Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1061099
Yanbu Cement Co. e Yanbu Cement Co. (YCC) was the fi rst cement company in Saudi Arabia to have its lubrication program managed by an individual certifi ed by the International Council for Machinery Lubrication. In 2017, YCC formed a stand-alone lubrication divi- sion with the primary focus of developing lubricant storage and handling. e plant had been utilizing 10 diff erent lubricant storage areas, which contributed to higher consumption. ese storage areas also did not meet best practices, as they were in an open location with no fi ltration or breather system. Lubricant drums were stored in an open area and exposed to cement dust and Suez Environment Suez Environment is one of Eg ypt's leading wastewater treatment companies. When the company began its journey to improve its lubrication program, oil drums were being stored outside and were exposed to the elements. ere was also limited storage for oil barrels and grease pails, so lubricants were stored in various areas of the plant. In addition, the lubricant-handling process was very labor-intensive. Oil was dispensed without any caps, and the grease type was not identifi ed on grease guns. Although the lubricant types and grades were separated, it was challenging to always keep them in the allocated space. Prime Oil was brought in to provide best-practice training for maintenance and operations personnel. Many superintendents and managers also attended the classes. One of the training's objectives was to upgrade the lubricant storage and handling area as well as to raise awareness about the importance of lubrication. Following the training, new practices were implemented to optimize the operating conditions and enhance lubricant storage and handling. An investment in a new oil storage and dispensing system helped to eliminate wasted space, time and labor. Inventory is now prop- erly maintained, and employees have a much safer and more ergonomic working envi- ronment. Ineffi cient lubricant transfers are avoided with the new system, while cleaning up after spills, labor costs and absorbent purchases have decreased. e number of in-process drums and employee downtime have also been reduced. New signage has helped to ensure that the fi rst-in/fi rst-out (FIFO) method is followed. Job aids and work instructions also guarantee that all employees use the same process. e newly designed lube room is located inside a large shed with proper ventilation, lighting and facilities for cool, clean and dry storage of lubricants and containers. Transfer containers for storing and transporting various lubricant types and grades help to avoid the possibility of cross-contamination. All previous grease guns were discarded, and a new gun was designated for each grease type. ese are the only grease guns utilized in the plant. is allows personnel to identify which guns are currently in use. e grease guns are also calibrated and equipped with a tag, which includes the volume dispensed per pump and the date checked. The previous lube storage was in a partially open area, which made it diffi cult to keep lubricant containers clean, cool and dry. The newly designed lube room is located inside a large shed with proper ventilation, lighting and facilities for cool, clean and dry storage of lubricants and containers. YCC previously stored lubricants in 10 diff erent areas that were exposed to cement dust. BEFORE BEFORE AFTER LUBE ROOM CHALLENGE 14 | November - December 2018 | www . machinerylubrication.com