In mills, equipment, reliability & best maintenance practices are very important, all of which directly affect productivity & equipment health.
Considering that mills work under different operating conditions, including heavy loads, very high speeds, low temperatures, high temperatures, and dusty, polluted environments, lubrication is an essential part of the process. Therefore, keeping the equipment lubricated is crucial for smooth and reliable operation.
Proper lubrication prevents many maintenance problems caused in mills, thus leading to a smoother operation. The cost of lubricants is only a tiny fraction of the maintenance cost, but improper lubrication causes breakdowns. Premium quality lubricants like GRENVO though a little more costly will lead to a lower Cost of Ownership. if good lubrication practices are not followed, your equipment/machinery will not run optimally and will only increase your maintenance cost in the long run.
Proper Analysis of your Lubrication/Oils
Oil analysis is a standard technique in most mills, and it has been proven to be an essential component in analyzing oil use and maintaining optimum equipment quality. The health of the lubricant is one characteristic that separates the old oil from the new oil and how much it has changed. A comparison of the oil contamination to standards can be used to determine how clean the oil truly is.
An essential point to oil analysis is doing the test consistently, drawing the samples correctly, and being proactive with any corrective actions upon receiving the results.
Labeling and Organizing your Lubricants
Lubrication storage, labeling, and transport are all critical aspects of good lubricant practices. Keeping dirty oil in a machine is just as risky as using wrong or incompatible oil. Both possibilities are typical when operators fail to care for their lubricants. GRENVO advises everyone to color-identify all fluids and to utilize the same color-coding on the equipment. Manufacturers may minimize the chance of putting the wrong lubricant in a machine. Making a chart detailing the lubricants, their identification color, and the equipment that utilizes that oil goes beyond this measure; place this chart near the fluid containment station for simple identification by maintenance workers.
Oil Filtration
Filtration is linked to oil sampling and fluid storage. Filtering oils of particles and water regularly is vital for extending the life of your machinery/equipment. In many circumstances, if you follow the standard guidelines set by the equipment manufacturer, you may be able to utilize the lubricants for much longer than expected. This will save thousands of dollars every year. Filtering fluids in the mill equipment using something as simple as a filter cart is an excellent first step toward good oil practices.
Leveraging Technology for your Equipment Lubrication
Automated Lubrication Systems are the most effective when it comes to keeping your equipment continually lubricated. We may manage the amount of oil or grease required per lubrication point by utilizing a pump, controller, and metering device that is intended for a piece of machinery. Many plants still use manual lubrication routines, and some maintenance workers are particular and consistent about how they use manual lubrication. Others are inconsistent and over or under grease machinery while doing hand lube routes, which can be expensive in the long run. Using an automated lubrication system reduces human error and allows for more precise lubrication of your mill equipment.
Onsite Lubrication Professionals/Specialists
Having a specialized team of professionals oversee lubrication is the final crucial aspect of proper lubrication practices at your mill. It is critical to have trained employees on hand to repair lubrication system leaks, filter fluids in machinery regularly, take oil samples, monitor the sampling findings, and proactively maintain equipment.
Finally, changing prior habits of over-lubrication, the dauber effect, reactive maintenance, and other behaviors that have damaged equipment longevity is required.
Regarding lubricants and your mill machinery, GRENVO suggests you follow the 4 R’s. The Right type, the Right amount, the Right time, and the Right procedure to give you reliability.
