The selection and application of lubricants for rotary kiln girth gears and pinions

The lubrication of rotary kiln girth gearing presents a unique combination of challenges not present in other applications. In addition to the very slow operating speeds, there are significant thermal, alignment, and cleanliness issues that need to be addressed. There are also issues with application methods, gear guards, run-in compounds, and when switching lubricants. This paper outlines these issues and discusses ways to overcome these challenges for maximum service life.