Keep ovens working with superior oven chain lubricants
Process ovens in food processing plants and other manufacturing facilities are vital to production output, but keeping them properly lubricated can be difficult. Extreme temperatures, continuous operation, and – in some cases – dirty operating conditions are typical challenges. Offering several high-performance lubricant formulations, Lubrication Engineers has helped companies worldwide with their process oven chain lubrication needs. If you are interested in creating more uptime for your operation, let LE’s experienced and certified consultants help you overcome the challenges of oven chain lubrication.
Proper lubrication reduces wear and saves energy costs
Proper lubrication will keep hot oven chains operating freely and efficiently throughout the process. A good lubricant will penetrate the pins and bushings to prevent corrosion and provide sufficient lubrication. Inferior lubrication, on the other hand, causes many costly side effects. Links and strands may become inflexible, causing rough operation, chains jumping off the sprockets, and even breakage. Premature wear to the pins and bushings will shorten chain life, and it causes rapid stretching, a critical failure in machines where equipment or machinery synchronization is a chain function. In addition, increased friction requires more electrical energy for the oven chain to do its work.
LE provides fluid and solid film lubricant options
Oven chains operating at high temperatures can be lubricated in two different ways: with a liquid lubricant or with a solid lubricant suspended in a carrier fluid. Whether liquid or solid, the lubricating film physically separates contacting metal surfaces, thereby reducing friction and wear. LE provides both fluid and solid film lubricants, with recommendations made depending upon the specific needs of your application.
Fluid film lubrication is the regular oil film lubrication used in most ambient temperature applications. This type of lubrication can also be used at higher temperatures, provided you consider the decreased viscosity of the fluid (thinner oil film); the increased oxidation rate of the oil, which causes varnish and sludge; and the volatility of the oil, as it evaporates, there is less oil with which to lubricate.
Solid film lubrication is used at high temperatures or in applications where it is impossible or undesirable to use a liquid. The solid is usually suspended in a liquid carrier designed to disperse (evaporate) after the lubricant has been applied and, in the case of chains, after it has penetrated the pin area of the chain. Solid lubricants provide a smooth, low-drag surface, which reduces friction, wear, operating temperatures, and electrical energy consumption. A successful oven chain lubricant containing solids delivers the solid additives suspended in the lubricant carrier to the pin and bushing areas. As the carrier dissipates, only the necessary lubricating solids are left, coating the metal to prevent wear and corrosion. A good lubricant also will withstand heat over time – resisting oxidation – allowing it to last longer and continue to protect the equipment.
