In gear contacts, low surface roughness and thin oil films produce much less wear than high surface roughness and thick oil films. Properly "running in" a new gear unit can play a critical role in reducing surface roughness.

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Book Bits: Is Your Oil Taking an Alternate Route?

From the book "Proactive Maintenance for Mechanical Systems"

One of the most obvious leakage paths existing in a filter assembly is through the filter bypass valve, which is included in many housings to protect the element from excessive pressure drops. Whenever flow can occur through a bypass valve during normal operation, the technologist should be concerned with whether the flow is permanent and/or excessive.

When this flow becomes greater than the amount of flow passing through the filter element, as can happen in cold weather, a serious situation exists. It is expected that 100 percent of the flow should pass through the filter at all times, but when the temperature is low, little if any flow passes through the media. The fluid takes the path of least resistance and goes through the bypass valve or through ruptured sections of the element.

More information about "Proactive Maintenance for Mechanical Systems"

Test your knowledge and prepare for ICML lubrication and oil analysis certification.

Question: What tests might confirm the wrong oil is being used?

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"We have been asked to check acid / base (AN-BN) values for gear oils used in earthmover differentials and some large (fixed) plant gearboxes. Clearly there is a need to check the pH in IC engines where acid is generated or units in an acidic environment, but what is the point of running AN/BN tests when there is little or no chance of acid generation in these compartments?"

AN and BN, (formerly referred to as TAN and TBN) are essential oil analysis tests. AN is used in all non engine components to check the concentration of different acids. These acids are products of oxidative breakdown of the base stock, and knowing the AN gives one a good indication of how degraded the oil is.

BN is used for engine oils only. It reports the alkalinity reserve of the oil, or in other words, its ability to neutralize acids formed during the combustion process. pH is not commonly performed on lubricating oils; it is more useful for aqueous solutions.

Both AN and BN should be considered essential tests for the analysis of in-service lubricants. AN is usually performed as a routine test, and BN may be performed as a a routine test or an exception test, depending on customer preferences and the laboratory.

Ashley Mayer, Noria Corporation

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Resources

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Online filter cross-reference.

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Lube-Tips is published bi-weekly by:
Noria Corporation, 1328 E. 43rd Ct., Tulsa, OK 74105 USA.
(918) 749-1400

Because results will vary widely based on a number of factors, Noria Corporation cannot warrant the results of any information within this e-mail.

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