Lubricant reliability is vital to life of industrial equipment
First, let us look at what we are trying to accomplish with a lubricant. At its most microscopic layer, no matter the piece of equipment, we are simply trying to separate two opposing moving metal surfaces with a very thin layer of oil. When we keep the lubricant dry and contaminant-free, we extend its life and help protect the equipment. It’s a simple concept and when applied correctly can provide a wealth of benefits to keep critical assets protected and keep your factory operational. This where Lubrication Engineers excels. We bring the lubricants and the reliability solutions together. Think of us as your one-stop shop for a comprehensive lubricant reliability program.
Proper lubrication + contamination control = profits
It makes sense. If we can limit the size of particulates that enter oil reservoirs to smaller than the film of oil we are counting on to run interference between two opposing moving metal parts, then we can accomplish the following:
- Lengthen lifespan of parts, equipment and lubricant
- Increase time between failures / increase production
- Reduce friction, heat and wear
- Reduce energy consumption
- Reduce oil temperatures
- Increase oil change intervals /decrease waste oil / decrease new oil purchases
- Increase profits
Starting points for your lubrication reliability program
If you do not already have in place a lubrication reliability program playing a major role at your facility, there is no better time than the present. The old saying holds true: “Pay me now or pay me later,” or said another way: “Don’t pay for the cost of reliability with the consequences of unreliability.” Following are few simple starting points that will allow you to experience an immediate impact on your operation. In fact, you will be able to recoup the costs of the improvements after very little time.
Electric motors
Per the U.S. Department of Energy, more than 70% of electricity consumed in industry comes from the use of electric motors. Electric motors can represent as much as one-fourth of all rotating equipment in a plant. A significant percentage of electric motor failures are bearing-related, and bearing life depends on proper lubrication. That makes electric motor bearings a great place to start a lubrication reliability effort.
LE can supply you with the right electric motor grease for your industrial equipment. We have different types to suit different needs, including electric motor greases with characteristics such as:
- Oxidation resistance
- Mechanical and structure stability
- Anti-wear protection
- Rust and corrosion protection
- Low oil bleed
- Good channeling characteristics
- Low temperature torque
- NLGI 2 or 3
LE has the right greases and grease application tools for electric motors, whether you apply manually or would prefer time-saving automatic lubrication systems.
Air Compressors
Lubrication requirements vary considerably based on air compressor type, the environment in which it is used, and the type of gas that is being compressed. Lubricant plays a critical role in sealing, preventing corrosion, preventing wear, and protecting internal metal parts. LE has the right lubricants for most compressor types, whether they are centrifugal compressors, reciprocating compressors, rotary screw compressors, rotary vane compressors or dry screw compressors. When looking for an air compressor lubricant, first look at the viscosity requirements. After the viscosity requirements are identified, look for a lubricant that provides the following benefits.
- Excellent rust and corrosion protection
- High oxidation stability to maintain viscosity and provide long service life
- Demulsibility properties to shed water
- Filterable without the worry of additive depletion
- Nonfoaming
Don’t shoot for the bottom of the barrel when it comes to operating specifications. Instead, look for lubricants that exceed specifications. In doing so, you will help your air compressor equipment last longer and run more efficiently.
Oil Analysis Program
A good oil analysis program is integral to any successful lubricant reliability program. With consistent, accurate monitoring of the condition of your oil – whether in an engine, gearbox, circulating system or mainline power generation turbine – an oil analysis program can help you improve your bottom line with less lubricant to purchase, fewer parts to keep in inventory, less used lubricant requiring disposal, less labor and less downtime.
LE’s oil analysis program – Xamine™ – enables you to be more efficient with your use of lubricants and reliability tools. Xamine™ monitors oil samples for mechanical, operational and environmental factors that can affect equipment and oil life. Why choose LE for oil analysis? With LE you can be confident you’re testing with a company that knows lubricants and knows your equipment. LE’s testing facilities are ISO 17025 A2LA accredited, giving you additional peace of mind that your fluid analysis program is supported by a documented quality system you can depend on to deliver superior testing and customer service.
Lube Storage Facility
Almost every industrial operation has a lube room or some central area where lubricants are stored. Contamination issues often start there and are already a problem by the time the lubricants are introduced into the equipment. Knowing this, LE helps many of its customers transform these areas into world class lubrication storage rooms that incorporate the latest in lubrication best practices. A lubricant storage upgrade is a great continuous improvement project and has the potential for a tremendous positive impact on your organization.
Improving your lubricant storage room encompasses several activities and benefits, including:
- Consolidating lubricant inventory and reducing amount of space needed for storage
- Identifying and color-coding lubricants to increase efficiency and reduce mistakes
- Reducing or eliminating contamination before it creates problems
- Improving safety
LE partners with IFH Group, Fluidall and other reliability product suppliers to be your one-stop shop for lubricant storage solutions. LE can help plan, design and quote your lubricant storage upgrade. One of our certified lubrication consultants can be onsite to assist you every step of the way. We take great pride in making sure your lubricant storage facility fits your needs and meets your goals.
LE offers full-service support for industrial manufacturers of all types and sizes
In addition to onsite equipment assessment, consultation and service, LE provides the following customization and value-added options:
- Equipment reliability assessments
- Oil analysis programs
- Lubrication education and training
LE is happy to offer industrial lubricant and reliability recommendations for a variety of industrial applications, and to provide product-specific data on all of our items to help you make the right decision. To learn more about our greases, gear oils, compressor oils, hydraulic oils, engine oils and other enhanced lubricants and reliability solutions, please contact LE today.