What should be paid attention to when lubricating roller chain 12A

What should be paid attention to when lubricating roller chain 12A

Introduction to roller chain 12A
Roller chain 12A is an important component widely used in various mechanical transmissions. It has good flexibility, reliability and load-bearing capacity. It is often used in many fields such as industrial machinery, agricultural equipment, transportation equipment, etc., and can effectively transmit power and motion. It consists of inner chain plates, outer chain plates, pins, sleeves and rollers. These components cooperate with each other during the chain transmission process to complete the task of power transmission.

The importance of lubrication
Reduce wear: During the use of roller chain 12A, there is relative movement between the components, such as friction between rollers and sleeves, pins and inner chain plates. Lubrication can form a protective film on these friction surfaces, so that the metal parts will not directly contact each other, thereby greatly reducing the friction coefficient, reducing wear, and extending the service life of the roller chain.
Reduce noise: Good lubrication can reduce the vibration and impact of the roller chain during operation, thereby reducing transmission noise, making the equipment run more smoothly and quietly, creating a more comfortable working environment for operators, and also helping to reduce the impact of noise on the surrounding environment of the equipment.
Anti-rust: Lubricants can form a protective layer on the surface of the roller chain to isolate the corrosion of metal parts by moisture, oxygen, acidic substances in the air, etc., prevent rust, maintain the performance and appearance of the roller chain, and ensure that it is always in good working condition during long-term use.
Heat dissipation and cooling: Under some high-speed and heavy-load conditions, a large amount of heat will be generated when the roller chain is running. Lubricants can take away the heat through circulation or contact with air, play a role in heat dissipation and cooling, prevent the roller chain from fatigue failure or performance degradation due to excessive temperature, and ensure the normal operation of the equipment.

Precautions when lubricating roller chain 12A
Choose a suitable lubricant
Choose according to working conditions: Different working conditions have different requirements for lubricants. For example, in a high temperature environment, a lubricant with good high temperature resistance should be selected, such as high temperature lubricating oil or grease containing special additives; in a low temperature environment, a lubricant with good low temperature fluidity should be selected to ensure that the lubricating oil can reach each lubrication part smoothly. For high-speed and heavy-load conditions, it is recommended to use a lubricant with high viscosity and extreme pressure performance to meet the requirements of lubrication and load-bearing.
Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation: The manufacturer of the roller chain 12A usually recommends the appropriate lubricant type and brand based on the characteristics and design requirements of the product. These recommended information is based on a large amount of experimental data and actual use experience, and has high reliability and applicability. Therefore, when selecting a lubricant, you should give priority to the manufacturer’s recommendations and try to use the recommended products to ensure the performance and life of the roller chain.
Determine a reasonable lubrication cycle
Consider working environment factors: If the roller chain 12A works in a harsh environment, such as dusty, humid, corrosive gas, etc., the lubricant is easily contaminated or ineffective. At this time, the lubrication cycle needs to be appropriately shortened to ensure the lubrication effect. On the contrary, in a clean, dry, non-corrosive working environment, the lubrication cycle can be appropriately extended.
Based on running time and frequency: Determine the lubrication cycle according to the running time and working frequency of the roller chain. Generally speaking, the longer the equipment runs and the higher the frequency, the faster the lubricant is consumed and lost, and more frequent lubrication is required. For example, for equipment that runs continuously for a long time, lubrication may be required once a day or a week; while for equipment that is used intermittently, the lubrication cycle can be extended to once every two weeks or a month accordingly.
Master the correct lubrication method
Drip oil lubrication: Use an oil drip pot or a special oil drip device to drip the lubricant drop by drop into the hinge of the roller chain. This method is suitable for medium and low speed chain drives, and can accurately control the amount of lubricant to avoid waste of lubricant. However, it is necessary to check and replenish the lubricant regularly to ensure the continuity of lubrication.
Brush oil lubrication: Use an oil brush to dip the lubricant, and then evenly apply it on the surface of the roller chain and between the components. Brush oil lubrication is simple and convenient to operate, and is suitable for chain drives of various speeds, but the chain must be stationary when applying oil, otherwise it is easy to cause safety accidents.
Oil bath lubrication: Part or all of the roller chain is immersed in the oil tank so that the chain automatically carries lubricating oil for lubrication during operation. This lubrication method is usually used for low-speed, heavy-loaded chain drives, and can provide sufficient lubricating oil to ensure good lubrication effect. However, attention should be paid to the sealing and cleanliness of the oil tank to prevent impurities from mixing into the lubricating oil.
Splash lubrication: Relying on the oil-slinging plate or splashing oil droplets inside the machine, the lubricating oil is splashed onto the roller chain for lubrication. Splash lubrication is suitable for high-speed, closed chain drive systems. Its advantages are uniform lubrication and easy operation, but it has certain requirements for the viscosity and amount of lubricating oil, which need to be adjusted according to actual conditions.
Forced lubrication: Use an oil pump to force the lubricating oil to various lubrication parts of the roller chain. This method can ensure the stability of the supply pressure and flow of the lubricating oil, and is suitable for high-speed, heavy-loaded, and important chain drive systems. The forced lubrication system needs to be equipped with a complete filtering and cooling device to ensure that the cleanliness and temperature of the lubricating oil are within the normal range.

