Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/388231
www.machinerylubrication.com | September - October 2014 | 41 You also must be sure to document the correct procedure. This will be the most effi- cient procedure that allows you to maintain the equipment in the best manner possible. Some generic procedure types are as follows: Oil Changes Depending on the machine's criticality, an oil change may consist of simply unthreading a drain plug and refilling the reservoir from a sealed container of oil. Conversely, it may entail using a filter cart with quick-connect fittings to attach the cart to the machine and removing the oil without opening the machine to the atmosphere. Regardless of the method used, each step should be detailed for the equipment in use so there can be uniformity in the completion of these tasks by every individual. Oil Sampling Again, the hardware installed will make a tremendous difference in how this task is performed. For true best-practice proce- dures, each machine should have a unique sample port installed to allow for consis- tent sampling by all professionals. Regreasing Often overlooked as a complicated task, using a grease gun incorrectly can harm not only the machine but also the user. Each regreasing procedure should highlight the safety concerns of using a grease gun as well as the proper way to apply grease, including the grease volume for each lube point. Once the correct procedure has been documented, all maintenance and lubri- cation professionals must be trained on the proper way to perform the task and follow the new procedure. This ser ves as a great proving ground for the new proce- dures and a training opportunity for all parties involved. Of course, having the best procedures means little if they aren't being followed or you don't have the necessary equipment to perform them. If the procedure requires drawing a sample from an installed sample port, there must be a sample port installed. If you will design procedures based upon how the program should be run and follow through with equipment modifications, your lubrication program will be well on its way to becoming world class. About the Author Wes Cash is a senior technical consultant with Noria Corporation. He is a mechanical engineer who holds a Machine Lubrication Technician (MLT) Level II certification and a Machine Lubri - cant Analyst (MLA) Level III certification through the International Council for Machinery Lubrica- tion (ICML). Contact Wes at wcash@noria.com to learn how Noria can help you develop best-prac- tice lubrication procedures. ML 49% of lubrication professionals have written lubrication procedures for equipment at their plant, based on a recent survey at machinerylubrication.com