Influence of oil contamination on vibration and wear in ball and roller bearings

Abstract

Purpose

This work aims to compare the vibration behavior of roller and ball bearings operating with clean and quartz‐contaminated lubricants. Wear influence on vibration of both bearing types was also compared.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental tests were run in clean and contaminated mineral oil. Contaminant quartz particles of 59 μm average size were tested in three concentration levels: 0.05, 0.25 and 0.5 g/l. Radial vibration of the roller bearing was measured by accelerometer and wear was analyzed through microscopy of the surfaces and optical spectrometry of oils.

Findings

Differences in vibration response among both bearing types were observed regarding the root mean square value of vibration data in the high frequency band (600‐10,000 Hz); differences in wear influence on vibration were also identified and correlated to the differences in the tribological features.

Originality/value

This paper presents a methodology for detecting contamination and wear of roller bearings by applying a simple procedure of vibration monitoring and analysis.

Citation

Maru, M.M., Serrato‐Castillo, R. and Padovese, L.R. (2007), "Influence of oil contamination on vibration and wear in ball and roller bearings", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 59 No. 3, pp. 137-142. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368790710746101