certific at e - NOC international

Lubrication
Additives
Viscosity ratio
κ = ν/ν 1
Characteristics of the
state of lubrication
Additives
< 0,4 Mixed friction, mainly metal contact, high material stress EP-properties absolutely necessary
0,4 – 1 Standard lubrication for insufficient separation of the metal surfaces,
high material stress
1 – 4 Standard to full lubrication, sufficient to full separation of the contact
surfaces
> 4 Full separation of the metal contacts through load bearing lubrication
film
EP additives for emergency runs
recommended
EP properties only needed for
large roller bearings
EP properties only for the largest
and axial roller bearings
Compared with the cylindrical roller bearings with cage, the kinematic conditions from the lubricant viewpoint are
extremely undesirable, since slide movements at double roller rev speed can occur between the cylinder rollers. In
addition, when the rolling elements change from the unloaded to the loaded zone of the roller bearing, high acceleration
forces can occur. Therefore, for reasons of efficiency, only some 40% of the rev speed value of the lubricant
will be used.
Tapered roller bearings lubrication
The axial load rating of tapered roller bearings depends on the contact angle. A soft, high load lubricant should
be used for the lubrication of the tapered roller bearings, which provides delivery in the bearing and minimizes the
slide friction on the inner ring board. The base oil viscosity, e.g. of the lubricating grease, should be about double
the reference viscosity.
Lubrication of spherical roller bearings
Double row spherical roller bearings are used predominantly in heavy industry machines and plants. In order to
utilise the usage properties of these bearings, the lubricant specification and its maintenance should be especially
taken into consideration.
Because of the good angular adjustment, it can be assumed that there is pure radial load. Defined axial load is,
however, also possible. In this case, the slide friction portions of the boards (with A-specification bearings) as well as
the possible, but not definable loads by rolling elements moving into the unloaded row of the double row spherical
roller bearing are to be minimised. In this case, the operating viscosity (base oil viscosity for lubricating greases)
should likewise contain double the reference viscosity and the rev speed of the lubricating grease only about 60%
used. The selection and, if necessary, the change of the thickener and additive must be done in extensive consultation
with the lubrication manufacturer.
Lubrication of axial cylindrical roller bearings
The rolling of the cylinder rollers in the axial plane is not slip-free, i.e. a high mixed friction can be expected in addition
to the roll friction. On the other hand, the bearing design ensures a high load capacity. For these bearings, a
highly additive lubricant must therefore be used.
Hints related to the type of lubrication
Grease lubrication
Grease lubrication is sufficient in 90% of all the roller bearings, since it has the following benefits:
• simple design
• sealing improved by grease
• high service life of the lubricant
• minimum maintenance.
Standard greases consist of mineral basic oils, metal soaps, and additives to enhance their properties.
Standard DIN 51825 details classification of and requirements on lubricating greases. Greases with the code letter
K are used for roller bearings, greases with code letter P or PF, respectively, may also be used under hard operating
conditions. Greases are classified according to the following characteristics:
• consistency (NLGI class according to DIN 51818)
• maximum and minimum operating temperature
• heat resistance.
Make sure that the operating temperature remains about 20°C below the maximum temperature and/or 20°C
above the minimum temperature listed.
Select the grease type according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
KRW 129