The condition of the working surface significantly influences the selection of lubricants for the deceleration device of a building electric hoist. Rough surfaces require high-viscosity lubricants or low-penetration greases to ensure adequate film strength and protection against wear, while smooth or tight-clearance surfaces benefit from low-viscosity lubricants to minimize friction and ensure proper flow. Other factors like load, temperature, and motion speed also play a role, but surface roughness directly dictates viscosity requirements to maintain optimal lubrication performance.
Key Points Explained:
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Surface Roughness Dictates Lubricant Viscosity
- Rough surfaces have higher friction and uneven contact points, demanding a high-viscosity lubricant or low-penetration grease to:
- Form a durable oil film that resists breakdown under pressure.
- Fill microscopic irregularities, reducing metal-to-metal contact.
- Smooth surfaces or small clearances (e.g., precision gears) need low-viscosity lubricants to:
- Avoid excessive drag or overheating from fluid friction.
- Ensure the lubricant can flow into tight gaps.
- Rough surfaces have higher friction and uneven contact points, demanding a high-viscosity lubricant or low-penetration grease to:
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Load and Impact Considerations
- Heavy or impact loads amplify the need for robust lubrication. High-viscosity lubricants with extreme pressure (EP) additives are critical to:
- Prevent oil film collapse under high stress.
- Protect against wear and micropitting.
- Example: A hoist deceleration device handling heavy loads might use an ISO VG 220 oil, while a lightly loaded system could use ISO VG 68.
- Heavy or impact loads amplify the need for robust lubrication. High-viscosity lubricants with extreme pressure (EP) additives are critical to:
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Secondary Factors Interact with Surface Conditions
- Temperature: High temps thin lubricants; rough surfaces may need thermally stable high-viscosity oils.
- Motion speed: Slow-moving parts with rough surfaces benefit from thicker lubricants to maintain film strength.
- Transmission type: Gear systems with rough teeth demand higher viscosity than hydraulic systems.
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Grease vs. Oil Selection
- Grease (low penetration) is suitable for rough surfaces where retention is key, but oil is preferred for hoist deceleration devices unless:
- Sealing is required to exclude contaminants.
- Frequent re-lubrication is impractical.
- Grease (low penetration) is suitable for rough surfaces where retention is key, but oil is preferred for hoist deceleration devices unless:
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Practical Implications for Purchasers
- Always inspect the working surface during maintenance. A scratched or pitted gear surface might necessitate switching from a medium- to high-viscosity lubricant.
- For mixed conditions (e.g., rough bearings with tight seals), consult lubricant manufacturers for multi-purpose formulations.
By prioritizing surface condition in lubricant selection, equipment longevity and efficiency are maximized—quietly ensuring the reliability of vertical transportation systems.
Summary Table:
| Factor | Rough Surface Need | Smooth Surface Need |
|---|---|---|
| Viscosity | High-viscosity lubricant | Low-viscosity lubricant |
| Load Handling | EP additives for heavy loads | Standard oils for light loads |
| Temperature Stability | Thermally stable thick oils | Fluidity-focused thin oils |
| Lubricant Type | Grease (low penetration) | Oil for tight clearances |
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