Machinery Lubrication

Machinery Lubrication November-December 2022

Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation

Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1487844

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 4 of 40

M aintenance and Reliabilit y AS I SEE IT Jim Fitch | Noria Corporation Skillful Out-leakage Detection Why did the leak occur, and why was it allowed to advance?" This is the most common form of leakage. It is also known as external leakage. Out-leakage relates to a failure of containment. Typically, liquids or gases follow the path of least resistance, going from high pressure to lower pressure. A crack, clearance, orifice or unsealed space becomes the leakage path through which the f luid, gas or even solids (aggregate) exit to the surrounding environment. e machines most prone to oil leakage are compressors, process pumps, engines and hydraulic systems. ink of an automobile engine, the product of billions of dollars of engineering advancements spanning more than a century. As sophisticated as it might be, we still see the ubiquitous presence of oil and coolant leakage on the pavement of garages and parking lots. We, there- fore, must depend heavily on early detection and prompt corrective action to keep leakage under control. For certain machines and production processes, out-leakage can result in the contamination of the product being produced (food, beverage, paper, etc.). Hydraulic systems, due to their high pressures, are the most prone to leakage, which can occur in multiple locations but is usually seen at fittings, hoses, dynamic seals and static seals. Seals used to control out-leakage are called retention seals. Many seals attempt to serve both functions of retention and exclusion. Visual Out-leakage Detection External leakage is the easiest to identify in most cases. When a piece of equipment is inspected, the area around it serves as a tell-tale sign of an active lubricant leak. ere may be a small drip of oil coming from a drain valve or a puddle of oil surrounding the machine that would indicate a mechanical or fluid level issue. However, determining the source of an external leak can be difficult. When diagnosing a leaky system, first look for reasons that may cause the leak. For instance, leaks are often 2 | November - December 2022 | www . machinerylubrication.com

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Machinery Lubrication - Machinery Lubrication November-December 2022