In the cement industry, the ATOX vertical roller mill (VRM) is widely used for raw material, coal, and cement grinding. Proper roller lubrication is critical to ensure smooth operation, reduce wear, and extend component life. Below is a detailed breakdown of the lubrication system in an ATOX mill:
1. Roller Lubrication System in ATOX VRM
The ATOX mill has hydraulic cylinders that apply grinding pressure to the rollers. The lubrication system ensures smooth movement of rollers and minimizes friction between sliding surfaces.
# Key Components:
– Hydraulic cylinders (for grinding pressure)
– Piston seals & bearings (require lubrication)
– Slide shoes / roller bearings (if applicable)
– Centralized lubrication system (automatic greasing)
# Lubrication Points:
– Roller bearings (if equipped with bearings instead of sliding shoes)
– Piston seals & hydraulic cylinder surfaces
– Guide tracks & sliding surfaces
2. Types of Lubricants Used
Depending on the design (sliding shoe or roller bearings), different lubricants are used:
| Component | Lubricant Type | Typical Specification |
|———–|————–|———————-|
| Roller Bearings | High-temperature grease | NLGI 2 or 3, EP additives |
| Hydraulic System | Anti-wear hydraulic oil | ISO VG 46 or 68 |
| Slide Shoes / Guide Tracks | Special high-pressure grease | Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) based |
3. Lubrication Intervals & Best Practices
– Automatic Lubrication System: Many ATOX mills use an automatic greasing system with timers.
– Manual Greasing: Some mills require periodic manual greasing (~every 8–12 hours).
– Oil Change Intervals: Hydraulic oil should be checked regularly and replaced per OEM recommendations (~6–12 months).
– Monitoring: Regular inspection for leaks, contamination, or abnormal wear.
4. Common Lubrication Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|——-|————–|———-|
| Overheating rollers | Insufficient lubrication / wrong grease type | Check grease grade & increase frequency |
| Hydraulic oil contamination | Water ingress / particle contamination | Replace oil, check seals |
| Excessive wear on slide shoes | Poor lubrication / misalignment | Adjust grease quantity & inspect alignment |
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