Enclosed gears are generally contained within a gearbox or some other device in which the gears can be bathed or showered with a fluid lubricant. Gears present a different challenge than other lubricant applications. In non-gear applications, the moving surfaces are in sliding or rolling motion, while gear teeth experience both rolling and sliding motion at the same time. In addition to lubricating the gear teeth, the gear oil must also protect the bearings within the box. Further, industrial gearboxes are expected to perform under conditions of high heat and heavy loads; and in environments often contaminated with dirt, process debris, and water. Without adequate protection, gears and bearings will wear prematurely. You’ll have to replace parts more frequently, change the oil more frequently, and worst of all, you’ll experience equipment downtime. To combat difficult conditions, LE offers an array of lubricants specially formulated for enclosed industrial gearbox applications.
Three essential attributes when selecting gear oil
Gear oil is made up of two critical components: base oil and additives. Additives impart desirable properties and suppress undesirable ones. The additive package is the backbone of the lubricant’s performance, and a strong backbone will provide the performance and protection you need. When selecting gear oil, there are three essential attributes to consider:
One – The gear oil must remain thermally stable and not oxidize at high temperatures, thus avoiding the creation of sludge or varnish. Keeping the oil from oxidizing will lengthen drain and replacement intervals. As a general rule of thumb, for every 18 degrees F (10 degrees C) increase in fluid temperature above 140°F (60°C), oxidation will reduce the service life of a lubricant by half.
Two – If you have an enclosed gearbox application that is heavily loaded or subject to shock loading, you need gear oil with extreme pressure properties. Gear oil with an EP additive will protect the gear surfaces against extreme pressures.
Three – Gear oil must fight the contamination that enters the system, especially water. The oil must be able to demulsify, which allows for easy removal of the water from the gearbox.
Duolec Industrial Gear Oil (1601-1610, 1302, 1304)
Duolec® Industrial Gear Oil was formulated specifically for lubricating gearboxes. It is known for its tenacious metal-clinging, and gear-climbing action. The backbone of this gear oil is Duolec, LE’s proprietary dual-acting additive that provides both wear-reducing and extreme pressure protection. The result of revolutionary technology designed specifically for use in LE gear lubricants, Duolec increases oil film strength and is temperature-activated to provide a protective layer that smooths metal surfaces and minimizes the effects of any contact, thereby reducing friction and preventing surface wear. And, as a liquid additive, Duolec will not be filtered out of the lubricant.
Duolec Vari-Purpose Gear Lubricant Features
• Contains EP properties to combat heavy loads
• Stays thermally stable, resists oxidation & sludge formation
• Separates readily from water
• Maintains film strength & viscosity
• Remains tacky, clings to gears
• Contains no solids that can be removed during filtration