Lubrication

Nizwa College of Technology

Friction
Friction is the force resisting the relative
motion of surfaces or material elements in
contact.

The ratio of the force of friction between two bodies and the
force pressing them together is known as co-efficient of
friction ()
Ff/ N = constant ()
Ff = N

Reducing frictional resistance

Friction between moving parts in contact is
unavoidable -but it is desirable to keep this to as
low as possible
Provide a fine or smooth surface finish.
Replacing the one of the material having lower
coefficient of friction.
Introducing a fluid film which separates the
parts slightly thus reducing the friction
(Lubrication)
Installing balls, rollers or needles between the
sliding surfaces which replace the sliding
movement by rolling action (Bearings)

Lubrication
Lubrication is the process, or technique
employed to reduce wear on surfaces in
close proximity, and moving relative to
each another
Lubrication is effected by introducing a
substance called lubricant. The lubricant
film can be a solid, (graphite), a liquid, a
semi solid (grease) or exceptionally a gas

Objectives of Lubrication

To reduce frictional resistance

To reduce wear on the bearing surfaces
To protect the bearing surfaces from
corrosion
To carry away heat from the bearing
To reduce noise from the moving
components of the machine

Different Lubricating conditions

Dry Lubrication- No lubricant present
between the surfaces
No oil film

Boundary lubrication (Thin film) -This

condition is found on machine slide ways
(Lathe cross slide, milling machine table).
Thin oil film

 Full film lubrication- The surfaces are

separated by thick film of lubricant and
there will not be any metal-to-metal
contact
Thick oil film

Mixed lubrication- Boundary and full

lubricating conditions(Hydro dynamic)

Hydrodynamic lubrication
(Lubricant is dynamic)

At Rest

Starts to Rotate

At Running

(Mixed Lubrication)

(Full Film Lubrication)

Hydro static Lubrication

(Lubricant is static)

Properties of Lubricant

Viscosity - Resistance of a liquid to flow

Oiliness- Ability of the lubricant to stay

in place between the bearing surfaces

Stability Retention of properties as

long as possible (Oxidization, Biological
degradation, Dilution)

Types of Lubricant

Animal oils - From animal fats

Vegetable oils - From plant seeds
Mineral oils - Hydrocarbons obtained
from minerals
Synthetic oils - From various chemicals
Grease - Semi-fluid lubricant
Dry - Molybdenum disulphide, Graphite

Additives

The properties of a lubricant can be

improved by adding certain chemicals
Anti oxidants
Foam depressants
Corrosion inhibitors
Detergent Dispersers
Oiliness improvers

Selection of Lubricant
The selection of lubricant depend on:

Type of mechanism being lubricated

Type of lubricating system
Rate of heat removal
Cost

Selection of Lubricant -typical examples

Feature

Lubricant

Lubricating
system

Heat removal

Plain
bearing

Oil

Hand

Low

High

Light duty

Circulating

High

Low

Continuous

Porous

Low

Low

Low speeds

Grease

Hand

Nil

High

Light duty

Oil

Oil mist

low

Low

High cost

Oil bath

low

Low

Churning

Splash

Moderate

Low

Used in gear
box

Packed

Nil

Low

Long life

Central

Nil

Low

Convenient

Bath

Moderate

Low

Simple gear
box

High

Low

Hi-duty gears

Hand

Nil

High

Hi-duty gears

Housing filled

Nil

Low

Low speeds

Rolling bearing

Grease

Gears

Oil

Circulating
Grease

Maintenance
cost

Comments

Lubricating Methods

Oil can
Oil gun
Grease packing
Wick type
Bath type (Splash)
Circulation (pressure)

Oil cane &Grease gun

Housing
Oil cane

Grease Nipple

Grease Gun

Fill
Shaft

Oil cane

Grease Gun

Bath Type (Splash)

Housing

Gears

Oil

Grease packing & Wick Type

Wick

Oil

Housing
Grease

Shaft

Grease Cap

Bearing
Ball bearings

Grease Packing

Wick Type Lubrication

Circulation (pressure)
Oil filter

To various
Moving parts

Oil Filter
Relief valve

Oil Pump

Relief Valve
Sump

Coarse Filter

Oil Pump

Gaskets& Seals

Sealing is the process of preventing

gases, liquids and solids escaping
from containers or mechanisms.
Seals can be broadly divided into two
categories:
Static seals - where there is no
movement at the contact points.
Dynamic or Mechanical seal
- where
there is movement between the contact
points.

Selection of seal

The choice of seal to be used on a

particular application is determined by
the following factors:
Property of the material being contained
Amount and speed of any movement
Operating pressure
Life expectancy
Operating temperature

Seal Materials
Non-metallic materials:
Felt, rubber, asbestos, cork, plastics,
P.V.C, paper, cloth etc.,
Metallic materials:
Copper, lead, tin, plated steel, beryllium,
and often a combination of several
materials is used to make a particular seal
or gasket.

Gaskets
Gaskets are static seals used to prevent
fluids or gases passing across mating
surfaces, where there is no movement, on
a mechanical assembly
Gasket materials- cork, rubber, asbestos,
plastic and metallic materials.

Fitting gaskets

Important rules to follow when fitting a gasket

Conformation
The sealing pressure should be sufficiently high to
make the gasket conform to the joint surfaces.
Too little pressure can result in voids in the joint where
leakage could occur.
Too much pressure can result in distortion of both
gasket and joint surfaces.
Condition of joint surface
The mating surfaces of the joint should be:Free from burrs and indentations. '
Reasonably flat and mate together.
Clean and free from oil, grease and other materials.

Reasons for leakage in the joint

Wrong gasket material

Incorrect fitting gasket
Poor Joint surfaces
No conformation
Distortion of surfaces
Inaccurate tensioning

Dynamic or Mechanical Seals

Mechanical seals are used where there is
movement between the parts being sealed
Types
Radial lip seal
Exclusion seal
Clearance seal
Ring seal
Face seal
Diaphragm seal
Packing

Radial lip seals

Parts of Lip Seal

Frame
- stainless steel, Monel metal, titanium, bronze ,hastalloy.
Lip - rubber, nitrile, chloroprene, ethylene, propylene.
Spring
-stainless steel, monel, titanium hastallloy.
Features
Take up Little space
Easy to install
Low cost
Accommodate slight misalignment.
One of the most widely used.

Fitting mechanical seals

Guide lines to fitting seals

Make sure that the correct type of seal is used, particularly when
replacing a seal

Ensure that the housing shaft and seal is in good condition and free
from dirt and other foreign matter

Lubricate the surfaces of seal, shaft and housing if necessary

Use a suitable assembly tool if needed

Use a cone or sleeve over any sharp corners of the shaft

Check seal for correct operation before applying power to drive

After a short period of use inspect seal for leaks or other failures

Seals &Gaskets-Examples