Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/572212
in order to help maintain the oil cleanliness. I also have plans to implement a bulk oil storage and delivery system for our carbon-dioxide compressors. Q: What have been some of the biggest project successes in which you've played a part? A: I have introduced better oil and flam- mable product storage cabinets along with the use of color-coded transfer containers for our different oils. This includes matching tags on the oil-filling totes and related equipment. I have also introduced clear- tube, color-coded grease guns and changed grease suppliers to consolidate the main greases used at the plant from six down to three. In addition, I have shifted our oil change strategy with our larger equipment from time-based oil changes to condi- tion-based oil changes that are dependent upon oil analysis. Q: How does your company view machinery lubrication in terms of importance and overall busi- ness strategy? A: My company understands that there is a great need for a detailed lubrication program and has given me the latitude to develop and implement many of the lubri- cation strategies I have learned. It has been proven numerous times that machinery failures can be predicted or mitigated with early detection of wear particles and contamination through oil analysis. Our lubrication program is a vital part of our overall reliability vision to maintain viable and sustainable success for our facility. Q: What do you see as some of the more important trends taking place in the lubrication and oil analysis field? A: I feel that tribology has been the runt of the litter for many years. Most companies do not have a dedicated or even certified lubrication specialist at their facility. Education, training and recognition are the keys to the future. Contamination control is also critical to maintain reliability, and many manufacturers are stepping up to provide the best defense against this. Q: What has made your company decide to put more emphasis on machinery lubrication? A: After a few machinery failures at our facility, my company has realized that machinery lubrication is needed to ensure reliability. Lubricants rarely fail. The damage usually occurs because of contam- ination, water or heat. I have developed or improved our program in nearly every aspect thanks to the support and confi- dence of my supervisors. By proving how a well-maintained and executed lubrication program can increase reliability at our facility, my company is now expanding its machinery lubrication strategies to our other facilities. Be Featured in the Next 'Get to Know' Section WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE FEATURED IN THE NEXT "GET TO KNOW" section or know someone who should be profiled in an upcoming issue of Machinery Lubrication magazine? Nominate yourself or fellow lubri- cation professionals by emailing a photo and contact information to editor@noria.com.