Misunderstanding and scientific choice of chain lubrication
In the mechanical transmission system, the chain is the key component connecting the power source and the executing parts, and its running state directly affects the efficiency and life of the whole system. However, in the maintenance and maintenance of the chain, the misunderstanding about lubrication is often ignored, especially about whether to use grease lubrication and the choice of oil viscosity. The purpose of this paper is to explore these misunderstandings and explain the scientific basis of chain oil selection.
Misunderstanding of chain lubrication: Can the chain be lubricated with grease?
First, we need to understand the complex structure of the chain. The chain is composed of chain strand (shaft sleeve), chain row (chain plate), chain core (chain pin) and other precision components, which achieve power transmission through precise coordination between these components. In such a structure, the penetration and distribution of lubricating oil is particularly important. However, the application of grease lubrication in the chain has many drawbacks.
Due to its viscous and impermeable properties, grease is difficult to penetrate deep into the tiny gaps inside the chain that need to be lubricated. Instead, the grease sticks more to the surface of the chain, forming a thick film of oil. In a high temperature environment, this layer of oil film will gradually dry, forming a residue, not only can not provide effective lubrication, but will increase the resistance of the chain operation, and even cause the chain to jam. In addition, these residues may also fall off with the chain movement, polluting the working environment or spraying the workpiece, causing unnecessary losses.
Therefore, grease is not an ideal choice for chain lubrication. On the contrary, chain oil with good permeability and adhesion should be selected to ensure that the lubricating oil can penetrate deep into the chain and provide lasting lubrication protection for the components.
Misunderstanding 2: The lower the viscosity of the oil, the better the permeability, the most suitable for lubricating the chain?
Another common misconception is that the lower the viscosity of the oil, the better its permeability, and thus more suitable for the lubrication of the chain. However, this view ignores the actual needs of the chain under different working conditions.
Viscosity is one of the important performance indexes of lubricating oil, which determines the fluidity and adhesion ability of lubricating oil. For high-speed chains, although low-viscosity lubricating oil can reduce frictional resistance and improve transmission efficiency, there are also problems such as serious spatter and difficulty in attaching to the active position of the chain. Especially in the high temperature environment, the low viscosity lubricating oil is more likely to be diluted by rising temperature, and a stable oil film cannot be formed to protect the surface of the chain, resulting in increased chain wear.
Therefore, in the selection of chain oil, can not simply pursue low viscosity. The operating temperature, moving speed, load and operating environment of the chain should be comprehensively considered, and the lubricating oil with appropriate viscosity and good adhesion should be selected. This not only ensures that the lubricating oil forms a stable oil film on the surface of the chain, but also provides lasting lubrication protection. It can also reduce the splash and loss of lubricating oil and reduce maintenance costs.
Scientific basis of chain oil selection
Based on the above analysis, we can draw several key conditions for chain oil selection:
1. Chain operating temperature: Operating temperature is an important factor affecting the performance of lubricating oil. In high temperature environments, lubricants with a high viscosity index and good thermal stability should be selected to ensure that the lubricant can still maintain stable performance at high temperatures. At the same time, it is also necessary to consider the volatility and residue amount of lubricating oil to reduce the pollution and loss caused by volatilization and residue.
2. Chain motion speed: the motion speed determines the adhesion ability and lubrication effect of lubricating oil on the surface of the chain. For high-speed chains, lubricants with high adhesion and splash resistance should be selected; For low-speed chains, the requirements for adhesion can be appropriately reduced.
3. Chain load: the greater the load, the more serious the friction and wear of the chain. Therefore, when selecting lubricating oil, priority should be given to its anti-wear efficacy and load-bearing capacity. High viscosity lubricants usually have better wear resistance, but may also increase friction resistance; The low viscosity lubricating oil can reduce the friction resistance, but the resistance to wear is relatively weak. Therefore, the choice needs to be balanced according to the specific load situation.
4. Chain operating environment: environmental factors such as humidity, chemical corrosion and dust will affect the lubrication effect of the chain. In a humid environment, lubricating oil with good water resistance and rust resistance should be selected; In the chemical corrosion environment, it is necessary to choose the lubricating oil with corresponding corrosion resistance; In a dusty environment, it is necessary to consider the cleanliness and dust resistance of the lubricating oil.
5. Chain use occasions: For occasions that need to be kept clean and hygienic (such as food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, etc.), non-toxic, tasteless, pollution-free environmentally friendly lubricants should be selected, and the residue amount and volatility of lubricating oil should be strictly controlled to reduce pollution to the environment and products.
To sum up, the lubrication of the chain is not a problem that can be solved simply by applying grease or choosing a low viscosity oil. It is necessary to make scientific selection and reasonable application according to the specific working conditions and actual needs of the chain. Only in this way can we ensure that the chain maintains a stable operating state and a long service life in a harsh working environment.
