Removing dust and dirt from the top of a drum should be an easy task, until you try it. A rag merely pushes the dirt ahead of itself. When you reach the edge of the drum you have to push the dirt over the edge, and getting it all off is a chore.

We discovered that the most effective tool is a new car duster, available at auto parts stores. ("California" is the brand name). We use the largest size available. A couple of quick wipes and it lifts the dirt up into itself. Even though most of our dusters are now black from months of use, they continue to work as well as when they were new. Operator acceptance is high, and the job actually gets done. (Tom Muckian, Mgr. Technical Services, The Whitmore Manufacturing Co.)

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Book Bits: Variations in Wear Rates

From the book "Wear Debris Analysis":

Different systems exhibit different trends. For instance, the wear debris generated from a system involving gears and bearings may well be quite high initially, particularly if no attempt has been made to 'run-in' the system. Thus, there is a gradual reducing level of debris until the system settles in. Then comes the acceptable very low wear rate associated with well-lubricated surfaces, which perhaps increases just slightly. Finally, the machine begins to show signs of fatigue or fracture and particle generation increases at an ever increasing rate.

More information about "Wear Debris Analysis"

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"How long will oil in stored gearboxes last?"

If stored properly, the oil could last several years. Consider these points when storing gearboxes:

One concern is the unit's headspace. The gearbox should either be filled to the top with oil or stored with a preservative oil which incorporates a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor (VPCI). Take caution, because filling the unit entirely could cause leakage around shaft seals.

If there is no VPCI, the components above the oil bath level will likely become dry and be susceptible to corrosion. Even if the shaft is periodically rotated (as it should be), some components (splash lubricated bearings) may not be lubricated.

Additionally, the breather fitting should be removed and replaced with a plug to minimize the ingression of humid air. It is also a good idea to coat the exposed shafts with an appropriate preservative.

If appropriate measures are taken, the gearbox could likely be stored for extended periods with little or no risk.

Jarrod Potteiger, Noria Corporation

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Resources

An Imperative Link in the Reliability Chain
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continuously measures solid contamination inline and provides instantaneous readings as an ISO code within in a 4" diameter case.
E-mail. 800-722-4810

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