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Gearbox maintenance: Proper lubrication leads to success |
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Written by REM Staff
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REM magazine spoke with James (Jim) Magee, president of Concord, Ont.-based Bonfiglioli Canada Inc. to learn about the latest gearbox maintenance trends for heavy industry. Here's what he had to say about gearbox lubrication and more:
 REM: What challenges do most maintenance professionals face, in terms of heavy-duty gearbox/gear units in extreme conditions?
Jim: The most important aspect in maintaining a gearbox is proper lubrication. The gear unit's internal parts are usually lubricated with an oil bath and oil splash system. In some configurations, certain bearings may be grease lubricated and equipped with Nilos seal rings.
Special attention must be paid in applications involving oil temperatures above 95 degrees Celsius and when starting gear units in ambient temperature below 0 degrees Celsius. In these cases, coolers or heaters may be required. If forced lubrication is required due to the gearbox configuration (vertical), special attention must be also paid to the maximum permissible viscosity (1800cST) at the time of start up.
REM: What future technology trends to you see ahead for gearbox/gear units? Also, how will the technology impact and benefit users in Canada's resource sector?
Jim: Generally speaking, gears have become harder with higher torque-transmitting capacity. In many cases, this has allowed gearboxes to become smaller than the old through-hardened technology. Newer gearbox technology uses ground gears with optimized geometry and profiles to maximize load capacities and lifetimes, while reducing operating noise levels. Additionally, the latest series of heavy-duty premium brand roller bearings significantly increase load carrying capacities. The result of this smaller gearbox technology is less cost to the end user and prompt delivery and serviceability.
Gearboxes for heavy-duty applications can be defined as being in a range from 500,000 inch pounds to 10,000,000 inch pounds torque rating. Applications in the resource sector include mixers, clarifiers, bulk material handling conveyors, apron conveyors, agitators, shredders and others. Because Bonfiglioli manufactures helical parallel shaft and right-angle spiral bevel, as well as true high-torque planetary gearboxes, we have the proper selection for every application.
www.bonfigliolicanada.com
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