Chain technique

Lubrication

The role of lubrication

• To introduce lubricating fluid between contacting surfaces (pin/bush, pin/plate, bush/roller, inner linkplate/outer linkplate, etc.) to reduce wear and to avoid joint seizure.
• To protect the chain against corrosion.
• To reduce noise by introducing the lubricant between surfaces subject to shock loading.
• To transfer heat, generally by contacting moving components.

Factory lubrication LUB+ allows:

The chain to be protected against corrosion until it is installed by the user, provided it is not exposed to the elements. Pre-lubrication remains effective six months for chains stored under shelter. It should be complemented with lubrication by the user’s maintenance department as soon as the drive is started up. Note pre-lubrication is compatible with all mineral oils.
We are able to propose suited lubrications depending on your specific constraints.

Lubrication method

This should be chosen according to the criteria and characteristics of the installation, depending on its use. There are 4 main ways of applying lubrication:
1- manual lubrication (by brush or oil can),
2- continuous drip feed lubrication,
3- chain passing through an oil tank,
4- pressure lubrication by spraying (with filtering and oil cooling if necessary).

In power transmission, any of these four methods can be used, although the choice depends on the type and speed of the chain. When lifting or conveying, manual or continuous drip lubrication is usually employed, although automatic brushes can equally be used.

Frequency of lubrication

Quantity of lubricant and frequency of lubrication should be established with care and according to the specifications of lubricant and lubrication devices manufacturers.

Ou lubrifier ?

Longitudinally, in an area where the chain load is low in order to help the lubricant penetration,
Transversally, between the plates to feed the lubricant towards the joints and between the inner plates, the rollers and the wheels.

where lubricating

Suitable lubricants according to operating conditions

Temperature (°C) Recommended viscosity: ISO VG (Cst)
-15 < T < 0 15 à 32
0 < T 50 46 à 150
50 < T < 80 220 à 320

In general a good quality clean mineral oil, free from deter- gent is suitable. Its viscosity must suit the ambient tempe- rature shown in the table hereafter.The operator must achieve a compromise between a low viscosity lubricant which would  centrifuge off the chain without properly lubricating it, and a substance with too high viscosity, which would prevent the lubricant reaching contacting surfaces.
For special cases, and in particular where lubrication is impossible, please contact us.
Unless recommended by us, the use of grease is completely prohibited.