Best Lubrication Practices To Improve Equipment Reliability

January 14, 2022

Lubrication is essential to ensure that the machines in your industry are kept working at an optimal condition. The type and quality of lubrication you use has a direct impact on the reliability of your equipment. If you have a good filtration plan and a proper oil filtration system in place, there are chances that the machines in your industry will have a lifespan longer than actually intended. Nevertheless, for any plant, there are a few essential steps that you have to take. If implemented correctly, these steps can help in improving the equipment reliability. In this blog, we have listed some of the tried and tested lubrication best practices that will help you achieve optimal results when it comes to lubrication maintenance. Also Read: The Effects Of Water Contamination On Oil Filters

Planning And Identification

It is extremely easy to just start the lubrication process without any prior planning and identification. However, the main question is whether this is advised or not? It is certainly not advised. Before you implement a lubrication and oil filtration system, it is essential that you assess the tasks that have to be completed and the steps that have to be taken. Only with proper organization, planning and identification, can you ensure that the lubrication is added to the system in the right quantity and is filtered properly. Most companies use software-based control to ensure in-time lubrication and filtration. For identification, you can use a labelling system to help the technician understand what lubricant goes where. In industries, there are several different types of lubricants being used. Since each has a different composition, it is important to avoid the error of mixing lubes.

Cleanliness Control

Even though there are many top-of-the-line filtration systems like Hydraulic Filtration System available, oil contamination is something that should be avoided at all costs. It is a major source of wear and tear in equipment that leads to premature failure. Therefore, it is not only important to properly filter the lubricant, but it is also necessary to ensure that the machine, the environment and the equipment being used are clean. In addition to this, it is also imperative that the lubricant is stored safely and is transferred to the machine in a contamination-free environment. Some of the best practices to ensure cleanliness include:

1. The containers are fully sealed
2. Containers should be fitted with air-breathers to prevent the ingress of water and contaminants from the atmosphere
3. Regular filtration should be performed
4. Use containers that will not deteriorate over time to prevent contamination

Use Proper Tools

This point is never emphasized enough. Adding grease to your machines requires you to use proper tools. Therefore, it is essential that you have efficient and practical tools. Moreover, the tools used for each type of lubricant should be different to prevent any type of contamination. Grease guns should be colour-coded to ensure that the right lube gets the right application. Moreover, to control contamination, make sure you use both online and offline filtration systems. In addition to this, if there is more than one person handling the lubrication process, knowledge management is very important. You should ensure that proper logbooks are maintained so that all workers know what processes have been carried out.

Conclusion

It is imperative that you implement reliability-based strategies. These help in making the system seamless and more functional. However, implementing these strategies successfully is not an easy task. Many strategies end up failing in the long run due to a lack of planning and organization. Therefore, make sure you properly organize all aspects of your lubrication system and plan them for success.

About Harvard Filtration

Harvard Filtration offers what it takes to meet your industrial filtration needs. We offer a broad range of filtration systems. Harvard filtration systems and filter carts are the most trusted and dependable portable hydraulic filtration systems. Compatible with a broad assortment of petroleum-based and synthetic fluids, our filter carts can remove contaminants and water to a single micron, ensuring decreased hazardous waste disposal. Select our filters to experience your machine’s high performance. Contact us today here.