Electric motors

Electric motors are used in many different applications. An electric motor is designed to convert electrical into mechanical energy. Efficient lubrication and maintenance are essential for reliable operation of electric motors. Still, many of them are lubricated at irregular intervals as they are located in areas which are difficult to reach or dangerous. Failure to adhere to manufacturer specifications frequently leads to damage and breakdowns caused by bearing over-lubrication or lubrication starvation.

 

  • Lubrication points

    Lubrication points

    Lubrication points are located on the drive and non-drive end of electric motors. When relubricating, you must ensure that excess grease is discharged through the discharge openings, grease relief ports or grease traps. Bearings will overheat if grease cannot escape and / or if grease traps are filled up with used grease.

  • Challenges

    Challenges

    During manual lubrication, the grease is applied in uneven amounts. A large quantity of lubricant is introduced at one time. This leads to a temporary over-lubrication of bearings. Ignoring the recommended relubrication intervals leads to lubrication starvation.

    • Bearing heating and possible fire hazard since it takes hours to distribute excess grease

    • Possible shut-off with temperature monitoring

    • Bearing damage due to lubrication starvation results in unscheduled machine downtimes and higher production costs

    • Increasing maintenance costs caused by premature wear


    Relubrication during running operations (manufacturer recommendations) jeopardises maintenance staff. The risk of accidents increases when people spend time in dangerous or hard-to-reach areas.

    • High accident risk

    • Motor shut-down when entering secured areas

  • Advantages of automatic lubrication

    Advantages of automatic lubrication

    • Relubrication during running operation minimises overheating of bearings

    • Predictable exchange intervals with reduced material and personnel expenditure

    • Increased workplace safety due to automatic lubrication of hard-to-reach lubrication points

    • Precise lubricant discharge lowers lubricant consumption and thereby environmental impact

  • Solutions

    Direct mounting on the lubrication point:
    e.g. perma NOVA

    • Easy, quick mounting

    • For lubrication points with little vibration / shocks

    • For easy-to-reach, safe lubrication points

    Remote mounting to the lubrication point:
    e.g. perma STAR VARIO

    • For lubrication points with strong vibration / shocks (isolation of lubrication system)

    • For lubrication points which are unsafe to access: Mounting in safe areas

    • For hard-to-reach lubrication points

  • Applications