Page 14 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 19th July 2021
P. 14
BEARINGS...
Lubrication selection for low
temperature operations
With its freezing climate, the Arctic is one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
Despite this, four million humans have learned to live there, and these inhabitants
expect crucial machinery to operate effectively – even in the depths of winter. Chris
Johnson, managing director of specialist bearing supplier, SMB Bearings, explains the
lubrication requirements for bearings operating in extreme temperatures.
earing lubrication choice affects the according to an RKB study, improper lubrication is
rolling resistance, speed, noise and most the cause of 80 per cent of bearing failures.
critically, the lifespan of a bearing. The two basic types of lubricants available are
BHowever, when a bearing is required to oils and greases. Oils are preferred where free
operate under demanding conditions, lubricant rotation is required but this may be at the expense
selection becomes even more important. In fact, of bearing life unless complex re-circulation systems
July 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p14
