Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1449093
www.machinerylubrication.com | January - February 2022 | 23 ML ML ML low viscosity flushing oil that is compatible with the in-service lubricant. In machinery lubrica- tion, the number one goal is to keep any and all contaminants out of the machine or bearing, even if it doesn't have lubrication when it arrives at the facility. is is an especially important step. Storage Space — Just like lubricant storage and handling, you want to make sure of a few key factors when it comes to the space in which the equipment is being stored. Preferably, the storage space is dedicated just to stored equipment. Secondly, the space needs to be climate controlled if at all possible. Just like a lube room, we want the space to be clean, organized and at a main- tainable temperature. If at all possible, there needs to be spill containment and fire extin- guishing capabilities, whether that is a couple of extinguishers on the wall or a room with a pre-existing sprinkler system. Most storage spaces aren't a high risk for fires, but in the industrial world, ANY THING is possible. Remember, this is an explanation of best prac- tice or the ideal way of storing. I like to think of it as best-effort rather than best practice because sometimes best practice isn't all that practical with what each facility has on hand. Storage Lubricants — ere are many different storable components to consider when deciding if it needs to be stored with lubricant in it or not. Some machines come pre-lubricated from the manufacturer; some don't. e best thing to do is to look at the OEM manual and find out the OEM recommended lubricant for that specific machine or bearing. Most of the time, the manual will also give recommendations on how to store this piece of equipment. e best thing to do is follow that recommendation, but if there is no OEM recom- mendation, there are certain ways to store oiled components versus greased ones: • Oiled Components — Cleanliness is para- mount. Grease can handle certain contaminants better than oil, so making sure that the oiled component is clean, flushed and completely plugged during storage is important. ere is no telling how long some of this equipment will be stored. e primary concern is the headspace of the unit; either fill it to the top with oil or utilize what is known as a vapor phase corrosion inhibitor (VPCI). is will help prevent corrosion caused by oxidation. However, if you fill it all the way, be sure to inspect around the seals and plugs to ensure there is no leakage. • Greased Components — Commonly, people think that lithium grease has a shelf life of twelve months, which in most cases is probably pretty close. But what about the grease that is in stored equipment? Gener- ally, it is best practice to clean and ensure that no contaminants can make their way into the bearings, but bearings are usually pretty tough. No matter if it is a greased or oiled component, when the item is stored we'll want to periodically rotate the shafts or race to keep the additives from settling in the oiled components. We want to keep the grease from bleeding from the greased components. is is why spill contain- ment, fireproofing and climate control are so important for storing spare equipment; it's all about lubrication excellence. ML About the Author Paul Farless is an industrial service technician for Noria Corporation. His duties include collecting data and preparing reports for the engineering team. Prior to joining Noria, Paul worked as an automotive maintenance technician for an auto-repair service company. He also served four years in the U.S. Navy as a gunner's mate third-class petty officer and as a seaman deckhand, where he was responsible for the troubleshooting and maintenance of electromechanical and hydraulic systems. A detail-oriented team player, Paul works well in fast-paced environments and uses his military background to excel and maximize efficiency.