About the Filter media
Wedgewire has been used throughout industry
and mining in many filtration and sizing applications
since its development and introduction.
The combination of metallurgy properties
and robust construction allows us to use Wedgewire
to filter and strain contaminants from grease with
out the worry of rupturing delicate mesh/membranes.
Conventional grease filters utilise
a wire mesh to strain the grease. This mesh is usually
supported by an inner wire frame, providing support
to the mesh/membrane. Once the filter blocks or the
differential is sufficient the mesh tears allowing
the trapped matriculates through into system.
Effects of Particulate and
Contamination
The effects of contamination in grease
are extensive and impact on the overall reliability
of plant and equipment.
Grease contamination leads to the early
or premature failure of:
- Grease pumps
- Grease injectors
- Grease divider blocks
- Bearings
- Open gears
- Bushes etc
Maintenance
Typically industry has been good at identifying reliability
issues and coming up with sustainable solutions.
However, grease filters tend to be one of those items
of equipment that are installed into service and forgotten
about.
Any grease filter/strainer that is fitted to an operational
grease system must be inspected and cleaned on a routine
schedule.
Particulates and contaminants found in the filter/strainer
can form part of the plant CM or Reliability program.
Understanding what is in the grease may help form affirmative
action plans to help alleviate the problems.
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Figure 1 -
Achieve cleaner grease and reduce wear on bearings
with IRS High Pressure Grease Filters.
Figure 2 -
Wedgewire element that has been
subjected to particulates at 4100 psi or 28268 kPa
Figure 3 -
Abrasion of the slide surfaces and lead
edge of a Slide Valve Seal from a grease injector
Figure 4 -
Particles that have been filtered
from grease in a bulk container
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