Improved lubrication and the consequent reduction of friction on
gear sets can result in energy savings of up to 15%, suggests
international research. Benefits can accumulate from fuel
savings as well as a reduction in carbon emissions, South
African Institute of Tribology (SAIT) president Patrick Swan
tells Engineering News. Recent nanotechnology research, which
exam- ines molecular structure and the effects between two
surfaces, has been useful for industries that use gears and
bearings. Swan explains that if the surface texture of a gear or
bearing is changed, friction can be reduced. The current
research in this field attempts to understand the relationship
between surfaces on the molecular level and create new bearings,
for instance, with characteristics for the least amount of
friction possible. Research suggests that changing from mono-
grade to multigrade hydraulic fluids in construction and mining
equipment can result in significant energy savings. Energy and
fuel- efficiency technologies available t