Continued from page 16
Bearing Lubrication with Ultrasound There are various sources of ultrasound. In regards to compressed gas leak detection, turbulence is created when the high pressure leaks to the lower pressure atmosphere. The source of ultrasound with bearing lubrication is friction. When there is an increase in friction, there is an increase in the dB level or more noise.
When a bearing is in a lack of lubrication state, there is an increase in both friction and noise. When using the ultrasonic instrument, the inspector listens to the bearing and watches the dB level on the instrument. As grease is applied, there is less friction and less noise. Once a proper lubrication level is reached, the dB level will remain steady and constant. If grease continues to be applied, the dB level will gradually start to increase. At this point, lubrication would need to cease because the threshold for over-lubrication has been reached. An over-lubrication condition also increases both pressure and friction inside the housing, thus creating more noise.
Advantages of Ultrasound Assisted Lubrication 1. More bearing problems will be found because Periodic Maintenance (PMs) will be done while listening to the bearing rather than just going out with a grease gun and not listening to the bearing.
2. Bearing failures will be detected earlier. 3. Lubrication-related bearing and equipment failures will decrease, potentially reducing unscheduled downtime ($$ saved).
4. The lubrication program moves away from time-based to condition-based.
5. The amount of lubricant used will decrease ($$ saved). 6. The amount of time spent greasing equipment will decrease, and more time can be spent on more productive PMs.
7. Savings can also be realised in motor and equipment repair costs due to a reduction in lubrication-related problems.
8. Ultrasound works complementary to vibration analysis and other Predictive Maintenance (PdM) technologies.
An Ultrasound instrument like the Ultraprobe Digital Grease Caddy 401 from UE Systems can greatly enhance any lubrication program and extend bearings lifetime.
LINK
www.uesystems.eu/401
The image above is the time-series view from a recorded ultrasound of a bearing in the process of being lubricated. The sound file was approximately 13 seconds in length. Notice the before lubrication on the far left, compared to the after lubrication on the far right.
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LUBE MAGAZINE NO.140 AUGUST 2017
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