Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1412702
26 | September - October 2021 | www . machinerylubrication.com Playing the Long Game With Condition Monitoring Often in Machinery Lubrication magazine, there are informative articles about condi- tion monitoring, lubricant analysis, and troubleshooting. However, there has yet to be an article that actually trains the reader. My goal is to provide a brief training guide to condition monitoring inspections for mechanics, lubricators and even some operators. is will serve as more of a reference, or a "how-to," regarding condition monitoring hardware inspections. Condition Monitoring and Associated Cost Condition Monitoring is the process of monitoring a parameter of condition in machinery (lubrication, vibration, temperature, etc.) in order to identify a significant change that is indicative of a developing fault. Condition monitoring is a proactive approach to maintenance and lubri- cation, and we want to stay vigilant with our machinery in order to keep it and our plant operating as smoothly as possible. Granted, a large part of how well or poorly a plant performs in this area could be due to the nature of what is being manufactured. For example, a cement plant has literal tons of excess dust covering the machinery. It is nearly impossible to keep clean, much less monitor the condition of the lubricant. Knowing this, I feel as if I need to write a disclaimer: I understand that in these "severely dirty" types of manufacturing, some condition monitoring practices and tasks just can't be completed, simply due to the amount of contaminants and even the product itself nearly burying the machine. It sounds unlikely, but we do see it quite often. What facili- ties like this should focus on is the machinery that can be saved. If the pump is filled with product, such as asphalt, sealant, corn dust, cement, and sometimes even process fluids, and that material/contaminant is covering sight glasses, vent plugs, or breathers, that pump is just too far gone. I would consider that unsavable, meaning it will cost more personnel hours and money to recover it rather than just replace it and start with a clean slate. When managing a condi- tion monitoring program, the facility needs to spend money to save money, having faith that it will save even more money in the long run. Remember, we're playing the long game; you will not see too many instant large sum savings right out of the gate. Condition Monitoring Hardware On the front lines of condi- tion monitoring are the personnel. Humans come with a set of condi- Factor: A8M Learn More: noria.com/ascend/ Factor: A8M – Troubleshooting and Root Cause Analysis Level: Management and Training(M) Stage: Condition Monitoring, Lubricant Analysis and Troubleshooting About: The overall degree of plant reliability varies in proportion to team education on condition monitoring, lubricant analysis and trouble - shooting topics. CONDITION MONITORING, LUBRICANT ANALYSIS AND TROUBLESHOOTING More about this ASCEND ™ Factor Paul Farless | Noria Corporation