In this chapter discussing about the Gear lubrication and its types so without wasting of time let's see

Gear lubrication and its types

The purpose of gear lubrication & why need of lubrication?

Actual need of lubrication of  gear teeth is essential for sufficient performance and durability of gears. 

Gear lubrication is the process of applying a lubricating substance, typically oil or grease, to gears in machinery to reduce friction and wear between the moving parts. Gears in mechanical systems need proper lubrication to function efficiently and to prevent damage due to metal-to-metal contact and heat generation.

The lubricant forms a protective film between the gear teeth and other moving parts, which helps in minimizing friction and transferring power smoothly. 

This film of lubricant also acts as a barrier against contaminants like dirt and debris, which can otherwise accelerate wear and tear.

Gear lubrication is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of gears in various applications, such as in automotive transmissions, industrial machinery, and other mechanical systems where gears are used.

 The specific type and viscosity of lubricant used depend on factors such as the gear design, operating conditions (like speed and load), and ambient temperature. Regular maintenance and monitoring of lubrication are essential to ensure optimal gear performance and prevent premature failure.

To reduce wear

coefficient of friction

minimize the corrosion

To reduce the temperature of parts

To enhance the life of gear box lubrication is needed.

Lubrication

Gears are lubrication methods

1) By grease

2) Spraying lubricating oil

3) splash lubrication

Let's see one by one

1 ) Grease lubrication:-

 Gears are lubricated by grease .Gears are is used as lubricant for the gears of hand operated mechanism.

 Where the pitch line velocity is low and working is intermittent.

Grease Lubrication

Grease is acceptable for any gear system.

To lubricate the gear with grease the proper quantity of grease is required.

2) Spraying lubricating oil:-

In some cases gears are lubricated by spraying lubrication oil, in which jet oil is directed towards the meshing teeth.

When the pitch line velocity are medium mineral oils of grades SAE 80, SAE 90 or SAE 140 are used.  EP lubricants are used for extreme operations. Ep lubricants are mineral oils with extra for the purpose of improving the performance of oil. They are used in automobile gear box and heavy duty industrial gear box.

To grease cycle chain or bike chain for lubrication purpose the spray nozzle is used (it is bottle spray).

Spray Lubrication method

In this three methods are used

a) oil method:-

In this method we use compressed air with using of this oil spread in opposition to the connection region.

b) spray method:-

This method used pump to spray the direct contact of gear.

c) Drop method:-

In this method oil pump is used to right release the oil in meshing point.

3) Splash method:-

For the splash spray lubrication, the gear box is additional features, like oil seals for the shaft, gaskets for the cover, plug for the inserting the oil , a drain plug at the bottom. 

In this method oil is splashed the revolving parts swing the lubricant in other parts of machine. And sprayed oil backs to the tank.

Example:- Automotive engines, chain drives,

Best lubricant for gears

The best lubricant for gears depends on several factors including the type of gears (spur, helical, bevel, etc.), operating conditions (load, speed, temperature), and environment. Generally, synthetic oils are preferred for gear lubrication due to their superior performance over mineral oils. Some common types of gear lubricants include:

Synthetic Gear Oils: 

These offer excellent thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and wear protection. They perform well under a wide range of temperatures and are less prone to viscosity changes.

Mineral Gear Oils: 

These are traditional gear lubricants made from refined crude oil. They are cost-effective but may have limitations in extreme conditions compared to synthetics.

Gear Greases:

Greases are semi-solid lubricants consisting of a base oil thickened with a soap, which provides adhesion to gear surfaces. Greases are suitable for enclosed gears and applications where oil leakage is a concern.

EP (Extreme Pressure) Gear Oils: 

These are designed for gears operating under high loads and pressures. EP additives in these oils help prevent wear under extreme conditions.

Food-Grade Gear Lubricants: 

These are used in food processing and pharmaceutical industries where incidental contact with food or drugs may occur.

When choosing a gear lubricant, consider consulting equipment manuals or manufacturers' recommendations for specific lubricant requirements. It's important to use a lubricant that matches the gear design, operating conditions, and service intervals to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the gears. Regular monitoring of lubricant condition and scheduled maintenance are also key factors in gear lubrication management.

 So in this lecture we study The Gear lubrication and its types. The purpose of gear lubrication & why need of lubrication,hope you understand well

 If you have any comment regarding this lecture comments below, thanks for reading it.