POWER October 2014 - 17

fits-all lubricant or grease. The correct
lubricant is always application-driven. A
lubricant must be fit for purpose. When
selecting the correct lubricant, viscosity
is one of the most important factors
and must match the load, environment,
temperature (both ambient and operational),
and speed (LETS) of the component
or equipment.
Viscosity affects a fluid's ability to flow
between two surfaces and how it resists
being squeezed away from the surface
while experiencing load and pressure.
When addressing LETS to determine the
proper viscosity lubricant or grease to use
in a power plant, the following aspects
should be considered:
■ Load: Determine the design load for a
specific application and compare it to
the load that is currently being exerted
on the machine. Sometimes, key factors
have changed. For example, if the
weight of material being carried on a
conveyor has changed, it could significantly
affect the loading on the bearings,
idlers, and motor.
■ Environment: " Cleanliness is next to
godliness " when it comes to filtration
and the prevention of corrosion and
contaminants in equipment. To ensure
the quality of a lubricant is maintained,
cleanliness is a very important qualitative
parameter.
■ Temperature: Synthetic and multi-viscosity
grade lubricants provide temperature
flexibility in high or low operating
temperatures.
■ Speed: High- and low-speed components
require the correct viscosity lubricants
and greases to enter and reside
within the contact-friction area.
Selecting a lubricant is a complex
process that requires knowledge of both
the machines and the lubricants. A critical
part of choosing a lubricant is deciding
to go with a synthetic or mineral
base. In general, synthetics will have
more sustainable properties than mineral
oils. However, you will not get the
full benefit of any lubricant, especially
a synthetic lubricant, unless you know
how to use it correctly.
Knowledge Is Essential
Lubricants of high performance and quality,
at any price, will not be valuable without
the correct training and education.
Training and continuing educational programs
are vital for facilities to gain an understanding
of lubrication fundamentals.
A case study performed by the Institute
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October 2014 | POWER
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17
of Mechanical Engineers revealed that
43% of machine failures could be attributed
to the incorrect choice and usage of
lubricants. Most people still believe that
machine failure is a " unique event. " However,
failure is a " process. "
Lubrication training focuses on the
" what, " " why, " and " how, " so that friction
and wear can be minimized. That
way the people " who " are responsible
for maintenance can take timely action
during the process to extend the life and
precision of equipment.
Understanding lubrication fundamentals
can reduce maintenance expenses more
than 30% by ensuring the proper lubrication
and LMP is implemented. Lubrication
education and training teaches staff how
to develop a successful LMP and proactive
maintenance program, which improves reliability
at the lowest cost.
Without the knowledge of lubrication
attributes, it is more difficult to establish
an LMP. A complete and successful
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POWER October 2014

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