ABSTRACT
More than any other prime mover, electric motors, in their various embodiments, drive industry. These motors are employed to drive pumps, fans, hydraulic units, cranes, and a host of other applications too numerous to name. A number of factors influence motor reliability, including design, manufacture, selection, installation, operating environment, and context and maintenance. In all instances, however, to operate effectively, efficiently, and dependably, electric motors must be properly lubricated. Recent investigations by the IEEE and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) reported that 44% and 41%, respectively, of all motor failures are bearing related. Many of these failures can be attributed in some form to ineffective lubrication, most notably overlubrication, underlubrication, contamination, improper lubricant selection, and mixing of incompatible lubricants.
