Certified Reliability Leader (CRL) Practice Test

What is a significant cause of failures in rotating equipment?

1. Excessive heat generation

2. Incorrectly sized bearings

3. Too much or too little grease

4. Poor employee oversight

The correct answer is: Too much or too little grease

Too much or too little grease is indeed a significant cause of failures in rotating equipment. Proper lubrication is critical for the smooth operation and longevity of bearings and other moving parts in rotating machinery. When there is too much grease, it can lead to overheating and excess pressure build-up, potentially causing seals to fail or even leading to catastrophic bearing failure due to aeration, where air pockets form in the lubricant. Conversely, insufficient lubrication results in increased friction between moving parts, leading to wear and tear, increased operating temperatures, and ultimately, equipment failure. Regular maintenance that includes checking and adjusting grease levels is essential in ensuring that rotating equipment operates efficiently without premature failures. Addressing the other choices highlights their relevance but shows that they do not directly capture the critical role of proper lubrication. Excessive heat generation can be a byproduct of improper lubrication but is not solely a cause if the lubrication itself is in the right amount. Incorrectly sized bearings can lead to failures as well, but they are considered more of a design flaw rather than an operational issue that can be managed through routine maintenance. Poor employee oversight can indeed contribute to equipment failure, but it is often related to lapses in maintenance practices that can lead to lubrication issues, rather than being a direct cause by