PERFORATED
DIRT TRAPPED
THROUGHOUT
FILTER NOT
JUST ON
OUTSIDE
Figure 54. A filter traps contaminants on its surface and inside its body.
Clean oil, which weighs less than most of the other materials, tends
to remain around the center of the centrifuge, where it can be drawn out
and returned to a lubrication system.
dT
his As you know, many of the lubricants used in today’s industries are
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petroleum based. These products are potentially harmful to the
environment. Therefore, the disposal of lubricants is controlled by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA has established a set of federal guidelines that outline how
disposed lubricants must be handled. Each state has then established
their own disposal procedures based on the federal guidelines.
According to these guidelines, no amount of lubricant is to be
dumped or thrown away. Instead, waste lubricants are to be collected by
a local environmental service. These companies will heat treat the waste
to make products that can be sold to asphalt manufacturers. The waste
that isn’t used for asphalt is converted into fuels that are used to run
various types of machines in different industries.
Most facilities that use lubricants will store waste oils and greases in
approved containers until it can be picked up by their local
environmental service. Often these containers are kept in the lubrication
storage area. Other facilities may even have underground storage tanks.
In any case, if you must dispose of waste lubricants, determine where the
waste storage is and put them in their proper containers.
Ans
1. The two primary functions of a lubricant storage area are to
__________ store the materials and to keep them
___________.