What even is...

TRIBOLOGY ?

Learn more about Lubrication and Metering!
A comprehensive definition and more interesting facts all about the topic “lubrication and metering” can be found here.

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Definition

TRIBOLOGY

Tribology is the study of friction, lubrication, and wear in bearings, guides, gears, engines, and other machine components.

In addition to developing suitable lubricants, current advancements are focused on questions regarding material selection, surface treatment and coating, as well as surface topography. Beyond engineering applications, there are numerous other fields in which friction and wear play a crucial role.

(Source: Wikipedia)

How is the property of liquids specified?

ViskositY / NLGI-Class

Viscosity is a measurement of the thickness of a fluid. The opposite of viscosity is fluidity, the ability of a fluid to flow. The higher the viscosity, the thicker (less flowable) the fluid is; the lower the viscosity, the thinner (more flowable) it is.

The NGLI-class (National Lubrication Grease Institute) is a classification that describes the consistency of greases. The classification ranges from 000 (very fluid) to 6 (very solid) and is based on the penetration of a grease under standardized circumstances.

Problems

solid content in greases

Greases are composed of a base oil, a thickener, and often solid particles added as additives. These solid particles, such as graphite or molybdenum disulfide, enhance specific properties of the grease, like load-carrying capacity, wear protection, and temperature resistance.

In industrial production or grease manufacturing, agitators are frequently used to ensure uniform distribution of solid particles within the base oil. This is essential for the consistency and quality of the final product. Agitators also help prevent sedimentation and separation of components in the grease, ensuring smooth processing.

Grease bleeding

Why Do Greases "Bleed"?

The phenomenon of grease "bleeding" refers to the separation of oil from the grease structure, which can occur during prolonged downtime, under high loads, or at elevated temperatures. This behavior can impact lubricant performance and is a key factor to consider when selecting and applying greases.

As explained, greases are composed of base oil, thickeners, and additives. The interaction between the base oil and the thickener is crucial. The thickener acts like a sponge, holding the oil and releasing it under pressure or movement to reduce friction.

Why does oil separate?

Under certain conditions, the thickener may no longer retain the oil effectively:

High Pressure: Sustained or localized pressure can deform the structure of the thickener, leading to oil release.
Extended Downtime: During prolonged periods of inactivity, oil can gradually separate from the grease matrix due to gravity and the absence of mechanical mixing.
Temperature Fluctuations: Heat reduces the thickener’s ability to retain oil, while cold temperatures can harden the structure. These changes promote bleeding.
Aging: Over time, the components of the thickener and oil degrade, compromising the grease's stability.

Consequences of bleeding

A moderate amount of oil separation is often harmless and is considered a natural property of many greases. However, excessive bleeding could lead to:

reduced lubrication effectiveness,
dry lubrication points,
increased risk of corrosion and wear.

Solutions and recommendations

Select the Right Grease: Use greases specifically designed for high-pressure applications, extended downtimes, or extreme temperatures.
Pressure Relief During Downtime: Ensure the system is depressurized during periods of inactivity to minimize oil separation.
Regular Maintenance: Check lubrication points for signs of oil loss and replenish as needed.
Monitor Operating Conditions: Avoid unnecessary pressure spikes and extreme temperature variations whenever possible.

We are happy to assist you in selecting the ideal grease or system tailored to your specific requirements. In addition, we offer pressure-relief systems and other solutions designed to reduce bleeding and enhance the longevity of your equipment.

Feel free to contact us for expert advice!

Fundamentals:

IS LUBRICATION REALLY THAT IMPORTANT?

Absolutely YES, because an (automated) lubrication:

reduces wear and tear in moving parts, which extends the lifespan of machines and systems
improves energy efficiency by reduced friction
protects against corrosion thanks to additives in the lubricant
serves as a coolant, by dissipating heat resulting from friction
provides the points of lubrication with the correct amount of lubricant in a timely and efficient manner
reduces operating costs and lowers usage of (oftentimes expensive) lubricants

Investing in the right lubrication maximizes the performance of machines.

We offer individual lubrication solutions for different systems, as well as consultation for your lubrication needs.

ADVANTAGES:

Automatic LUBRICATION systemS

Automatic lubrication systems offer a range of advantages over manual lubrication methods:

Consistent and reliable lubrication
Time savings and efficiency through the automation of the lubrication process
Reduced lubricant consumption due to precise dosing (avoiding over- and under-lubrication)
Extended machine lifespan due to reduced wear
Lower environmental impact through optimal dosing: less consumption = less waste
Automatic systems operate even under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or dusty environments
Cost savings: while the initial installation costs for automatic lubrication systems may be higher, long-term savings often lead to a quick return on investment

Automatic lubrication systems improve machine performance by providing a constant lubrication supply, reducing lubricant use, and enhancing safety. They lower operational costs and environmental impact while ensuring reliable lubrication – even in extreme conditions.