Trunnion Kiln & Tire Lubrication 101

An Introduction To Trunnions and Kiln Lubrication

Published on December 7, 2012 by: Kimberlie Stewart

How to Choose Kiln Graphite Lubricant

When it comes to the prevention of mechanical machinery problems or breakdowns, it is inevitable that your top priority as as industrial business owner is to find just the right lubricant to protect your invaluable machines. However, you will soon find that there is an almost bottomless pit of industrial lubricants available from an almost equally large number of industrial lubricant companies. After weighing your options based on company-provided data, how can you know for sure that you are selecting the right lubricant for your individual businesses' needs? The answers to certain key questions you can answer, with the help of a reputable company, will ultimately guide you to making the right decisions for your business.

Graphite, Metal-Graphite Composite & Grease Lubricants

There are many options for lubricating mill bearings, trunnion tires, tyre shoes, bearing end caps, pads, rollers and other critical parts. For optimal lubricating you should use solid or composite graphite lubricating bars. Solid composite lubricating bars combine graphite, copper, a carrier and a thickener to produce a ready to go product. Old fashioned grease lubricants may remain acceptable for some moving parts however the high temperature areas definitely need a solid lubricating bar.

High Temperatures Require Graphite Lubrication

What are the heat ranges for your kiln trunnion, and critical internal parts? Kiln trunnions maintain operating temperatures of 600 degrees F or higher. These high temperatures require a special types of lubrication inorder to prevent heat induced damage to mechanical components, and then cause total machinery breakdown - expensive down time.

Equipment such as kilns, specifically mill bearings, require a lubricant that is designed for high temperature applications. A liquid (petroleum based) lubricant is generally unsuitable for high temperature lubrication situations. Dry graphite lubrication bars are easy to put into use, perform well under high temperatures, generally mitigate combustion problems, and come in bars that are easy to store.

The typical industrail lubricants company sells only heavy duty oils and bearing greases. Dry graphite lubricating bars are a specialty lubricant product that is available from only a supplier that specializes in high-temperature industrial lubricants for industries such as cement, lime, paper, pulp, etc.

Finding A Graphite Lubrication Supplier

A Google search can show you a few companies which you may choose to consider as a supplier for graphite lubricating bars. The better suppliers will also be able to provide expert consulting on application methods, preventative maintenance and developing an ordering process that is easy and reliable. Anion goes the extra mile in offering on-site consulting to learn more about the exact needs of your facility and equipment.

If you are a new plant manager, maintenance supervisor or technician and need more information on graphite lubrication bars, or other forms of dry, yet slick and versatile, lubrication products designed for high-temp applications please give us a call.