Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1522439
Machinery Lubrication Annual Edition | www . machinerylubrication.com 39 Before the Use of a Proper Lubrication Manage- ment System (The Status Quo) Let's take a typical process — pump asset train, for example — which includes two or three lubricated components: the electric motor, the pump and the coupling. e status quo activities may include a periodic reminder to "add grease" or "inspect oil level" listed in a physical checklist. is leaves the quality of the work dependent upon the technician's level of training and availability, along with any existing practices already in place, to communicate any relevant information. Similarly, the pump and electric motor status quo often lack necessary modifications to allow for proper inspections or to protect from the surrounding contaminants. By default, there is little standing in the way of: • Contaminant Ingression – Airborne contaminants entering the machine accumu- late, cause friction, and degrade the lubricant. • Lubricant Misapplication (amount) – Both under-greasing and over-greasing lead to energy losses and heat generation due to lubricant starvation or viscous drag. • Lubricant Misapplication (type) – One of the most common mistakes made in lubrication is applying the wrong lubricant, often due to the lack of proper lubricant identification and labeling. • Inadequate Inspections (Inspection 2.0) – Without proper training and on-the-job guidance, more than 90% of inspectable conditions go unnoticed. Correcting these practices and breaking the status quo requires change. Managing this change requires diligence and time but can be made easier with the right tools and processes. Machine reliability relies on best practices of lubrication performed daily through proper management systems. For many professionals who have been successful in managing these changes, the benefits are abundant and include cost reductions, reduced carbon footprint and predictable machine operation, along with better job satisfaction for the workforce ML Holistically, there are 40 factors that should be considered for achieving machinery lubrication excellence. Some of these factors include choosing the optimal lubricants to use across a facility and how to properly receive and store them before use. And as this knowledge applies to day-to-day maintenance and the details associated with lubrication routes in a facility, you must ensure you perform three key processes properly: lubricant application, contami - nation control and condition monitoring. RELIABLE LUBRICATION MADE EASIER REQUEST INFORMATION Images in this article can be viewed in full size at lubepm.com