Posted on Leave a comment

Tips for maintaining machinery with the right lubricant over winter

industrial lubricant

Keeping industrial equipment well maintained in winter months is vital to ensure it can cope with weather and last over time. It is also essential for keeping equipment operators safe.

Colder weather presents considerable challenges for machinery. A drop in temperature results in metal elements contracting. This can potentially lead to brittleness and an increased likelihood of failures and fractures in integral components.

While lubricants are used to protect and keep mechanical systems running in good order, low winter temperatures impact them. Oils thicken when it’s cold, making it harder for them to flow and decrease their effectiveness – leading to more wear on surfaces and moving parts sometimes seizing up.

Fortunately, there are some lubricant best practices machinery operators can adopt in winter, and here we share some useful tips as a guide.

Use winter grade lubricants

In colder weather, lubricant viscosity increases. This makes them more resistant to flow and prevents them from reaching the parts they need to lubricate in good time – resulting in failed starts and a risk of wear and tear.

As winter approaches, industrial equipment operators should swap out the lubricant they use for a specially designed low-temperature lubricant available from brands like Mobil and Morris. These products are formulated to maintain the correct levels of fluidity required under colder conditions, safeguarding parts from friction and helping machinery like engines start faster.

Check the owner’s manual

Before simply choosing any low temperature lubricant, operators should check their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) manual for recommended products to ensure they are compatible with components and processes. For instance, some lubricants may degrade rubber seals within systems, while processes like food and beverage production may demand the use of a safe lubricant to comply with legislation and food safety regulations.

Replace oil before winter

Experts agree that operators should replace their equipment’s oil before it is stored for winter.

Machinery put into hibernation with a fresh tank of oil can minimise the impact of acids and potential contaminants that can accumulate in engines and other key systems during mechanical downtime.

Outdated oil contains more acidic elements, which accelerate corrosive processes during prolonged periods where equipment is inactive. When engines sit unused, moisture builds up in oil. If its fresh, the oil’s additives can manage such issues, but over time, these properties are lessened.

Store lubricants properly

Whenever possible, lubricants should be stored inside in winter in dry, clean containers. They should be kept in a dry cool, cool area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The optimum storage temperature range for lubricants is between 0°C and 25°C.

If lubricants must be stored outside or at sub-optimal temperatures inside, insulate containers against the cold for protection against freezing. Some popular insulating materials include polyurethane sheets and polystyrene.

When temperatures are forecast to fall below 0°C, lubricants with sensitive to frost (like water extendible fluids and emulsions) require additional protection.

Operators should avoid subjecting lubricants to alternating hot and cold temperatures, as this draws air into oil drums, causing moisture contamination.

Basic best practices should be followed with lubricants tagged for identification with details of type and date of filling listed. Lubricant containers should be kept sealed until they are required, and grease tubes must be stored in an upright position to prevent their base oils separating from the thickening agent they include.

Lubricants that are already in active use in machinery should be allowed to flow throughout winter. The best policy is to keep circulation pumps running to avoid freezing, stalling and other issues.

Warm up equipment before starting

Lower operating temperatures in winter typically mean that equipment takes longer to warm up sufficiently before active use. Operators must ensure they give machinery the time it needs.

Several ways exist to limit how long industrial equipment takes to warm up. Storing industrial equipment in an enclosed space that keeps it unimpacted by colder conditions is wise, when possible – as is keeping lubricants like oils and fluids at room temperature to avoid freezing issues.

Starting fluids must also be kept at room temperature. Make sure, however, to always handle these toxic and flammable products with caution, and follow the directions for correct use to prevent unsafe situations and damage to equipment.

Block heaters can also be valuable equipment when you want to make winter engine starts easier. These devices effectively increase engine and fluid temperatures, making cold starts simpler.

By taking these tips on board, operators can ensure their lubricants and the equipment they serve are protected, delivering top levels of performance during the winter months.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.