Cement industry
Dust, dirt, sand and water: how contamination becomes a grinding compound
Once contaminants reach a bearing or bush, they stop being dirt and become an abrasive paste. Frequent lubrication is part of the defence.
The mechanism
If dust, dirt, sand and water work their way into critical components they mix with the lubricant and form a grinding compound that wears surfaces and shortens component life substantially.
What helps
- A proper lubricant film keeps surfaces apart and reduces friction, which reduces wear and downtime.
- Frequent small doses of fresh grease push out contaminants and virtually keep bushes and bearings free of penetrating dirt.
- Good sealing, with purge grease at the seal where the environment is dirty.
- Choosing a grease with strong water resistance and corrosion protection, because water gets in even with good seals.
What it looks like in the field
Cement particles in a gearbox oil is a typical story: dust enters through a breather or a damaged seal, damages the bearings first and then the gears. Oil analysis and vibration trends show it months before the gearbox has to come out.
A rule of thumb for the dusty plant
The dirtier the environment, the more often you add a small amount of fresh grease rather than a big dose rarely.
Takeaway. In cement, the lubricant is also the seal. Keep it fresh and keep it flowing.
Put it to work in the tool