Unearth benefits of LE’s lubricant reliability program

Is your current lubrication problem keeping up with the speed and other demands of your mining operation? Keeping your longwall machines, roofbolters, shuttle cars, scoops, draglines, shovels, loaders, haul trucks and other expensive equipment protected and running efficiently in extreme conditions is vital to the success of your operation. Lubrication Engineers understands the important role lubricants play in mining operations, whether they be strip mines or underground mines. Our lubrication reliability program can have an immediate impact on your operation by increasing machine life and decreasing maintenance costs.

LE has a wide range of heavy-duty greases, high-performance engine oils and exceptional gear oils that will protect your equipment. However, LE doesn’t just sell lubricants; we sell lubricant reliability. By keeping the lubricant dry and contaminant-free, we extend the life of the lubricant as well as the equipment. LE has partnered with some of the best lubricant reliability suppliers to bring best practices to your mining operation. In addition, LE’s certified and trained network of independent consultants will be onsite to assess, design and implement a tailored program for your mining operation. We will be your partner every step of the way.

LE lubricants solve mining operation challenges

Moisture and particulates – combined with heavy loads, shock loads, extreme pressures and continuous operation – create a difficult job for any lubricant. At LE, we understand these challenges. Our lubricant formulations have been designed to perform even in difficult conditions in which conventional off-the-shelf lubricants fail.

Large open gears

To keep equipment operating at maximum efficiency, you must use a lubricant that will perform under the conditions present at your mining operation. For example, if you are still using asphaltic-based lubricants to lubricate the open gears on your ball mills, rod mills or breaker mills, it’s time to make a change to a superior lubricant product. Open gears regularly suffer from pitting and other wear due to insufficient lubrication. The use of asphaltic-based lubricants often prohibits maintenance personnel from seeing the wear. Instead, their first indications of a problem are elevated temperatures and vibrations.

LE’s Pyroshield® line of synthetic open gear lubricants can be used to protect the large open gears and keeping them running harder and longer than they would with an inferior lubricant. Pyroshield lubricants were specifically designed to provide outstanding protection for heavy- and shock-loading applications such as the large shrouded open gears used in the mining industry. They are non-asphaltic and environmentally friendly, containing no heavy metals. They are translucent, which means maintenance personnel can inspect gears on a daily basis with the use of a strobe light. In addition, the conversion process for Pyroshield lubricants is seamless, with no need to stop your equipment.

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Gearboxes

Mining gearboxes tend to be overloaded, which leads to overheating and excessive wear. This often results in premature failure of the gears. Other common mechanical issues include emulsification of the gear oil due to water contamination and extreme foaming. LE’s line of Duolec® EP gear oils provide impressive protection against shock loading, foaming and water contamination. Duolec’s additive package keeps any water contamination separate from the oil, allowing water to be periodically drained away from the oil. This simple solution prevents rust and corrosion in the gearbox and dramatically extends the life of the gear oil as well as the gearbox.

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Wire rope

Most wire ropes are lubricated during the wire rope manufacturing process, but the lubricant will not last the life of the rope. When looking for a wire rope lubricant, you should choose a lubricant that contains no acids or alkalis, possesses the adhesive strength to stay on the rope, penetrates between wires and strands, has high fluid film strength, resists oxidation, and remains pliable. It is important to remember that most wire ropes fail from the inside out. Proper lubrication will help prevent deterioration of wire rope due to rust and corrosion. Corroded rope can be a safety hazard as there is no way to determine its remaining strength and life. With its Wirelife® family of lubricants, LE offers several penetrating and coating type wire rope lubricants from which to choose.

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Bearing failures

Greases that do not seal effectively will allow the entry of contaminants. LE has a range of greases that are extremely tacky and nearly impervious to water washout, and can easily handle heavy- and shock-loading applications. LE also offers automatic lubrication systems for making sure grease is applied in the right place at the right time in the right quantity.

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Kilns, dryers & calciners

Proactive protection of kiln, dryer and calciner components through weekly applications of the right type and amount of lubricant will maximize the longevity of equipment, reducing costs and increasing production. Extending the life of the wear pads will extend maintenance cycles and help the kiln maintain its designed creep tolerances.

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LE offers full-service support for mining lubrication

In addition to onsite equipment assessment, consultation and service, LE provides the following customization and value-added options:

  • Lubricant recommendations and conversion
  • Oil analysis program
  • Lubrication education and training

LE is happy to offer industrial lubricant and reliability recommendations for a variety of mining applications, and to provide product-specific data on all of our items to help you make the right decision. To learn more about our open gear lubricants, wire rope lubricants, gear oils, greases and other lubricants and reliability products, please contact LE today.

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