In terms of mechanical equipment’s dependability on grease or oil-lubricated parts, precision lubrication involves using the correct type, quantity and quality of lubricant. It also involves lubricating the correct component in the appropriate place and re-lubricating at perfectly timed intervals.
What is the main goal of precision lubrication?
The key aim of precision lubrication is to enhance the reliability of equipment and its uptime. This is achieved by substantially reducing the rate of wear of the lubricated components through the correct implementation of pre-calculated programmes and procedures.
Why isn’t precision lubrication a one-measure-fits-all solution?
Precision lubrication isn’t a process you can take a blanket approach with. You might have a certain bank of similar machines that may call for same quantity, quality and lubrication type, but within that set of equipment, you’ll discover subtle but significant differences that can require a change of lubrication or slightly shorter or longer re-lubrication interval. A failure to observe these small differences can negatively impact the process, which in turn will reduce the life span of each individual component that hasn’t been adequately lubricated.
An example of this is how the lubrication policies and procedures will differ between electric motors, centrifugal pumps and gear boxes. A bank of mechanical pumps can also have differences – for instance, if one of the pumps must cope with excessive heat and moisture levels, it may need a synthetic lubricant and more frequent re-lubrication intervals. The other pumps that work under normal operating conditions may use a mineral oil and a more regular re-lubrication interval.
Precision lubrication is not possible without precision dispensing
Adding the lubricant at the correct place is just as important as using the correct amount. High levels of precision are not possible to achieve without also adopting precision dispensing. Lubricants dispensed that don’t reach the appropriate place can potentially damage machinery, not to mention the wastage of money and resources on an ineffective process. Components harmed by poor lubrication will lead to expensive downtime and increased maintenance costs.
For equipment users to achieve optimum levels of precision dispensing, it’s essential to locate and deploy the correct instruments, such as dispensing nozzles and dispensing needles, which can dispense the correct amount of grease or oil to the appropriate area.
What are the advantages of precision lubrication and how can it be achieved?
A carefully calculated procedure, precision lubrication is designed by data collection and the evaluation of each piece of mechanical equipment used and its present operating conditions, demands and environments. This procedure is typically coupled with a comprehensive operational assessment and equipment inspection. All data collected is processed to gain a greater understanding of the ideal procedures to use.
When correctly designed and implemented, companies can enjoy numerous benefits. Equipment reliability rises, as does overall productivity and profitability. Expenditure related to maintenance and waste is also eliminated with the correct amount of lubrication being applied when required, reducing machine downtime and manual handling.
For any operation to remain resilient and competitive, precision lubrication is a crucial requirement onsite.
