Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1206285
documentation indicating any damage or concerns with the packaging, along with the reception date and batch date. Testing proce- dures should detail how and where to pull a sample, as well as which oil analysis tests the laboratory should perform. Handling proce- dures should specify the correct labeling and tagging process and ensure first-in/first-out practices are carried out. Lubrication Room In the lubrication room, the procedures and documentation generally fall under the umbrella of confirming proper maintenance and upkeep of transfer equipment. ese procedures typically consist of inspecting and cleaning bulk storage containers, satellite cabinets, transfer containers and filter carts. ese simple work instructions can help your team be more proactive. e tasks can be measured by creating 5-S audits to confirm effective follow-through. Routine Inspections Route-ba sed docu ment at ion of ten involves visual inspections utilizing both instrumentation and the human senses. Ensuring maintenance personnel "observe" and not just "see" will be key for good inspec- tions. Recognizing specific sounds, normal gauge readings and how equipment usually operates can offer insight for addressing unheeded maintenance and reliability issues. rough effective training, communication and documentation, a quick operator round or flashlight inspection can provide critical asset information. Routine Lubrication Replenishment Routine replenishment is another aspect of frequency-based lubrication tasks. Documen- tation of these procedures should identify how regreasing, oil draining, flushing and refilling practices should be performed. Inconsistent greasing volumes, cross-contamination and improper flushing techniques will lead to lubri- cation-related problems, so documentation of these tasks is essential. On-Condition Routes An on-condition route refers to a consis- tent, triggered response based on an inspection. ese procedures should describe how to top up oil, replace a desiccant breather or change a plugged filter. While these may seem like simple tasks, there are certain details that may require follow-up. Sampling It is important to have sequential steps for the sampling process, from confirming proper field techniques to verifying the appropriate tests. Missing information and analyzing poorly collected samples will jeopardize the opportunity to catch potential failures before they occur. With sampling, the goal should be to maximize data density and minimize data disturbance. Contamination Control Contamination control is one element within a lubrication program that many sites have begun to address. However, there usually is still low-hanging fruit to be picked. e lubrication team must understand all the possible contaminants in their facility, how and when they are likely to enter a system, and the most effective strategies for excluding and removing them. Exclusion vs. Removal Strategies More emphasis should be placed on exclu- sion strategies, since it is much easier and more cost effective to prevent contaminants from entering a lubricant than it is to remove them once they have made their way into the system. Minimizing exposure during the handling process greatly lowers the opportu- nity for contamination. Among the methods used to limit exposure include utilizing quick disconnects, reducing the number of times a lubricant is handled, optimizing transfer container openings, and outfitting assets with suitable headspace management hardware and seals. Removal strategies should not be ignored either, as they will be quite helpful in the continuing process of ensuring your lubricants remain clean, cool and dry. Hardware Determining the right contamination control hardware to add to a piece of equip- ment primarily comes down to understanding PERSPECTIVE 36 | January - February 2020 | www . machinerylubrication.com Reliability and PdM Professionals Lubrication Management Professionals Lubrication Technicians Machinery Lubricant Analysts Mechanics & Craftsmen Operators General Managers & Supervisors Machinery Lubrication I (Cert. MLT I) Required Required Required Required Required Optional But Recommended Optional But Recommended Machinery Lubrication II (Cert. MLT II) Optional Personal Development Only Required Required For Program Managers Optional But Recommended Optional Personal Development Only Optional Personal Development Only Optional Personal Development Only Oil Analysis I & II (Cert. MLA I & II) Required Required Optional But Recommended Required Optional But Recommended Optional But Recommended Optional But Recommended Oil Analysis III (Cert. MLA III) Required For Program Managers Required Optional Personal Development Only Optional But Recommended Optional Personal Development Only Optional Personal Development Only Optional Personal Development Only An example of a training matrix for individuals involved in a lubrication program