|
More often than not improvements can be made to either the selection of lubricants or lubricating techniques. Lubrisolve Engineering Solutions Ltd. can undertake a complete assessment of either one particular item, or an entire plant, to provide you with a solution. For a plant, a comprehensive Lubrication Report could be issued to cover all aspects of lubrication from delivery through to storage, application, and waste disposal, thereby ensuring that both lubricating and plant efficiency are maximised. We’ll possibly come up with ideas that you probably hadn’t thought of. Once the Lubrication Report has been compiled we will sit down with you to discuss it's findings and jointly decide on the way forward to assist you in improving the efficiency of your business. When evaluating lubricants and lubricating techniques for any particular industry, be it a specific application or an entire plant, there are many factors that must be taken into consideration. Firstly, the lubricant has to be selected, and the items below are some of the many points that Lubrisolve Engineering Solutions Ltd. would take note of.
It is essential to take note of specific manufacturers recommendations which come in many forms, from labels fixed directly to plant, to operating and maintenance manuals, and to commissioning consultants reports. This is especially important if the plant is new and still under warranty.
Sometimes the labels affixed to plant might list lubricants that have become outdated, or may not even exist any more. How can you be sure that you are using a lubricant that is currently approved by the manufacturer or suitable for the application?
How often is the plant used? Does a pump shaft bearing really need to be greased monthly if it is only used on stand-by?
The skills and availability of the manpower utilised to
lubricate the plant is a very important consideration. If dedicated labour
is not readily available then perhaps automatic or semi-automatic
lubrication systems could be used to some degree, or even different types of
lubricants? If the proficiency of the labour is doubtful then simplifying
the tasks with, perhaps, clearer and more concise method statements may be
the answer.
Current lubricating practices
and lubrication systems installed have to be noted. It is no
good having a constant level oiler installed on a pump, for
example, if they are not being checked regularly.
All lubrication tasks must be able to be undertaken
safely with no undue risk to the lubricating technicians health or safety.
All recommendations concerning lubricants or their method of application
must take these points seriously into account.
Are existing lubricating systems suitable for use?
Perhaps, some systems were installed many years previously and the
lubricated item has been changed or up-rated? Technology has also advanced
and it may be the case that newer, more modern lubricants do not need the
use of such systems. Indeed, if any such systems exist then they need to be
checked to see if they are functioning correctly. It may be the case that a
lubricated item would benefit greatly from having a system installed.
It is extremely useful to have some idea as to the
quantity of lubricant required. For example, knowing the capacity of an oil
lubricated system helps when an oil change is required, as does the amount
of grease required to re-lubricate a bearing so as to reduce the likelihood
of bursting a seal if too much grease is used, or increasing the likelihood
of premature failure if an insufficient quantity is recommended.
Additionally, the lubricating technician needs to know how often to inspect
oil lubricated systems or re-grease bearings, as well as how often to take
oil samples if a condition monitoring programme has been instigated.
It is important to know details of the existing
lubricant used because compatibility may be an issue. There could be
disastrous consequences if this fact is ignored. Perhaps there are specific
user preferences for a particular reason.
Lubricant selection is often influenced by current or
historic lubrication problems.
The exact location of a lubricated point needs to be
known so that either the correct equipment can be used to facilitate its
lubrication or improvements made to make the point more accessible.
It can be very useful to label lubricated items so that
the required information is at the point of lubrication. Such a label can
take many forms and the information required will vary from business to
business but we can advise on the most appropriate type. A label may be
required that details all of the lubrication for an item of plant, or simply
for individual items.
Improvements often need to be made to storage areas
either for safety reasons, ease of access and dispensing, or for
environmental regulations conformity. Equally important is ensuring that
mobile dispensing systems are sufficient to make the tasks of lubrication as
efficient as possible. |
