3/15/2019 Shaft rotation affects oiler - Reliabilityweb: A Culture of Reliability

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August 20

Shaft rotation a ects oiler

Constant level oilers are designed to supply lubricant, as needed, to maintain a constant level within
a bearing housing. They replenish lubricant lost by leakage through seals, vents and plugs in the
bearing housing. However, problems can arise when reverse ow to the oiler occurs. Bearings
create currents and ows in the housing as the shaft rotates. The location of a constant level oiler
relative to shaft rotation can a ect how the oiler dispenses - especially in higher speed
applications. On start-up, as the shaft rotates, it will pull the lubricant to one side of the bearing
housing. The oiler should be mounted so that the lubricant is pushed towards the oiler. If it is
mounted on the incorrect side, and the lubricant is pulled from the oiler, the oil level momentarily
drops below the control point, causing the oiler to feed. Over the course of several start-ups, the
lubricant level within the bearing housing will increase above the optimum level. In high-level
operating conditions, the bearings will require additional energy to go through the high-level
lubricant. This energy converts to heat in the lubricant, causing it to lose its viscosity. In addition,
"churning" of the lubricant will occur, accelerating the oxidation rate as a result of the excessive air
and heat. The most common x for this condition is to mount the oiler on the opposite side or on the
bottom of the housing to eliminate mis-feeding due to currents created by the bearings.

View installation video to learn more

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3/15/2019 Shaft rotation affects oiler - Reliabilityweb: A Culture of Reliability

Tip provided by: Dan Freeland, Trico Corp

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