ONA Senior Engineer Shares: Five Steps to Optimize Crusher Lubrication System Performance

High oil temperature in crushers is an extremely common problem and one that many friends have asked about. Using contaminated lubricating oil (old oil, dirty oil) is a common mistake that causes high oil temperature. When dirty oil flows over the bearing surface in the crusher, it erodes the bearing surface just like an abrasive, causing severe wear of the bearing components and excessive bearing clearance, resulting in unnecessary replacement of expensive components.

In addition, there are many other reasons for high oil temperature. Regardless of the reason, good maintenance and repair of the lubrication system is the key to ensuring the normal and stable operation of the crusher.

General lubrication system maintenance inspections, patrols or repairs must include at least the following steps:

01

Monitoring lubricating oil temperature

By simply observing the oil supply temperature and comparing it with the return oil temperature, you can understand many operating conditions of the crusher. The return oil temperature range should be between 60~140ºF (15~60ºC), and the ideal range is 100~130ºF (38~54ºC).

In addition, the oil temperature should be monitored frequently, and the operator should know the normal return oil temperature and the temperature difference between the normal inlet oil temperature and the return oil temperature. When an abnormal situation occurs, it is necessary to investigate.

02

Monitoring the lubricating oil pressure

It is very important to observe the horizontal shaft lubricating oil pressure during each shift. Some factors that may cause the lubricating oil pressure to be lower than normal are: lubricating oil pump wear resulting in reduced pump displacement, main safety valve failure, improper setting or sticking, sleeve wear resulting in excessive sleeve clearance inside the crusher, etc.

Monitoring the horizontal shaft lubricating oil pressure during each shift helps to know what is the normal oil pressure, and when an abnormality occurs, appropriate corrective measures can be taken.

03

Check the lubricating oil tank return oil filter

The return oil filter is installed in the lubricating oil tank and is generally 10 mesh. All return oil flows through this filter, and importantly, this filter can only filter oil.

This filter is used to prevent large-sized contaminants from entering the lubricating oil tank and being sucked into the lubricating oil pump inlet pipeline. Any unusual debris found on this filter requires further inspection. The oil return filter of the lubricating oil tank should be checked daily or every 8 hours.

04

Stick to the oil sampling program

Today, oil sampling has become an indispensable and valuable part of crusher preventive maintenance. The only factor that causes wear inside the crusher is "dirty lubricating oil". Clean lubricating oil is the most important factor affecting the service life of the internal components of the crusher.

Participating in an oil sampling program gives you the opportunity to observe the condition of the lubricating oil throughout its service life. A valid oil sample from the oil return line should be collected once a month or every 200 hours of operation and sent for analysis.

The five main tests to be completed in the oil sampling analysis include viscosity, oxidation, water content, particle count and mechanical wear. An oil sample analysis report showing abnormal conditions gives us the opportunity to check and correct before failure occurs. Remember, contaminated lubricating oil will "ruin" the crusher.

05

Maintenance of crusher breather

The drive shaft box breather and the oil tank breather are used together to maintain the crusher and the oil tank. A clean breather ensures that the lubricating oil flows smoothly back to the oil reservoir and helps prevent dust from invading the lubrication system through the end cover seal.

The breather is an often overlooked component of the lubrication system. The breather should be checked weekly or every 40 hours of operation and replaced or cleaned as needed.

Do you understand now? Take action quickly and achieve the best performance of the crusher lubrication system in five steps!