Deep Freezing of Foods Gear Lubrication

The  primary  mechanical  device  concerned  with  freezing  of  foodstuffs  is a  compressor. Many  compressors, used in  refrigeration, depend upon  forced  feed  lubrication and this  feed  is provided in many  cases by  either  gear  pumps or gear  driven  pumps. In both instances, the  oil  being  circulated  provides lubrication for the  gears and is  selected on the basis of that  needed for  the  compressor cylinders and  the bearings. While  deep  freezing is followed in most cases by  conveyor handling, either of packages  or of  containers, the lubrication of  conveyor drives  follows  conventional  practice and therefore, will not  be  detailed. If  reduction gears for conveyors  should  operate in cold rooms, an oil of about  100 viscosity SUS  at 100 degree F and with a pour  point  no  higher than  -40 degree F  should  be used  in  the gear case.

Compressors and Gear Lubrication

Gearing in connection with compressors, whether for air, gas or refrigeration, is almost entirely confined to auxiliary functions. Some  air  conditioning units  have  gear  pumps to provide  forced  feed  lubrication  for  the  equipment. Also, some portable air compressors have gear driven rotary oil pumps. In either case lubrication of the gears may be by the crank case oil.