Choosing the Right Lubrication System for Your Industry

Effectively Lubricating Equipment in Process Plants

Determining the best method to lubricate equipment in a process plant involves complex decision-making, as there isn't a universally accepted approach. Developing a strategy for relubrication requires careful consideration of numerous factors including the risks of bearing failure, lubrication cycle duration, manual lubrication feasibility, and the potential hazards during regular production runs.

Understanding Automatic Lubrication Systems

Automatic lubrication systems offer a solution that minimizes manual labor costs and enables machines to be lubricated during live production runs. These systems reduce the risk of lubricant contamination and enhance safety by eliminating the challenges associated with manual lubrication procedures. Additionally, they offer precise control over the volume of lubricant dispensed. Various configurations exist, such as dual-line, single-line volumetric, single-line progressive, and single-point systems.

Monitoring System Efficacy

Many lubrication systems only track main distribution line pressure or monitor piston movements within the dispenser. However, traditional systems often lack the ability to detect breaks in lubrication pipes between the dispenser and lube points. Hence, it’s essential to measure the lubricant dispensed to each point, compare it with set standards, and regularly conduct vibration assessments to preemptively address any issues.

The Importance of Team Training

Equipping maintenance teams with comprehensive training on all operational lubrication systems is crucial. Given that lubrication systems can fail and may require repairs, introducing a cohesive approach by limiting the variety of system types and brands is beneficial. This can prevent unnecessary complications, such as using a dual-line system where a single-line progressive system might be more cost-efficient.

Conclusion

When devising a lubrication strategy, taking into account system types, maintenance capabilities, and safety measures is pivotal. Ensuring proper training and monitoring will enhance operational efficiency and equipment longevity.