6
Maintenance
6.1 Lubrication
6.1.1 Initial Inspection
NOTE:
Before operating your actuator, inspect it for proper lubrication, (especially if it has been
stored for a long period of time). No seal can remain absolutely tight at all times; therefore, it is not
unusual to find a very small amount of weeping around shaft seals — especially during long periods
of idleness such as storage. Using grease minimizes this condition as much as possible. If you find a
small amount of weeping at startup, remove it with a clean rag. Once the equipment is operating, the
weeping should stop.
6.1.2 Frequency
Base the frequency of lubrication inspections on historical data of your installed equipment. Every actuator
application has its own effect on lubricants. Pattern lubricant inspections based on the needs of your facility
and its applications. The following schedule of lubrication inspection should be followed until operating
experience indicates otherwise.
Gear Case:
Inspect lubrication every 18 months or 500 cycles — whichever occurs first.
6.1.3 Routine Inspection
The three primary considerations in a lubrication inspection are:
1.
Quantity —
L120-85 operators are built to operate on the immersion principle. The primary concern in
the amount of lubricant is whether the “worm” is totally immersed in grease.
2.
Quality
—
If dirt, water or other foreign matter are found during lubrication inspection, the actuators
should be flushed with a commercial degreaser/cleaner such as Exxon Varsol 18 which is not corrosive
and does not affect seal materials. Repack actuator with fresh lubricant allowing room for grease
thermal expansion.
3.
Consistency
—
Lubricant should be slightly fluid approximating a standard NLGI-0 grade consistency
or less. Thinners such as Amoco WAYTAC 31 oil may be added provided the volume of thinner does
not exceed 20% of the total lubricant.
Limitorque L120-85 Installation, Operation and Maintenance FCD LMENIM1202-03-A4 – 06/15
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