Three steps to lubrication efficiency
A
Dow Corning product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Feb 15, 2008
Plant managers can maximise plant efficiency through lubrication knowledge, oil analysis and supplier experience, says Phil Grellier.
Frequently cited studies estimate that millions of Euros are lost due to downtime, repairs and damaged equipment caused by poor lubrication.
Around the world, industrial plant managers are looking to proper lubrication practices to help minimise these losses.
"Proper lubrication is essential to a smoothly running operation.
In many cases, less friction equals improved performance, greater reliability and lower costs.
For improved performance, plant managers need only follow three simple steps.
First, stay informed.
Lubrication products and techniques are constantly changing, which means you need to stay informed.
Knowledge about a lubrication system is one of the most important ways a plant manager and staff can prevent costly downtime and repairs.
Many suppliers offer basic courses that cover the fundamentals of friction, lubricant selection, storage, handling and dispensing as well as advanced courses that teach oil analysis, contamination monitoring and control, wear debris monitoring and analysis.
Some are designed for mechanics, operators or others who have hands-on responsibility for lubrication; others provide a best practices overview for managers and supervisors who don't require technical expertise but need enough information to plan, organise, staff, and support those who do.
Secondly, implement an oil analysis programme.
A thorough oil analysis programme can track critical wear-related characteristics of oil in service by comparing the results with previous reports and noting the trends.
This will help identify contamination, lubricant degradation, abnormal machine wear, and problems with sampling.
It also can transform a lubrication programme from time-based to condition-based, eliminating unnecessary changes.
Thirdly, find a qualified lubricant specialist.
A good lubricant supplier should provide the training and tools needed to properly maintain a production line, in addition to a comprehensive product line that fills all lubrication needs.
Plant managers should expect a comprehensive suite of services from their supplier to facilitate their lubrication management.
If the supplier does not offer seminars in machinery lubrication or an effective oil analysis programme, find one that does.
With a working knowledge of the basics of machinery lubrication and careful attention to the applications and conditions of their lubricants, plant managers can be well-equipped to prevent costly damage caused by poor lubrication.
Phil Grellier is Global Solutions Development Manager with Dow Corning.
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