Table of contents
Table of contentsHeater InstallationHeater Initiation ProcessKRL Module InstallationMount the KRL upper holder on the upper driveMount the self-adjusting platformAdaptor plate must be installedConnecting Temperature Sensor and Power CablesRemoving the loading part from the bearing inner ringInstalling the bearing outer ringInstalling the bearing roller and inner ring inside the outer ringFilling the housing with the test lubricantInstalling the coverInstalling the KRL onto the platformKRL Module CleaningRemoving the outer ring using the extractorCleaning procedureComponents inspectionKRL Test InitiationStart the heaterPrepare and Start the KRL Recipe
Remove the fast-exchange plate
- Lower the Z axis all the ways down first for an easier access.
- Remove the fast exchange attachement from the Z-Axis by loosening the 4 screws holding it.
The upper drive will be directly fixed to the Z stage without the fast exchange attachement.
Install the Fz load cell
- Fasten the 4 captives screws as shown below.
The 4-pin holder of the Fz load cell must face downwards.
The slot connector of the load cell must be pointing to the right.
Slide in the upper drive
- Slide the upper drive into the load cell pins.
Please pay attention to the notch, circled in orange, which must point towards the back.
After sliding it in, the upper rotary drive is now supported by the 4-pins.
- To secure the upper drive, tighten the 3 captives screws using a 5/32" Allen key.
There is only one captive screw on the right.
Connect the cables
Heater Installation
Heater Initiation Process
- Plug in the supply cable and switch on the heater
- Fill the reservoir with purified water until the blue part is submerged
- Connect the two liquid tubes/hoses and tighten them using the collets provided.
- Select the temperature and duration condition
- KRL Default:
- Temperature: 60°C
- Duration: 1260 mins (21h)
Check for possible leaks by starting the machine after closing the liquid circuit. To do so, increase the flow power using the knob at the back then press and hold the run button on the screen.
Once the above mentioned steps have been completed, the heater is ready to be turned on prior to starting the test.
KRL Module Installation
Mount the KRL upper holder on the upper drive
It consists of three parts, the KRL pressing head (plunger), the tightening rings and the collet.
Insert the shaft of the plunger into the collet.
• Hold the drive in place using the included 36 mm wrench.
• Use the ER-32 wrench (provided in the kit) to tighten the collet securely.
Insert the shaft of the plunger into the collet.
• Hold the drive in place using the included 36 mm wrench.
• Use the ER-32 wrench (provided in the kit) to tighten the collet securely.
Mount the self-adjusting platform
- Position the bottom self-centering platform onto the base.
- Secure it using the four captive screws with a 9/64" Allen key.
Adaptor plate must be installed
The dimensions of the keyed pins differ from those of the standard 4-ball plate; therefore, the keyed pin of the KRL is aligned on the Y-axis, contrary to the 4-ball's X-axis alignment.
Connecting Temperature Sensor and Power Cables
Removing the loading part from the bearing inner ring
- Before filling the housing with lubricant, you must separate the loading part from the bearing. The loading part may be harder to remove following a test, you may need to press it harder or use tools to extract it.
Installing the bearing outer ring
Install the outer ring first as per the following picture
Installing the bearing roller and inner ring inside the outer ring
- Install the bearing roller and inner ring (4) inside the outer ring (5)
Filling the housing with the test lubricant
- Fill the KRL housing including the tapered roller bearing with 40.0 ml+/- 0.5 ml of test lubricant.
- Position the loading part on top of the bearing without applying any load.
If the loading part is pushed in position in this step, the liquid will overflow
Installing the cover
- Place and fully hand-tighten the cover (3) on the housing (5)
- Once the cover is secured, you can push the loading part into its final positon.
- Finally, you can place the liquid ring on top of the KRL setup to avoid any spillage from occuring during the KRL test.
Installing the KRL onto the platform
KRL Module Cleaning
Removing the outer ring using the extractor
- Put the extractor wings below the bearing outer ring as shown below
- Fasten the upper screw of the extractor to remove the outer ring from the housing.
Cleaning procedure
Prior to the test, clean the housing, housing cover, bearing components, loading cone and pressing-head with a cleaning solvent. For example, heptane. Then, dry each component in a stream of dry air or with clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
Components inspection
The different bearing components (outer and inner ring, cage and roller) should be
carefully inspected for evidence of mechanical damage, surface deposits, corrosion or thermal staining. Normal wear of the outer ring and rollers is indicated by a matt grey surface with light circumferential scratching. If damage due to pitting, scoring or surface staining is observed or if surface deposits cannot be remove by the cleaning procedure previously mentioned, the tapered roler bearing should be replaced.
carefully inspected for evidence of mechanical damage, surface deposits, corrosion or thermal staining. Normal wear of the outer ring and rollers is indicated by a matt grey surface with light circumferential scratching. If damage due to pitting, scoring or surface staining is observed or if surface deposits cannot be remove by the cleaning procedure previously mentioned, the tapered roler bearing should be replaced.
Inspect the O-ring fitted to the housing and ensure that it are properly located and free from damage.
KRL Test Initiation
Start the heater
Set the temperature to 60°C and adjust the flow of water if needed.
Wait for the temperature to stabilize at 60°C ± 1°C.
Prepare and Start the KRL Recipe
Select the KRL Recipe, modify the file saving directory (In “Data Logging” ⇒ “Select File”).
Realize the homing of the instrument.
Go to “Sample Info” and fill the desired information
Go to “Data Logging” and modify the saving directory.
Go to the “Run” tab and start the recipe.
The following part explains the parameters of the recipe.
Recipe explanation
Step 1: Reposition
In this step, both TS and Fz sensors will be biased to 0. The X and Y axis will go to their home position.
Step 2: Load Application and Heating
In this step, the load will be applied to 5000°C. The lower heater will start heating up for 15 minutes to stabilize the temperature.
Step 3: Reposition
In this step, the Z axis will rise above the contact and both TS and Fz sensors will be biased to 0 again, to counter any temperature induced load reading.
Step 4: KRL Test
The KRL test will start with the following parameters:
- Speed: 1475 RPM
- Temperature: 60°C
- Load: 5000N
- Duration: 1740000 revolutions.
Sample Info
The Radius was set to 27mm (average of outer and inner diameter) for the calculations of the COF.
Data Logging
The following information are recorded as per the standard:
- Rotational Speed
- Number of Revolutions
- Load (Fz)
- Temperature
The following information are recorded to provide additional information:
- TS
- COF
Test Analysis
To analyze the KRL COF, loads, temperature and other results, you will need to open the file using Rtec analysis software.
The KRL analysis is also based on the relative change of kinematic viscosity of the test fluid at 100°C before and after the test procedure.
The kinematic viscosity needs to be determined using and external product.
Contact & Support
For technical support or further assistance, please contact:
Rtec-Instruments Support
support@rtec-instruments.com
+1 (408) 708-9226
Manual Version | Date | Update Description |
2025-AS-01A-EN | 08/2025 | Initial Manual Version |
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