1. Optimization of lubrication system
Low temperature will cause ordinary lubricating oil to solidify or have excessive viscosity, increase starting resistance and even burn out the motor.
Replace special lubricating oil/grease: synthetic lubricating oil or low-temperature grease with low viscosity and good frost resistance must be used. Its pour point (the lowest temperature at which oil can flow) should be lower than the lowest local temperature. For example, in extreme environments of -40°C, low-temperature grease resistant to -55°C needs to be used.
Preheating before starting: Before starting the equipment, electric heaters and other devices can be used to preheat the reducer oil tank or shell to increase the lubricating oil temperature to about 0-10°C to reduce viscosity and start-up resistance.
2. Standardized start-up and operation procedures
Improper starting methods are a common cause of equipment damage at low temperatures.
Manual cranking inspection: Before starting, be sure to manually crank the motor coupling or input shaft to check whether there is any jamming caused by frozen components or poor lubrication.
No-load preheating operation: Before formal loading, let the reducer run without load for 10-15 minutes. This allows the lubricant to fully flow between the gears and bearings and slowly warms up the various parts of the equipment to avoid cold start shock.
Smooth loading: The principle of "low speed no load -> gradual loading" should be followed during startup to avoid the impact caused by sudden loading.
3. Strengthen sealing and external protection
Low temperatures can make rubber seals hard and brittle, making them prone to cracking and causing leakage or the intrusion of impurities.
Check and replace seals: Regularly check the status of oil seals and other seals. Once hardened or damaged, they should be replaced immediately with seals made of low-temperature resistant materials.
Install a thermal insulation cover: Installing a thermal insulation cover (such as canvas or plastic material) on the outside of the reducer can effectively block wind, snow, ice and cold air, and reduce the direct impact of external low temperature on the equipment.
4. Pay attention to the status of key components
Low temperature will cause material shrinkage and performance changes, so daily inspections need to be strengthened.
Tighten connecting bolts: Material shrinkage caused by low temperatures can cause bolts to loosen. Anchor bolts and various connecting parts need to be checked and tightened regularly to ensure structural stability.
Monitor operating status: Pay close attention to the sound and vibration of the equipment when it is running. If there is abnormal friction sound, impact sound or vibration value exceeding the standard, stop the machine immediately and check whether the gears, bearings and other components are damaged.
5. Properly arrange work and load
Avoid frequent starts and stops: Frequent starts and stops will cause the equipment to continuously experience alternation of hot and cold at low temperatures, increasing thermal stress and risk of failure. Try to keep the equipment in a stable operating condition.
Control the workload: The performance of components may decrease at low temperatures. Avoid leaving the reducer at full load or overload for a long time. Appropriately reducing the workload can help extend the service life.
6. SourceSelection and customization
If the equipment will work in an extremely low temperature environment (such as below -20°C) for a long time, it is recommended to explain the working conditions to the manufacturer in advance when purchasing.
Customized low-temperature solutions: Manufacturers can provide customized low-temperature solutions, including the use of low-temperature-resistant special steel (such as Q345ND), low-temperature-resistant ceramic bearings, and a complete set of low-temperature lubrication systems to ensure the reliability of the equipment from the source.
