The filtration system of any Falk gearbox or Falk speed gearbox is an integral part of its proper and efficient function. The filtration system keeps the lubricant clean and within the standards for your gearbox. There are many factors that go into the proper maintenance and upkeep of a Falk gearbox, and ensuring you are using the correct lubricant and filtering it properly can go a long way in keeping your gearbox parts performing well over time. Lubricants are crucial to the function of the complex systems inside a gearbox, keeping everything moving smoothly.
Here are three tips you can implement to make certain your gearbox filtration systems are running smoothly.
Tip 1: Perform Regular Lubricant Testing
First, you should be performing regular lubricant testing. Checking the lubricant in a Falk gearbox is the best place start when being proactive about preventing future breakdowns. Testing your lubricant is like taking its temperature, giving you an inside view into the current status of the gearbox.
You should keep in mind the optimal cleanliness target level for your particular Falk gearbox. Know the manufacturing specifications for the gearbox and be sure to use adequate breathers. Without this step, any attempt you make to clean or filter the oil will be useless. Choose the right kind of lubricant and the right filtration system to keep harmful debris out of your gearbox.
If, for example, in your weekly or monthly lubrication tests you notice an uptick in wear metals, generally lead, copper, and iron and to a lesser extent nickel, tin, and aluminum, that may indicate the breakdown of a gearbox part made from one of those metals. Each manufacturer has detailed operation and metallurgy information on each of their products that you can use to assess what may be happening. Ignoring the importance of regular lubricant testing can mean downtime, the loss of productivity, wasted labor, and expensive repairs.
Tip 2: Take Good Oil Samples
When performing a lubricant test, be sure to take good samples so you can get a clear and accurate picture of the overall health of your Falk gearbox. A Falk gearbox specialist will be a great resource for you to use if you are unsure about the standards and oil requirements of your gearbox.
You want to avoid taking tainted samples whenever possible; so, be sure to keep your lubrication sample containers in a clear, dust-free environment. It is also best to take the sample while the gearbox is running, or as soon as possible after it has been turned off.
Where you take the sample from matters just as much, if not more, than the timing. To get an accurate measurement, take your sample downstream of any oil filters. This way you get a reading of the “lubrication conditions for critical components, including surplus gear reducers.” Each Falk gearbox and Falk speed gearbox has an ideal location for sample testing.
After the right location has been found, it is time to take the sample. Remove the protective cap from the spigot, then open the sampling valve allowing about four ounces of oil to drain. This portion is not used in testing, as it is accumulated oil and debris from the spigot. Without switching off the spigot, switch out the contaminant container for the sampling container. Once the sample is taken, replace the sampling top, close the spigot valve and replace the shielding cap.
Tip: 3 Use the Right Kind of Filtration System
You want to be certain you are using the filtration system correctly, using a dedicated filter for each type of lubricant used in your Falk gearboxes. Avoid any cross-contamination as much as possible in order to keep your machines running cleanly and efficiently.
Confirm your filtration system is the correct kind for your gearbox. See to it that it has a sampling connector for bottle sampling. The design of your system will depend on your lubricant’s viscosity and its operating temperature. Temperature also affects oil viscosity, and the environment that your gearbox is in can dramatically impact its viscosity. The filtration system will be able to aid you in determining the oil’s viscosity. Temperature can also affect the balance of oil additives, and “ for every 18°F increase that the life of the oil is cut in half”.
Keep these tips in mind and incorporate them into your regular maintenance schedule so you can ensure your Falk gearbox is operating smoothly for a long time. Need assistance? We repair and renew Falk gearbox specialists. Learn more about how we can help.
Posted under Falk Gearboxes on Thursday, February 7th, 2019