Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/258778
Although use of grease guns is widespread, these tools deserve respect and should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's safety guidelines to avoid injury. www.machinerylubrication.com | January - February 2014 | 11 All machinery must be lubricated to ensure smooth opera- tion and to maximize equipment life. From manufacturing to farming to wind energy applications, grease guns are one of the most common ways to achieve proper lubrication. Although use of grease guns is widespread, these tools deserve respect and should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's safety guidelines to avoid injury. There are four main types of grease guns on the market: manual, battery-operated, air-powered and AC electric. Each type has its own specific set of guidelines, but many general rules are applicable to all, such as training, proper tool use and care, work area safety and personal safety. Manual Grease Guns Manual grease guns include lever-action and pistol-grip models. These popular tools are widely used and are the most economical type of grease gun. Manual grease guns can achieve pressures up to 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi), while plug- valve sealant guns can reach 15,000 psi. Battery-operated Grease Guns Battery-operated grease guns are ideal for speeding up routine lubrication tasks. Using this type of grease gun can also help to minimize operator fatigue. These grease guns are rated anywhere from 6,000 to 10,000 psi, depending on the model. Air-powered Grease Guns Air-powered or pneumatic grease guns use compressed air to apply pressure to an air piston, which drives the grease piston and forces lubricant out of the coupler into a grease fitting. By depressing the gun's trigger, a steady flow of lubricant is dispensed. Typically, pneumatic grease guns are rated up to 6,000 psi. AC Electric Grease Guns AC electric or corded grease guns provide a consistent flow of grease and are often used as an alternative to air-powered tools. AC electric grease guns generally are rated up to 7,000 psi. Training Effective lubrication requires specific training, ranging from the actual physical activity of applying the lubricant to the effects of misapplication, including spills and damage to machinery. The operator should be trained on each piece of equipment to be lubri- cated, as well as each grease gun that will be used to accomplish the task. "Some general rules of lubrication also should be considered," said Alemite senior product manager Americo dos Santos. "Do not apply lubricants to a machine in operation unless the fittings are located in a safe place. Never reach over, under, through or past moving parts of the equipment to complete your task. You should maintain proper footing and balance at all times to facilitate better control of the tool in unexpected situations." Proper Tool Use and Care Whether you are using a manual, battery-operated, air-powered or AC electric grease gun, the high pressure developed by the tool should be considered. High pressure can develop in different ways. A common situation when high pressure is created involves what is known as a "frozen fitting." When a fitting is not lubricated for an extended period of time, the grease in the line may "cake." Mineral or vegetable oil in the grease gets consumed and leaves a waxy, soap-like base. This soap thickener is what makes grease a semi- solid. Common soaps include calcium stearate, sodium stearate and lithium stearate, as well as mixtures of these components. High-pressure injection injuries may be caused by accidental injection of grease through the skin and into the underlying tissue. Generally, fingers or hands experience this type of injury, which is most likely to occur when a hose ruptures. Also, some lubrication ONly Use Specified Hoses