Today is the age of smaller and faster. OEMs are offering higher and higher output geared drives in more and more compact forms. Not only are they expected to perform at faster speeds under increased loads, they’re being constructed from new materials. The challenge for equipment owners is finding more reliable and durable solutions – and that’s where PETRONAS’ specialist knowledge comes into its own.
Issues such as smaller oil reservoir capacities and higher power output demands have led our experts to develop high quality lubricants that won’t compromise system performance. Our fluids work efficiently in everything from worm gear drives to wind turbines, and from standard fully enclosed gearboxes to large heavily-loaded open gears like those used for mining, sugar, power and steel processing plants.
sugar, power and steel processing plants.
PETRONAS Gear oils provide properties such as micro-pitting and extreme pressure protection – across a wide range of temperatures – while factoring in requirements like energy saving capabilities. Always developed for long-lasting performance, some PETRONAS Gear Oils have even been designed for “filled for life” types of application.
Modern automotive gearboxes usually take an API GL-4 oil of the required viscosity. Automotive differentials (where fitted) are usually filled with an API GL-5 type of oil of the specified viscosity. Industrial gear lubricants are formulated differently to automotive gear lubricants because industrial gearboxes generally don’t have variable/changeable gear ratios. Automatic gearboxes and transmissions should be used with the recommended automatic transmission fluid.
Many factors need to be considered when selecting a gear lubricant: a. Gearbox type: the materials used for the gearbox components; the type of gear teeth and form; the gear ratio; the method of applying the lubricant etc. b. Operating conditions: the operating and ambient temperatures; the input and output speeds. Does the gearbox experience steady or shock loads? c. Environmental conditions: is the environment dusty, moist or are there chemical fumes about? d. Environmental concerns: does the lubricant have to be biodegradable? Will it be used in a food manufacturing facility? Or in a textile factory?
Gear oils made from mineral base oils, poly-alpha-olefins or esters can usually be mixed. Gear oils made from polyalkylene glycols (PAGs) or other synthetic base oils should not be mixed. Generally, mixing gear oils should be avoided as the benefits of the higher-quality lubricant are reduced by the lower-quality lubricant. Mixing of gear oils of different viscosities should also be avoided.
These ratings mostly refer to the gear oil’s viscosity. Gear oils usually use two main viscosity rating systems, the SAE system for automotive applications and the ISO system for industrial applications. The SAE system for automotive applications can be subdivided into a system for engine oils and another system for transmission oils. The viscosities of industrial gear oils are normally rated using the ISO system. The ISO system of viscosity ratings places the oil into a particular grade, depending on that oil’s viscosity at 40°C.
Certain greases can be used to lubricate certain industrial gearboxes. Grease lubrication should be restricted to relatively slow-speed gearboxes. The grease used must be fluid enough to reach all the components of the gearbox and must, amongst others, contain extreme pressure additives
