Desenvolvimento de um Sistema de Qualificação de Degradação Térmica de Graxa de Poliureia em Rolamentos

Abstract

This paper proposes the development of a qualification system for polyurea grease degraded by thermal effects. The grease qualification system by color analysis, was developed using a camera and a handcrafted lens. This system was integrated with image acquisition and analysis software, using an algorithm specially designed for the treatment. With the concept of the proposed system, a methodology was developed in which images were acquired over a process of controlled thermal degradation of the polyurea grease, and later the data were processed to correlate the levels of grease degradation over time. The results obtained were compared with standardized FTIR tests (infrared by Fourier transform), which confirmed the degradation. To validate the developed methodology, the concept was applied on a test rig that simulates the characteristics of grease-lubricated bearings applied to electric motors. The proposed system obtained a satisfactory result, meeting the necessary requirements for identifying the thermal degradation of the polyurea grease based on the analysis of color change.