Saturday, June 30, 2012

Proper Lubrication for Machines and Equipment

It is very important to ensure that pieces of machinery are lubricated regularly to maintain the running condition and prevent corrosion. Plant managers make it a point to implement put in a methodical evaluation of equipment oiling requirements. This system helps pinpoint possible deterioration, machine breakdown and problems related to lubrication. The following are essential facts that you need to know regarding lubricants.

    Lubricants reduce heat and friction. When there is too much friction between two metal objects, the stronger material overwhelms the weaker surface which eventually cracks. This process results into the creation of tiny rough particles which produces additional abrasion and shattered chunks. The cycle goes on and could only be prevented by placing lubricant oil.

    The lubricant is not made or applied simply to make the machine components greasy. Aside from dealing with the problem of friction, it serves as preventive measure for oxidization, moderate high temperatures and prevents contamination of your machinery. One of the properties of oil substances is that it can be combined and made to fit your operational requirements. Lubricants also protect surfaces of machinery which are subjected to extreme strain.

    When you lubricate machine parts, the amount of heat produced is minimized. It is passed on to the oil which in turn is removed by a lubricant cooler. You need to consider the stickiness, different properties and content of stabilizers before purchasing one.

    Lubricants also reduce the presence of foreign particles which damages the steel parts. However, the oil film alone cannot prevent the contaminants from getting in completely. You also need filters and seals. The chemical additions to the oil take care of ensuring that these pollutants are pushed to the lubricant which transfers these unwanted items to the strainers in the system.

    Likewise, the chemical additive is responsible for preventing the metal from coming into contact with water which leads to rusting. If you use the appropriate lubricant, you can prolong the life span of bearings and the machine itself. Thus, you conserve finances, time and efforts. This means that you make operations more cost-effective.

    The performance of a lubricating substance is oxidation. The level of oxidation depends on the lubricant fluid. However, as it becomes more oxidized, the oil becomes less effective. The entirety of the acid content which becomes higher than the original value is an indication of oiling issues. This goes the same for the particle tally since it supplies information regarding the system's purity and the functioning of the filtration mechanism. If the filter shows that the particle count goes up, the lubricant needs immediate replacement.

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