Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/147079
INDUSTRY FOCUS LUBRICANT STORAGE & HANDLING Monroe County, N.Y. In 2012, the Monroe County wastewater treatment facility in Rochester, N.Y., evaluated the condition of its lube room and found it to be "average." Plant personnel realized there was more to building a lube room than just cleaning up a space and installing oil dispensing and transferring devices. A lot of research needed to be done. A wall was knocked down to make the room bigger. However, the first true transformation occurred when proper inventory tracking of lubricants and supplies was implemented along with the creation of an oil analysis database. Other additions to the improved lube room included a nonslip floor, controlled access, adequate illumination and proper warning and safety signs. An upgraded heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system was added for a controlled climate. Most importantly, the room was kept clean to prevent potential contamination. The facility also evaluated where and how lubricants were stored. By placing lubricants in a climate-controlled environ- ment, the plant found it could reduce chemical degradation and oxidation. Rotating oil supplies and using the first-in/first-out (FIFO) method also prevented lubricant degradation. The storage area was designed to accommodate cabinets for grease guns, spray lubricants, level gauges, drain ports, equipment tags, safety equipment, filters, etc. Desiccant breathers for gearboxes were used to eliminate water-contaminated oil, while new color-coded lubricant transfer containers helped ensure the accurate delivery of clean lubricant from bulk storage to the gearboxes. A base oil cleanliness benchmark was established with the help of a new oil storage and dispensing system. The system incorporates a breather, filter, suction hose and pump per tank, as well as safety features such as spill containment, auto shut-off dispensing faucets and fire-safety hoses and valves. Above all, the staff's attitude was instrumental in creating a successful lube room, as personnel were willing to do whatever was needed to accomplish the goal. Color-coded lubricant transfer containers (above) ensure accurate delivery of clean lubricant. The new oil storage and dispensing system (right) incorporates a breather, filter, suction hose and pump per tank. Proper inventory tracking of lubricants and supplies helped transform the lube room at the Monroe County wastewater treatment facility. Peabody Energy With 14 miles of conveyor belt operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Peabody Energy's North Antelope Rochelle Mine in Wright, Wyo., is the largest coal producer in North America. When the mine started its journey to improve its lubrication program, drums were being stored outside and were exposed to the elements. Lubricant storage also took place in various areas of the plant, including next to gearboxes, for faster top-off capabilities. In addition, the lubricant handling process was very labor intensive. The plant did not have the ability to deliver filtered oil 38 July - August 2013 | www.machinerylubrication.com from bulk storage to assets. Oil was dispensed without any caps, and grease types were not identified on the various grease guns. Eventually, a centrally located, environmentally controlled lube storage building was constructed specifically for plant lubrication products. A new fluid storage and dispensing system was purchased, and each oil type was designated a specific color. The wire ties on hoses now match the applicable oil. Other upgrades included new grease and filter storage, lubricant transfer containers with color-coded lids for oil identification, a new barrel handler and dispensing valves for oils. Each oil is now filtered from bulk storage to lubricant transfer containers. With these changes, the mine has seen its ISO codes improve from 22/21/13 to 20/15/12.