oil splashing gearbox 1

[moideen]

i am looking an advice of lubrication for cooling tower gearbox which is lubricating by oil splashing ,not oil pump. i am planning to install VFD for cooling tower motor as part of optimization. my question, when vfd varying the speed, will the splashing properly as it designed? Thanks

The problem with the world is that intelligent people are full of doubts, while stupid ones are full of confidence.
-Charles Bukowski-

 

[Gr8blu]

If the oil distribution (for lubrication of the bearing or gear) is dependent on the actual rotational speed of shaft or an attached element (bearing, oil ring, gear, etc.) then YES - using a drive to operate at speeds significantly below the designed operating point may result in inadequate lubrication.

How low a speed creates the "problem" is dependent on the specific lubricant, the amount required, and the duration of operation at the reduced speed.

Converting energy to motion for more than half a century

 

[moideen]

Thank you for the comment. I had seen some CT fan’s gear issues as a premature damage, then contractor will overhaul or replace it. That was a gear box with oil pump. The splash type is recently installed, and it is working. however, planning to install new VFD. As you pointed out, this is a concern in both case of oil pump and splash system. In oil pump, speed reduction might be diminished oil pressure. Anyway, I have seek advice from manufacturer.

The problem with the world is that intelligent people are full of doubts, while stupid ones are full of confidence.
-Charles Bukowski-

 

[geesaman.d]

The only lubrication method I know that meet the zero-speed, no forced lubrication, are dip-lubricated gears mounted on horizontal shafts. Or completely filled with lubricant.

I see it in the gearboxes used in my industry, not sure if they are an option for cooling tower gearboxes.