Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/756816
only saved money but also storage space. The focus then shifted to upgrading the plant's lube room and lubricant storage and handling practices to reduce oil contamina- tion. Lots of brainstorming and researching lube room standards went into creating the best possible space. The new lube room is totally enclosed and dust-free. Only autho - rized personnel are allowed to work inside the room. A flame-proof lighting system and non-slip epoxy floor help to avoid accidents. All safety instructions are displayed inside the lube room, which also includes a spill kit, eyewash bottle, fire extinguisher and fire hydrant system for emergencies. Natural ventilators are utilized to cool the room and ensure proper air exchange. By placing lubricants in a contamina- tion- free environment, the plant was able to reduce chemical degradation and oxida- tion. Rotating oil supplies using the first-in/ first-out (FIFO) method also helped to minimize lubricant degradation. Color codes are now employed for all oil storage devices. Separate color-coded pumps are provided for every lubricant and permanently fitted onto oil drums to prevent interchanging them. Each machine has its own color-coded oil transfer container and grease gun. Colored tags have also been applied to all oil tanks and machine greasing positions. Employee attitudes were instrumental in creating the successful lube room, as plant personnel have been willing to do whatever was needed to accomplish the goal. Cameco Cameco is one of the world's largest uranium producers. Its mine in Saskatchewan, Canada, operates various types of equipment both on the surface and underground, including compressors, pumps and gearboxes. The mine also has two lube bays to maintain, one under - ground and the other on the surface. Being in northern Canada, the climate can be challenging as well, with seasonal temperatures varying from minus 49 degrees F to 77 degrees F. Three years ago, Cameco determined that its lubrication practices were lacking. New lubricants were stored outside unprotected, oil could be found in opened www.machinerylubrication.com | November - December 2016 | 9 Machinery Lubrication's Lube Room Challenge was truly an international affair in 2016, with submissions from Argentina, Canada, India, Korea, Poland, Russia and the United States. The annual challenge, which allows readers to submit exceptional lube rooms that incorporate best-practice features, showcases how designing a proper lube room is one of the first steps to achieving lubrication excellence. The following entries also highlight how improving lubricant storage and handling methods has become a worldwide pursuit.