Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/120548
Possible Causes of a Leak The following list does not include all of the possible root causes of a failure, but it does encompass the majority of the top contributors. Improper assembly • There are multiple fittings on the market today. Making sure the fittings match is critical to their function. • Over-tightening can lead to structural damage of the fittings. • Under-tightening will result in improper sealing. • Hoses that are too long or in a hazardous environment have a higher likelihood of being damaged. Poor maintenance practices • Improper or lack of cleanliness while reassembling components • Becoming complacent with inspections or routine cleaning functions • Not fixing the source of the leak because it is easier to just top-up the sump Adverse operating conditions • Large temperature swings can cause fittings to loosen over time. • Process waste and debris can eventually contribute to leakage. • High levels of particulate ingression can promote leakage. • Natural weather elements and sunlight can degrade seals. Contamination • Contamination causes premature degradation of surfaces and seals. • An external leak not only will allow lubricant to exit the system but may also allow contaminants to enter. Vibration • Excessive vibration can cause fittings and hoses to become loose and experience premature wear. • Hose abrasion is one of the most common causes of hose failure. added directly to the bottom line. So the next time you walk by that small puddle on the floor or that drip from a fitting, I want you to see dollar signs. About the Author Jeremy Wright is vice president of technical services for Noria Corporation. He serves as a senior technical consultant for Lubrication Program Development projects and as a senior instructor for Noria's Fundamentals of Machinery Lubrication and Advanced Machinery Lubrication training. He is a certified maintenance reliability professional through the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals, and holds Machine Lubricant Analyst Level III and Machine Lubrication Technician Level II certifications through the International Council for Machinery Lubrication. Contact Jeremy at jwright@noria.com. Finally, you must exercise proper contamination control. This not only will help with leaks but also will offer huge improvements in machine reliability. It is estimated that more than 100 million gallons of fluid leak from machines every year in North America. How much are you contributing to this number? At nearly every plant I've visited recently, I can calculate enough money lost to employ an entire team of technicians whose sole purpose is to identify and stop leaks. Down the drain are going hundreds of thousands of dollars that could have been www.machinerylubrication.com | March - April 2013 | 11