Extend Bearing Life, Reduce Pump Life Cycle Costs with Oil Mist Bearing Lubrication

摘要

Because bearing failures are the second leading cause of pump failures/repairs (after mechanical seals), it seemed important to further expand on the many benefits and mechanics of "oil mist bearing lubrication," initially touched on in my February 2008 and August 2010 WaterWorld columns. As shown in Fig. 1 (which is based on a typical application), 48 percent of bearing failures are caused by particle contamination, 11 percent due to insufficient lubrication, and 4 percent due to corrosion. This equates to almost two-thirds of bearing failures that could be prevented with a superior lubrication method, such as oil mist (coupled with a synthetic lubricating oil). Although oil mist lubrication systems are more common in chemical and petroleum plants, their many benefits should also help extend the life of pumps and motors in water and wastewater facilities.