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Knowing When to Use Lubrication Equipment

Staff Writer
1/27/2019 | 5 min read
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Knowing When to Use Lubrication Equipment

In any industry, proper lubrication is critical to the performance and operation of machinery. Lubrication works to reduce friction and the resulting heat — which has the potential to cause damage or breakdowns — while limiting wear and tear. Minimizing metal surface corrosion, lubricants work to keep the system free of contaminants that can cause abrasion.

Lubrication equipment is used to deliver necessary lubrication to machinery. Knowing when to use lubrication equipment and fully understanding the best practices involved will improve machinery performance and reduce the expenses associated with downtime.

Lubrication Equipment

Lubrication equipment allows lubricants to be applied to various components of a machine in a timely manner. This equipment can be used while the machine is in operation, eliminating maintenance disruptions and ensuring each component is adequately lubricated in order to achieve smooth, efficient performance. Lubrication equipment delivers measured lubrication at precise intervals according to the requirements of the machinery.

There are various types of lubrication equipment available to meet the needs of specific machinery and applications. A few examples are listed below.

  • Low-, medium-, and high-pressure pumps
  • Control valves and meters
  • Hose reels
  • Grease pumps
  • Power lubers
  • Filters, lubricators, and regulators
  • Used fluid handling equipment
  • Portable and handheld lubrication equipment

Most industrial lubrication equipment systems are automated yet still require manual activation or pumping. Oil and grease are the primary types of lubricants used in industrial lubrication equipment. A natural lubricant, oil reduces friction while allowing components to operate smoothly. Grease is also highly effective for industrial machinery.

When to Use Lubrication Equipment

It’s crucial to understand when lubrication equipment is needed, and how it will affect the job at hand. Proper use of this equipment improves performance, limits breakdowns along with associated downtime and expenses, and safeguards the longevity of service life.

Many industrial operations follow the traditional scheduling standard for lubricant application, which is time-based. This means lubricant is applied to machinery components at specific, measured intervals. But as newer, more advanced lubricants come into play, the time standard is no longer reliable.

Instead, it’s best to apply lubricants based on the condition of the machinery. Condition monitoring practices, such as oil analysis, can greatly improve operations, as maintenance activities can be coordinated to boost uptime and production capacity without disrupting production.

Knowing when to use lubrication equipment helps ensure:

  • Proper lubrication of all equipment
  • Minimized equipment downtime
  • Improved equipment and personnel safety
  • Reduced component wear and tear, leading to fewer breakdowns and related costs
  • Reduced lubrication waste
  • Less overall friction, reducing machinery energy consumption

Working With Lubrication Equipment

With proper timing, industrial lubrication equipment can greatly improve the efficiency and longevity of machinery, maximizing productivity and keeping costs under control. Versatile and reliable, lubrication equipment safeguards machinery against wear and tear while reducing maintenance needs and increasing operational uptimes for maximum value.

Resources

Image Credit: maxuser/Shutterstock.com

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