Copper readings can be particularly alarming when increases are in the
hundreds of parts per million. However, huge increases are typically
insignificant in terms of component wear. Ironically, small subtle
increases in copper are of greater concern and should be examined
closely. national oil seal cross reference.Copper alloy component wear
is generally accompanied by lock-step increases in alloy metals such as
lead, tin, aluminum and zinc. The amount of alloy metal present in
brass/bronze components is only a small percentage of the total copper
content. Changes in these alloys may be only a few parts per million but
should be taken seriously when present with copper increases.
Controlling Contamination
Portable transfer/filter carts are versatile and can be used for more
than just transferring fluids. Other possible uses include offline
filtration, cleaning stored lubes, flushing after machine repair and
rebuild, flushing during equipment commissioning and draining a
reservoir or sump.
Greasing Gearbox Bearings
Does your gearbox have a sealed or open input shaft bearing? This
bearing is often above the gearbox oil level and must be greased if it
is an open bearing. Manufacturers may ship the gearbox with a plug where
the grease fitting is needed to prevent damage during shipping.national
oil seal cross reference.
In addition, the manufacturer may change the input shaft bearing design
from open to sealed and back to open without notification. Small changes
such as no longer receiving an attached plastic bag with a grease
fitting included with the replacement gearbox may be a clue to a change
in design.
Always check the manual included with the new gearbox to see if the lubrication needs have changed.
Advice for Coupling Grease Application
When changing the lubricating grease in a geared motor coupling, always
apply a full coating of grease to the teeth of the coupling. Never fill
the coupling housing completely with a grease gun due to expansion of
the grease as the motor comes up to running temperature.
This expansion of the grease will apply internal coupling pressure,
pushing the motor shaft off magnetic center and onto the thrust surface
of your bearing, causing bearings to overheat and leading to early
bearing failure.
Even after hand-packing the coupling, the motor should be run up to
operating temperature, then shut down and the grease plug removed to
allow excess grease and pressure to be released.
Inspect Your Level Gauges
Routinely inspect the vent hole in column-type vented level gauges. In
dirty environments, the vent hole can become easily plugged, causing an
air lock in the gauge headspace. This will result in a false oil level
(higher than reality) in the gauge. Many prefer dual-port gauges instead
(unvented).
‘Handy’ Sampling Tip
During regular weekly or monthly oil sampling, use a tube of “handy
wipes” to keep your hands cleaner while handling sample equipment. This
practice may not show directly in the cleanliness of the samples, but it
feels cleaner, looks very professional and sends a message about the
importance of contamination control.
Keeping Hydraulics Healthy
Baffles are an important component in a hydraulic reservoir. They allow
the fluid time to cool, deaerate and to settle out water and dirt. A
good rule of thumb for residence time in a reservoir is three to five
times the pump output. If the system is highly contaminated, residence
time may be 10 times the gallons per minute of the pump.national oil
seal cross reference.
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