For critical gearboxes, consider taking a reference sample of clean oil when performing an oil change and mark it with equipment identification, lubricant information, and the date of the oil change. After the gearbox has been drained, flushed if necessary, and charged with lubricant, run the unit for a period to allow for thorough mixing of the lubricant. Then a reference sample of the actual gearbox oil can be taken and marked with the same information.

When the next oil change occurs, the sample of the old lubricant, the clean reference sample and the mixed reference sample can be sent to the laboratory together. This gives the analysis a basis for comparison of the clean oil, the actual initial charge, and the final sample, eliminating erroneous trends caused by partial or incomplete flushing or change-out.

It costs a little more, but for critical equipment it is worth the expense to track gearbox conditions and prevent unscheduled outages. (Richard L. Dornfeld, P.E. staff engineer, Walker Process Equipment)

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From "The Lubricating Grease Guide"

Where grease is handled in a dispensing system, the grade chosen may be related more to the capabilities of the system than to the requirements of the application. In service, consistency differences are important. Consider, for example, the use of grease in a gear case. The grease should be carried into the meshing gear teeth, which are thus kept covered with lubricant. If the grease is firm, the gear teeth may cut a channel through the grease and run dry, causing damage to the teeth. Unless operating temperature is high, therefore, soft-to- semifluid greases are ordinarily recommended.

In ball or roller bearings, carrying grease to the rolling elements is considered undesirable, since that grease will churn, soften, heat up, and work its way out through the seals. Thus a common recommendation for a ball bearing is to have the bearing space only about one-third full of grease of firm consistency - often NLGI No. 2. If the bearings support a vertical shaft, the grease had best be still firmer - probably NLGI No. 3.

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It is often said that industry rides on a film of oil. Many of us in the lubrication field know that this film of oil is frequently taken for granted. In fact, it needs constant nurturing. Like a plant that needs the right amount of water and sunlight (not too much, not too little), machines are fussy in their requirements as well.

It's time we started talking about "precision lubrication," giving it the same degree of urgency and importance as say, precision alignment. Any oil, of any quality, in any amount, introduced any way, at any time, no longer flies. The Rights of Lubrication need to be the new mantra (the right oil, in the right amount, at the right time, done the right way, and with the right attitude). If you do all "the Rights" then your machine will have a long and happy life ... right? Nothing better characterizes the lubrication field. Sounds simple doesn't it?  
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MAY 2009

Oil Analysis I
19-21  Minneapolis,  MN

Análisis de Aceite – I
19-21  México,  D.F.

Aplicaciones de Lubricantes
13-14  Buenos Aires

Lubricación de Equipo Móvil
6-7  Leon,  Gto.

Lubricación de Maquinara I
12-14  Santo Domingo,  Puerto Rico
26-29  Heredia,  Costa Rica

Oil Analysis I and II
19-22 Bangkok

Técnicas de Lubricación
15  Santo Domingo,  Puerto Rico

Machinery Lubrication and Oil Analysis
18-21  Nagoya, Japan