E-Lub Tester

Test rig for the characterization of the electrical lubricant properties in rolling bearings by use of the FBT four-ball tester

The E-Lub Tester determines the ohmic resistance and capacitance of your rolling bearing, thus of the lubricant used therein, under real operating conditions applied by the FBT four-ball tester.

For this, a high-precision impedance measurement is used, which was developed based on flucon's EPSILON+ laboratory instrument.

In addition, the E-Lub Tester enables EDM breakdown currents to be analyzed under a defined electrical load on the bearing so that the performance of greases and oils in rolling bearings can be specifically investigated under variable operating conditions (lubricant temperature, speed, load).

 

Key features

• determination of the lubricant impedance in rolling bearings
• suitable for axial roller bearings (type 51208) and radial ball bearings (type 6008)
• determination of ohmic resistance and capacitance
• EDM analysis (short-circuit-Scan): measurement of electrical breakdowns and ohmic currents during operation
• variable operating parameters: E-Lub Tester: lubricant temperature (automatic control), electrical load (common-mode voltage); FBT: running time, speed, load (all relevant data is stored in the program)
• automated measuring programs
• includes intuitive software for control and measurement with a Windows PC
• includes impedance calibrator

 

Main components

The E-Lub Tester consists of two main components: the FBT adapter serves as a rolling bearing carrier and it also includes the impedance and temperature sensors.

 

The control cabinet complements the composition. It holds the impedance meter as well as additional electronics for application of the electrical load and for the analysis of the EDM performance.

A fluid circulator is used as a thermostat and can be connected to the FBT adapter for automated temperature control of the bearing and its lubricant.

With the included PC software each test can be carried out automatically within a desired temperature range.

Background: breakdown currents in the lubrication gap

With the electrification making bigger progress every day, the electrical and dielectric properties of oils and greases are becoming more and more important. Lubricants used in the rolling bearings must have a certain specific conductivity so that static charges and resulting electrical breakdowns can be minimized to prevent damage to both bearings and lubricants.

The investigations of bearing-based spark erosion or Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) are relatively new. It is now known, however, that in addition to friction, electric breakdowns also occur in rolling bearings as a common phenomenon that causes considerable damage to the bearing shells: sudden discharges with high currents lead to pitting damage, i.e. crater and corrugation formations in the running surfaces.

Alos, the lubricant in the bearing ages excessively when the breakdown voltage is reached: local overtemperatures in the lubrication gap cause permanent damage to greases and oils so that the lubrication is severely affected.

Impedance measurement under real-life conditions - with laboratory-like accuracies

With flucon's E-Lub Tester it is now possible to determine the lubricant impedance directly in the rolling bearing, under real process conditions. The proven technology of the EPSILON+ lab meter is used for the measurement to give you maximum accuracy.

Intuitive software for automated testing

Both impedance measurement and EDM analysis of your lubricant can be carried out automatically, thanks to the included software for your Windows PC. Various standardized and custom operating modes are available.

Fields of application

The characteristic data generated with the E-Lub Tester can be used in lubricant development as well as for the following exemplary applications:

• electric motors with variable speed
• e-mobility
• gear technology
• railway technology
• wind turbines

Available now: In-house demo and service testing

On request, we can carry out measurements for you using our in-house equipment. This is, of course, possible according to the draft standard or also with individual boundary conditions suitable for you (with variable filling quantity, temperature, speed, load, applied voltage signal, running time).

Simply send in your lubricant sample and receive an extensive test report within a few work days.

Any questions about the test services by means of our E-Lub Tester? Please do not hesitate to contact us!

Technical specifications - E-Lub Tester

Determined data	ohmic resistance, capacitance, breakdown frequency (number & amplitude of EDM currents)
Compatible substances	Greases and oils
Bearing types	51208 (coming soon: 6008)
Material - FBT adapter	stainless steel with PEEK housing and assembly handle
Temperature measurement	PT100 by bearing
Temperature range	20°C to 120°C
Load	2.400 N max.
Speed	6.000 rpm max.
Frequency range	100 Hz to 10 MHz
Common-Mode Voltage	60 V max. (peak to peak)
Connectivity	USB, ethernet
Power supply	230 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Scope of delivery	FBT adapter (rolling bearing carrier) with sensor cables, mounting mandrel & ball, control unit in Rittal cabinet, "flucon E-LUB" PC software (for Windows OS)
optional accessories	Fluid thermostat w/ compressor, set of hoses, laptop