Machinery Lubrication India Jan Feb 14 10 | Page 28

MLI

GEAR LUBRICATION
ROBERT ERRICHELLO AND JANE MULLER, GEARTECH

Best Practies
Gear Failures

for Analyzing

45%

With all the different gearbox failure

sample of new, unused

modes, it’s important to be aware of

lubricant. The oil should

the various tests that can be used to

look clear and bright. If

develop and confirm a hypothesis for

the sample looks hazy

the probable cause of failure. Lubricant

or cloudy, or has a milky

samples can provide immediate means

appearance,

to detect contamination or other

might be water present. The color

adverse changes to the lubricant. These

40 microns. If the particles respond to a

should be similar to the new oil sample.

samples can be sent to a laboratory for

magnet under the cup, iron or magnetite

A darkened color might indicate

furth \