Thrust bearings, Lubricate the bearings after a shutdown period, Lubricating-grease requirements – Goulds Pumps API 3171 - IOM User Manual
Page 42

Thrust bearings
The pump comes with a grease-lubricated duplex thrust bearing. The bearing is pre-lubricated at the
factory. Regrease the bearing according to the schedule in the following table.
Table 4: Lubricating intervals in operating hours
Drive-unit size
group
Below 1800 RPM 1800 RPM
3000 RPM
3600 RPM
S/ST
2,000
2,000
1,200
750
M/MT
2,000
1,800
800
450
L
2,000
1,200
—
—
Lubricate the bearings after a shutdown period
1. Flush out the bearings and bearing frame with a light oil to remove contaminants.
During flushing, make sure to rotate the shaft slowly by hand.
2. Flush the bearing housing with the proper lubricating oil to ensure oil quality after cleaning.
Lubricating-grease requirements
Precautions
NOTICE:
• Never mix greases of different consistencies (NLGI 1 or 3 with NLGI 2) or with different thickeners.
For example, never mix a lithium-based grease with a polyurea-based grease. Doing so may result in
decreased performance.
• Remove the bearings and old grease if you need to change the grease type or consistency. Failure to
do so may result in equipment damage or decreased performance.
Bearing temperature
Bearing temperatures are generally about 20°F (18°C) greater than bearing-housing outer surface
temperatures.
This table shows the type of grease required for the operating temperature of the pump.
Bearing temperature
Type of grease
5°F to 230°F (-15°C to 110°C)
Use a lithium-based mineral-oil grease with a
consistency of NLGI 2.
Exceed 350°F (177°C)
Use a high-temperature grease. Mineral-oil greases
should have oxidation stabilizers and a consistency
of NGLI 3.
Grease recommendations based on temperature
Most pumps use Sunoco 2EP grease. High temperature units that can pump fluids with a temperature
greater than 350°F (177°C) use Mobil SCH32.
This table shows which brand of grease to use when lubricating the pump.
Brand
When temperature of pumped
fluid is less than 350°F (177°C)
– NLGI consistency 2
When temperature of pumped
fluid is greater than350°F
(177°C) – NLGI consistency 3
Mobil
Mobilux EP2
SCH32
Exxon
Unirex N2
Unirex N3
Sunoco
Mutipurpose 2EP
N/A
SKF
LGMT 2
LGMT 3
Maintenance
40
Model API 3171 Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual