Heavy-duty industrial gearboxes are subjected to extreme pressures and shock loads, which can cause mechanical shearing and viscosity loss in inferior lubricants. When oil viscosity decreases, it increases the risk of scuffing wear and micropitting fatigue on gear and bearing surfaces. Additionally, extreme heat oxidizes oils, leading to the accumulation of deposits and varnish that further reduce gearbox performance and longevity.
The primary challenges to gear oil effectiveness include:
• Particles — Dirt and wear metals can be abrasive and lead to contact fatigue.
• Moisture — Water infiltration reduces oil performance and accelerates corrosion.
• Viscosity — Extreme temperatures and pressures affect oil density and flow.
• Availability — Insufficient supply quality lubrication.
Gearbox failures are frequently caused by inadequate lubrication and poor lubricant performance. That means there isn’t enough oil in the right places to protect the components, or the oil itself is not up to the task of providing the necessary protection. When oil viscosity is reduced by shearing or high temperatures it can’t coat the gear surfaces effectively. When viscosity is increased by contamination, oxidation or cold temperatures it won’t flow efficiently through the system.
For example, wind turbines are inherently difficult to access for maintenance and the gearboxes are regularly exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The oil is tasked with protecting massive gears from extreme pressure and shock loads in harsh environmental conditions with extended maintenance intervals.
The Synthetic Lubricant Advantage
For optimum efficiency and longevity, quality synthetic lubricants are designed to address the inherent complexities of heavy-duty gearboxes. Synthetic gear oil features a wider viscosity index that conventional oil, making it better at maintaining viscosity in cold temperatures for consistent flow, while maintaining a thick lubricating film at high operating temperatures to prevent metal-to-metal contact. The molecular structure of synthetic oil is also more resistant to oxidation and the emulsification of water, which extends the oil’s service life and helps prevent corrosion and wear.
AMSOIL Industrial EP Series-S Synthetic Extreme-Pressure Gear Oil is engineered to resist mechanical breakdown under extreme stress to provide maximum resistance to scuffing wear and micropitting fatigue on industrial gears and bearings operating under extreme pressures and shock loads. It inhibits corrosion and foam caused by moisture and flows quickly for fast startups and improved equipment protection in cold weather, eliminating the need for sump heaters and seasonal oil changes. And it resists oxidation and degradation at high temperatures to prevent acid, sludge and deposits.
• Superior EP protection against micropitting and scuffing wear.
• Outstanding high-temperature viscosity retention.
• Inhibits rust and corrosion to promote long component life.
• High viscosity index for cold-weather startup protection.
• Resists oxidation to fight sludge, carbon and varnish deposits.
• Excellent foam-resistance for reduced gear and bearing wear.
EP Series-S is an excellent choice for use in heavy-duty and extreme-pressure industrial gearboxes, including spur, bevel, herringbone and helical gear applications in extruders, oil well pumps, agitators and presses, chain drives, sprockets and wind turbine pitch and yaw gears.
Getting Started
Contact an AMSOIL Industrial Application Engineer to find out if AMSOIL Industrial EP Series-S is the right choice for your unique applications.