Clarence Gray
If you have a hydraulic dynamometer that helps you to test the torque and RPMs of your industrial motors, then you likely understand that the powerful piece of equipment must be kept in great condition if you want your gauges to provide accurate readings. Certain maintenance tasks must be completed often, and lubrication and water flushing are two things that should be done on a regular basis. If you have not been maintaining your dynamometer, then keep reading to understand how lubrication and flushing can be completed.
Lubrication
Your dynamometer will have a wide variety of moving parts that help to convert engine rotation into torque and RPM output so you can determine the health of the engine. The main shaft of the machine will move with a great deal of speed, since it is connected to the engine. This shaft will cause the internal rotor to spin, and water will flow in different directions around the rotor as it moves. Two sets of bearings within the dyno will assist with the movement. The parts are called the shaft and trunnion bearings. Both of these types of bearings will retain a great deal of friction, and grease or oil will help to keep bearing damage to a minimum. The lubrication will wear away over time though and will need to be replaced. In many cases, the dynamometer will vibrate more aggressively when bearings need to be greased.
All bearings can easily be lubricated from the exterior of the dyno unit. Look for either an oil cup or a grease nipple or zerk on either end of the dynamometer. If you notice cups, then you will need to add non-detergent motor oil to each cup. Add the oil up to the fill line. If you see a nipple or zerk, then you should add synthetic grease to the opening. Use a grease gun for this.
Locate the trunnion nipples next. There will be two zerks that sit on the dyno. The zerks will be close to the shaft bearing nipples if the unit uses grease for these bearings. If the shaft bearings use grease, then use the same synthetic grease for the trunnion bearings. If the unit uses oil cups, then use an all-purpose type of grease instead. Make sure that all oil cups and grease zerk covers are secure when you are finished with the lubrication and start the dyno to help move lubricants into the bearings.
Water Flushing
Many hydraulic dynos used a closed water system where water is pulled from a tank, moved through the dynamometer, and placed back into the tank. If you allow the device to sit for some time without using it, then water can become stagnant in the tank. Mold spores can make their way into the water tank or around the dyno shaft. Mold can then build inside the dynamometer. This can cause issues with the fluid movements of the water, and dyno readings may not be accurate.
In some cases, the growth of mold inside the dyno can also keep the water from picking up heat as the rotor and shaft move. Heat can build up inside the system and cause a great deal of wear and tear. To reduce these sorts of issues, make sure to flush the inside of the dyno with fresh water.
Start the flushing by removing the water intake hose that supplies water through the top of the dynamometer. Remove the water outlet hose along the bottom of the device and allow water to drain out of the unit. Close the outlet and use a hose to fill the inside of the dyno with clean water through the top inlet. Once the dyno is full, let the water drain through the bottom outlet. Do this several times until water appears clean when it releases from the device. You should drain the water supply tank and add fresh water to it as well.
For more information on dynos, contact a company like Power Test Inc.
After I started working in a factory for my grandfather, I realized that some of the equipment needed to be updated in a bad way. It was really old, and some portions were visibly breaking. I decided to make things right by finding better manufacturing equipment for him, so I started working on it right away. I was able to find an amazing deal on some new pieces to add to the workshop, and it really paid off. After about six months of using the new equipment, things were much better. This blog is all about the importance of using better equipment.