Calculation Of Grease Flows In Central Lubrication Systems

The lubrication points of complex machines and systems in the steel industry, in mining, in the cement, paper or food industry are often supplied via central lubrication systems. Here, the grease sometimes has to pass extremely long piping systems before it finally reaches the actual lubrication point. Extreme heat or cold can have a major impact on the fluidity and usability of the lubricants and thus on the safety of the system operation. Knowledge of the flow behavior of greases is very important. Reliable statements about the conveyability of lubricating greases in central lubrication systems are determined using so-called rheometer curves. Knowledge of the rheometer curves of a lubricating grease should be a basic requirement for its use in central lubrication systems.To determine this, a constant fat mass flow is conveyed through a test tube. The pressure drop that occurs is measured over a certain length of pipe. This process is time consuming and expensive. The complex measuring devices have to be filled with several kilograms of test fat, which often has to be tempered the night before the test. Therefore, there are only a few laboratories that have such a facility. Plant operators often have no or only outdated rheometer curves available.which often has to be tempered the night before the experiment. Therefore, there are only a few laboratories that have such a facility. Plant operators often have no or only outdated rheometer curves available.which often has to be tempered the night before the experiment. Therefore, there are only a few laboratories that have such a facility. Plant operators often have no or only outdated rheometer curves available.

Bechem has developed a completely new process that offers significant time and cost advantages. Here, measurements are made on so-called rotary viscometers. Rheometer curves can be determined in a significantly shorter time, thus making statements about the flow behavior of a lubricating grease in pipe systems. Only a very small amount of lubricant is required for the test. (qui)

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