Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/902206
www . machinerylubrication.com | November - December 2017 | 23 ML Mosaic e journey to world-class lubricant storage for the Mosaic Four Corners phosphate mine in central Florida began in 2015. A companywide "awakening" to the need for better lubrication practices had occurred a few months earlier. e mine's first focus was on creating a lubricant storage area from which subsequent lubrication improvements could take root. Bulk oil totes had been scattered throughout the plant and stored outside in the muddy and humid environment. Because the bulk totes were stored outside, the mine's portable oil containers were also filled outside and kept in work carts overnight. A storage shed was identified as an excellent location for the new lube storage area. e shed was cleaned out, the floor sealed and a berm constructed so oil would not permeate or escape the shed in the event of a spill. Small repairs to the shed also had to be made to prevent dirt and rain from entering. e new lube storage area is a shared space between three maintenance crews (a total of 35 mechanics). A daily 5-S walkthrough is performed as well as a monthly audit. Safety is a critical concern at Mosaic, and the lubrication area is no exception. A binder containing all lubricant material safety data sheet (MSDS) information is kept on a shelf in the area. e berm around the inside of the space was painted yellow to prevent trips and falls. Fire extinguishers are placed in accessible areas. e space also includes proper signage, a portable eyewash bottle and a rolling ladder for accessing the top of bulk oil totes. In addition, industry best practices are now followed, such as the use of a color-coded lubri - cant identification system, filters and desiccant breathers for every drum and tote, and new portable oil containers, which are filled by a filter-through quick connect. e lubricant stock has also been reduced and relocated to the area so extra totes are not stored outside. Without management support, the new lubrication area would not have been possible. The total cost of the project was nearly $43,000, with most of the expenses related to sealing the floor, installing the berm and replacing the overhead door. e results have been remarkable. e 5-S score from the monthly audit has averaged 98 percent. All oil going into the lubrication area is now quarantined until it is filtered. is has increased oil cleanliness for the bulk storage containers. e world-class lubrication area continues to be a positive influence on the mine's improve- ment efforts, providing a sustainable resource for mechanics where lubrication-related items are easily accessible. A storage shed was chosen as the location of the new lube storage area. All portable oil containers are now filled by filters through quick connects. Anything in the lube area that can be moved has lines marking the designated areas for storage. Bulk oil totes previously had been stored outside with a secondary containment that stayed full of rain water. Before a new portable lube room was installed at the Mueller plant, oil drums were exposed to dust, high humidity and extreme temperatures. The new lube room is temperature- controlled and allows oils to be pumped into labeled storage totes via low-micron filtration. Mueller Co. e Mueller Co. plant in Albertville, Alabama, is an iron foundry and fire-hydrant manufacturing facility. e site had been storing lube oils alongside paint and thinner materials in a building where the roll-up doors were always open. is resulted in the oils being exposed to dust, high humidity, high summer temperatures and below-freezing winter tempera- tures. To help correct this issue, a portable lube room was purchased and installed. e plant now is able to pump oils into labeled storage totes via low-micron filtration, with each oil having its own labeled pump. All oils are filtered out of the drums and into these totes. e environment is temperature-controlled at 70 degrees year-round. A dehumidifier and proper oil transfer containers are also employed. Additionally, the lube room is locked to everyone except the lubrication specialists and their supervisors. In 2017, these efforts have saved the plant more than $38,000 in oil costs alone, which for a small facility is a big deal. After After Before Before