The Problem and Solution of High Temperature Chain Lubrication
May 11, 2023
The lubrication of high-temperature chains has always been a challenge for lubricant design engineers, with various factors including different oven sizes and designs, various lubrication systems, different chain types and designs, etc. These oven chains operate at different speeds and temperatures from 100 ℃ to over 1000 ℃, and no single formula or viscosity can be suitable for different markets and applications. The current technology mostly uses base oils including PAO and synthetic esters to add extreme pressure/wear resistant additives. Generally, lubricating oil must be continuously added to keep the chain moist and properly lubricated. The on-site engineers' complaints include two aspects: the use of PAO or synthetic ester lubricating oil can form hard carbon deposits that may jam the chain, while soft deposits are caused by excessive accumulation in order to maintain the chain moist and moderately lubricate the continuous oil supply. Cleaning these chains requires high-strength maintenance and prolonged downtime.
No matter which type of lubricating oil is used, the high-temperature oven chain is still getting dirty and worn due to various problems during lubrication. Common problems with lubricating high-temperature chains: -Improper lubrication of the chain -Excessive lubrication of the lubrication equipment leads to excessive deposition on the chain -Improper viscosity mismatch between lubrication equipment/system and chain size -Inappropriate excessive viscosity prevents penetration into the lubrication areas of chains, pins, and rollers, resulting in accumulation on the outside -Unsuitable particle size and distribution of solid lubricants -Unreasonable lubrication equipment -Extremely poor lubrication system and chain maintainability High temperature chain oil has been successfully applied to reflow soldering and high-temperature chain of mounter: A large enterprise used to use imported high-temperature chain oil, which was refueled once a day and had carbon deposition and coking, making it difficult to clean the chain. Additionally, the equipment was worn out, resulting in increased maintenance costs and frequent downtime due to malfunctions. Since the use of high-temperature oven chain oil, better lubrication effect has been achieved. More importantly, the chain has very little carbon accumulation and coking, which can maintain long-term trouble-free operation of the equipment, reduce production costs and cleaning work. Moreover, the refueling cycle has been extended from once a day to once every 3-4 days now. Usage experience: -Directly add to the moving surface of the chain and bolt. (Use appropriate viscosity to adhere to the chain and penetrate into the pins and rollers) -During the first few hours of use, it is necessary to fill the equipment with the usual frequency, or until the joints, pins, and rollers are wetted with lubricating oil (check for penetration into the equipment) -Reduce the dosage to 1/4 of the original in subsequent use
