Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/902206
22 | November - December 2017 | www . machinerylubrication.com Koniambo Nickel Located on the South Pacific Island of New Caledonia, the Koniambo Nickel indus- trial complex is one of the world's largest nickel producers, including a mine, smelter and power station. Storage and dispensing of lubricants previously were carried out from a cluttered 20-foot container situated next to the power station. With oil funnels and drum pumps open to the environment, high levels of contamination were introduced into new oils prior to their use in equipment. It was clear the site needed new equipment and a culture change regarding its lubrication practices. After Koniambo Nickel reviewed various types of lube rooms, it determined that the "plug-and-play" units provided many advan- tages, such as avoiding the cost of building a dedicated facility while offering the convenience of receiving a unit that was fully set up. Due to the mine's location, an insulated ceiling and secondary skillion roof were fitted to the container to reduce the internal tempera- ture. e 20-foot lube room was then custom designed and equipped with fire extinguishers, an eyewash station, bunded flooring, intrinsic lighting and power, and air-operated pumps for the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Side air vents with air filter pads help to reduce dust. e room is also kept closed for dust suppression. Racks were installed for dispensing containers and 20-liter drums. A color-coding system is employed for the dispensing stands and containers. e dispensing stands also feature filtration, taps and quick-connect options. A patch kit workstation is utilized to monitor oil cleanliness and assist with activities such as the use of filter trolleys. Now that its lubricant storage and handling practices are in order, the site has turned its focus to improving lubrication management, including installing sight glasses and upgrading its breathers and sample valves. Storage and dispensing of lubricants at the Koniambo Nickel industrial complex were previously carried out from a cluttered 20-foot container. Before a plant survey, the Lakeside oil room was dirty and unorganized. Switching to bulk tanks has provided a visual indication of when oil is running low and eliminated the need to store empty oil barrels. The new custom-designed lube room is equipped with racks for dispensing containers and oil drums, bunded flooring, intrinsic lighting and power, an eyewash station, and a patch kit workstation. Lakeside Foods e Lakeside Foods plant in Owatonna, Minnesota, produces canned vegetables for the retail and food-service sectors. To determine the proper lubricants for its equipment, the facility worked with a local oil specialist to conduct a complete plant survey. Following the survey, the site was able to consolidate many of its prod - ucts and transition to 100 percent food-grade lubricants. All equipment was also individually tagged to indicate which fluid is required. By switching from drums to bulk tanks, plant personnel now have an immediate visual indication of when oil is running low and no longer must guess how much oil is left in drums. is also has eliminated the need to store empty oil barrels and provided a much neater appearance. In addition, the facility was able to switch from five different oil vendors to one. In doing so, annual oil expenses at the plant have been reduced by 32 percent. Purchasing has also been streamlined, freeing the maintenance supervisor to spend more time on equipment maintenance. LUBE ROOM CHALLENGE After After Before Before