Automation Parts

Prelube Pumps Extend Equipment Life According to ESE, pre-lubing before every start is an inexpensive way to extend the life of engine-driven equipment. When an engine is running, the engine's oil pump supplies pressurised oil into the centre of the bearings to create a cushion that separates the bearing surface from the crankshaft. Once the engine is running, the surfaces never touch because they ride on this film of oil. As soon as the engine shuts down, however, the oil that comprises the cushion begins to drain away and the film thins. After only a few seconds, the film thins to the point that 'metal-to-metal' contact can begin to occur. In other words, the cushion is gone and the crankshaft is resting directly on the bearing. Pre-lubing the engine before every start can extend engine life by eliminating metal-to-metal contact during the first several seconds of running. Those few seconds after cranking the engine can be suspenseful for the operator as the oil press...

Lenze Group research into gearbox materials, together with extensive test running, has resulted in a doubling of the service life of geared motors. One example is a change in the material in the rotary shaft seals to achieve double service life, resulting in reduced life-cycle costs for users. The new shaft seals are already being fitted on highly dynamic servo geared motors in series production. Drive manufacturers such as Lenze can influence approximately 30% of a machine life-cycle costs by reducing maintenance and downtime, also by making parts more durable. Lenze has also been able to simplify servicing of the gears by adding plugs to small gearboxes which make it easier to check the level, top up and drain the oil. Vent valves, which are now also used to provide pressure equalisation in gearboxes, further help to reduce the wear on shaft seals and extend their life. Where the application calls for stopping and holding torques, particularly under conditions of power failure,...