Proper industrial lubrication keeps the wheels turning in industrial manufacturing.
Without adequate lubrication, machinery can overheat. It can suffer from chemical or debris contamination. It may not meet the necessary energy transfer levels.
A lack of lubrication can result in machinery failure.
Of course, a machine is only as good as the parts it's made of. The same goes for the industrial lubricants you use.
Sticking to best practices means keeping your lubricant in excellent condition. Things like smart labelling and storage solutions matter! And this can be the difference between machinery that runs or ceases.
Learn how to protect your investment in this essential manufacturing tool.
Create and Maintain Lubrication Standards
Lubricant deterioration due to improper handling is more common than most companies think. There's no excuse for letting standards fall short in factory settings.
Factory managers need to create cleanliness and maintenance standards for lubricant transportation. This should include everything from trolleys and dispensers to lubrication points. Ensure all staff dealing with lubricants are aware of those standards.
There are many types of lubricants. So creating clear labelling guidelines is essential. Particular lubricants need special storage conditions to preserve their condition.
Maintain a labelling record that includes:
Lubricant type
Packaging
Storage area
Expiration dates
Usage
Ensure Adequate Storage
The conditions of storage spaces themselves are also essential for maintaining quality lubricants.
Store your lubricants indoors rather than outdoors to control conditions like:
Temperature
Humidity
Ventilation
Exposure to contaminants
If you must store them outdoors, shelter your materials from damaging elements. This includes full sunlight—seal containers when not in use.
Lubricant packaging matters, too. You can expect lubricants to come in:
Pails (20 litres)
Drums (200 litres)
Totes (1,600 litres)
Bulk tanks
Never order more lubricant than you can store or use within the expiration dates. You'll waste money due to degradation when you have to throw it away.
And if you must reuse containers, ensure they're cleaned once emptied.
Focus on Filtration
Contamination will degrade lubrication in any industrial setting. This results in machinery wear and even total failure.
Inadequate practices are the leading cause. An example is eyeballing liquids to see if they contain contaminants.
Improved filtration systems are crucial to prolonging lubricant life. Much of the equipment used in factory settings has tight clearances. This means particles over 5 microns can cause damage.
Consider installing more sophisticated filtration systems. Analyze any new oils you bring onto your site for contamination.
Industrial Lubrication: Safeguarding Quality
There are three main ways to prevent industrial lubrication degradation.
First, create and maintain storage and usage standards. Second, develop clear identification and labelling. Third, reduce contamination.
Excel in these three areas to ensure you don't waste money on lubricants you have to dispose of instead of using.
Are you in Hay River, Yellowknife, Sturgeon County, Edmonton, Fort Murray, or Richmond, BC? Get a quote for quality industrial lubricants from Bassett Petroleum Distributors Ltd today.
Our experienced team can help you design lubricant strategies that save you money.