Preparation before lubrication
Cleaning the roller chain: Before lubrication, the roller chain must be thoroughly cleaned to remove impurities such as dust, oil, and iron filings on the surface and in the gaps. You can use kerosene, diesel or a special chain cleaner to clean it, and then wipe it with a clean cloth or dry it. The cleaned roller chain can better absorb and retain lubricants and improve the lubrication effect.
Check the roller chain status: Before lubrication, carefully check whether the various parts of the roller chain have abnormal conditions such as wear, deformation, and cracks. If problematic parts are found, they should be replaced or repaired in time to ensure the normal operation of the roller chain after lubrication. At the same time, check whether the tension of the chain is appropriate. If the tension is insufficient, the chain will loosen, affecting the lubrication effect and transmission efficiency, and appropriate adjustments should be made.

Inspection and maintenance after lubrication
Observe the operation: After lubrication, start the equipment and observe the operation of the roller chain to check for abnormal sounds, vibrations, tooth skipping, etc. If these problems occur, it may be that the lubricant is not evenly applied or there are other faults. The machine should be stopped for inspection and processing in time.
Check the lubrication effect: Check the lubrication effect of the roller chain regularly, observe whether the lubricating oil is evenly distributed on the surface of each component, and whether there is drying, deterioration, oil leakage, etc. If the lubricating oil is found to be insufficient or ineffective, the lubricant should be replenished or replaced in time to ensure that the roller chain is always in a good lubrication state.
Record maintenance: Establish a record file of roller chain lubrication maintenance, record the time of each lubrication, the type and amount of lubricant, inspection conditions and other information. Through these records, you can better understand the use status and lubrication cycle of the roller chain, provide a reference for subsequent maintenance work, help optimize lubrication management, and extend the service life of the roller chain.

Lubrication precautions under special working conditions
High temperature environment: In a high temperature environment, the viscosity of the lubricating oil will decrease, and it is easy to lose and deteriorate. Therefore, in addition to choosing a high temperature resistant lubricant, you can also consider using grease for lubrication. At the same time, the lubrication frequency should be appropriately increased, and measures should be taken to cool the roller chain, such as installing heat sinks, air blowing cooling devices, etc., to reduce the temperature of the chain and ensure the lubrication effect.
Low temperature environment: Low temperature will increase the viscosity of the lubricating oil, deteriorate its fluidity, and affect its lubrication performance. In order to ensure that the roller chain can be lubricated normally in a low temperature environment, the following measures can be taken: select lubricating oil with good low temperature performance or add low temperature additives to the lubricating oil; preheat the lubricating oil before starting the equipment to make it reach a suitable flow state; use a heat preservation device or heater to insulate the environment around the roller chain to reduce the impact of temperature on the lubricating oil.
Humid environment: In a humid environment, the roller chain is easily eroded by water and rusted and corroded. A lubricant with anti-rust properties should be selected, and the lubricating oil on the surface of the roller chain should be evenly applied after lubrication to form a sealed protective film to prevent moisture from intruding. In addition, some waterproof grease or wax can be applied to the non-working surface of the roller chain to enhance the moisture-proof effect. If the roller chain is in water or a humid environment for a long time, you should consider using a stainless steel roller chain or performing special anti-corrosion treatment.
Dusty environment: In a dusty environment, dust is easily mixed into the lubricant, accelerating the wear of the roller chain. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the protection of the roller chain and minimize the intrusion of dust. The roller chain can be covered with sealing covers, protective covers and other devices. During lubrication, attention should also be paid to cleaning to prevent dust from entering the lubrication parts. At the same time, choosing lubricants with good anti-wear performance and clean dispersibility can better adapt to dusty environments and maintain lubrication effects.

Common problems and solutions
Insufficient lubrication: It is manifested as increased noise, accelerated wear, and increased temperature when the roller chain is running. The solution is to check whether the lubricant supply is normal, whether lubrication is carried out according to the prescribed cycle and method, and increase the lubrication frequency or replace the lubricant if necessary.
Inappropriate lubricant: If a lubricant of unqualified quality or unsuitable for working conditions is used, it may cause sludge deposition, blockage, corrosion and other problems in the roller chain. At this time, the lubricant should be stopped immediately, cleaned and replaced, and a suitable lubricant should be selected for lubrication.
Inaccurate lubrication parts: If the lubricant is not applied to the key friction parts of the roller chain, such as between the roller and the sleeve, and between the pin and the inner chain plate, the wear of these parts will be aggravated. The lubrication method needs to be rechecked to ensure that the lubricant can accurately reach each lubrication part and be evenly applied.

Summary
Lubricating roller chain 12A is a vital maintenance work that directly affects the service life of the roller chain and the operating efficiency of the equipment. By selecting suitable lubricants, determining reasonable lubrication cycles, mastering the correct lubrication methods, doing preparations and inspections before and after lubrication, and paying attention to lubrication requirements under special working conditions, the wear of the roller chain can be effectively reduced, noise can be reduced, rust can be prevented, and the normal operation of the equipment can be ensured. At the same time, timely discovery and resolution of common problems that occur during the lubrication process can further improve the lubrication effect and reliability of the roller chain. I hope that the precautions for lubricating roller chain 12A introduced in this article can provide you with valuable references, help you better maintain and maintain roller chain 12A, extend its service life, and improve the performance and efficiency of the equipment.