Induction Motor Lubrication

Industrial induction motors are found everywhere at manufacturing facilities. Refrigeration equipment like a compressor motor is a high-priced asset and proper maintenance is vital for a company's return on investment (ROI). Increasing life expectancy of the equipment = cost savings. For example, a new 500hp compressor induction motor can cost as much as a brand-new pickup truck!

One of the most controversial topics in industrial refrigeration is greasing compressor motors. The traditional mindset is to grab a grease gun with the proper type of grease and start pumping this lubricant into the bearings. This task has considerations that should never be disregarded. Using the "5-10 pumps" for everything you grease is a sure way to be causing more harm than good to the mechanical equipment (overgreasing is just as bad as undergreasing).

Large induction motors will typically have a nameplate affix to the frame and this data will contain lubrication information. It will provide maintenance intervals (hours), specific type of grease to use, and the amount of grease to be applied (ounces or grams).

Operators, mechanics, and service technicians need to know the specific amount of grease that is dispensed from their selected grease gun because all grease guns vary in the amount of grease pumped per stroke. A bearing that requires 28 grams of grease (1 ounce) could require 20 to 40 pumps to achieve the correct amount. Use a scale that can measure in grams or ounces and verify how many pumps it takes to dispense 1 ounce of grease (you will be surprised).

Other considerations include:

• Remove grease drain plugs every time! (If equipped)
• Operate motor until normal operating temperature is reached.
• Clean old grease from fittings before attaching grease gun.
• Slowly add grease - fast pumps can damage bearing seals and contribute to premature bearing failure.
• Operate motor again for a duration of at least 15 minutes to expel any excess grease before reinstalling drain plugs.

Conclusion - every grease gun dispenses different amounts of grease, and every motor requires different types and quantities of grease. Simply just pumping grease without calibrating your grease gun can lead to premature failure of mechanical equipment. Greasing seems like a simple task but it's one of the most overlooked aspects of a maintenance program.

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