In the daily operation of industrial equipment, abnormal temperature rise of rolling bearings is a common but difficult problem. It is like a hidden 'time bomb', if not detected and dealt with in a timely manner, it may cause equipment failure and result in significant economic losses. Next, we will delve into the causes behind the overheating of rolling bearings and share some effective troubleshooting strategies.
The main factors causing bearing heating
Insufficient lubrication: potential "trigger"
Improper lubrication is one of the key factors causing an increase in bearing temperature. Lack of sufficient lubricant can cause bearings to lose necessary lubrication protection during high-speed operation, increase friction between rolling elements and raceways, and generate a large amount of heat. In addition, using unsuitable or deteriorated lubricating grease can also weaken its cooling effect, leading to an increase in bearing temperature. For example, in high temperature environments, certain types of lubricating grease are prone to oxidation, performance degradation, and cannot provide sufficient lubrication support.
It is worth noting that there may be a vicious cycle between poor lubrication and bearing temperature rise. Once the lubrication conditions are poor, the bearing temperature will rise, and the high temperature accelerates the aging process of the lubricating grease, further deteriorating the lubrication condition and causing the temperature to continue to rise. Therefore, regular maintenance of the lubrication system is crucial for ensuring the normal operation of bearings.
Installation Error: Invisible 'Destroyer'
The correct installation method is equally important for maintaining bearing function. If there is any deviation, over tightening or over loosening during the installation process, it will break the force balance state inside the bearing. Installing too tightly can reduce the gap between the rolling elements and the raceway, increasing friction; On the contrary, if the installation is too loose, it will cause shaking during operation, intensify vibration and friction, and ultimately cause heating phenomenon. In addition, low precision installation can also subject the bearings to additional stress, accelerating the wear rate.
Material defect: innate 'weakness'
Poor quality bearings may have various defects in the production process, such as impure materials and poor machining accuracy. These congenital defects can cause bearings to experience abnormal wear and friction during use, leading to heat accumulation. For example, counterfeit and inferior products often have poor raceway accuracy, which can cause the rolling elements to not roll smoothly during motion, resulting in increased friction and inevitably generating heat.
Overloading: The 'burden' of overloading
The workload borne by bearings can also affect their temperature. When the load exceeds the rated range, the contact stress between the rolling elements and the raceway increases, leading to heat generation. Meanwhile, excessive pressure can also accelerate the fatigue damage process of bearings. In practical applications, if the equipment parameters are set unreasonably or are in an overloaded working state for a long time, it is easy to cause bearing overheating.
Targeted investigation plan
After discovering that the bearing is overheated, targeted inspections should be carried out based on the possible reasons mentioned above.
Evaluate lubrication condition: First, confirm whether the lubricant is sufficient and suitable. Check the condition of the lubricating grease, including color changes, signs of oil-water separation, etc., to determine if it needs to be replaced.
Review installation quality: Ensure correct installation of bearings and eliminate any deviation or looseness issues. Adjust the installation condition that is too tight or too loose appropriately to ensure installation accuracy.
Observe appearance damage: Pay attention to whether there is obvious wear, cracks, or other damage on the surface of the bearing. Once a problem is discovered, replace the damaged parts immediately.
Monitoring workload: Verify whether the operating load of the equipment exceeds the bearing load limit. Adjust equipment parameters as needed to avoid overload operation.
Prioritizing the health status of the lubrication system is because it is the first step in solving the problem of bearing overheating and the easiest area to quickly identify and correct the issue. Early detection and correction of lubrication issues can effectively prevent more serious damage from occurring.