When using any water-glycol fire-resistant hydraulic fluid, always monitor the water level to insure that the required percentage of water is maintained (typically around 50%). Naturally, if this product is used in an application where the fluid normally runs hot, the water will more rapidly evaporate so weekly monitoring may be necessary to insure the integrity of the product is maintained related to fire retardant and safety qualities. (Stan Wojton, Allegheny Petroleum Products)

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From "Operator's Guide to Centrifugal Pumps"

The most preventable types of centrifugal pump failures are lubrication related failures. With sufficient attention to details, lubrication failures should be rare events. Operators play a key role in maximizing the lubricants useful life through their vigilance.

The lubricants and sealing methods available today have greatly improved the reliability of sump type lubrication systems. All centrifugal pumps require lubrication of their radial and axial bearings in order to maintain the rotor’s position relative to the casing and ensure reliable operation.

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Test your knowledge and prepare for ICML lubrication and oil analysis certification.

Question: Name two methods which protect grease fittings from the accidental ingress of contamination.

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One method that can be used to effectively reduce labor requirements for lubrication is to identify those machines, based on criticality and reliability history, where we can eliminate planned maintenance activities. For example, we probably shouldn't spend time and money performing vibration analysis on an exhaust fan in the break room. After all, what is the penalty for failure? Is the asset's reliability acceptable? Will monitoring the condition of or performing preventive maintenance on the fan improve the reliability or safety of the plant? Probably not. While this example may be unrealistic, it certainly makes the point.
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APRIL 2009

Fundamentos de la Lubricación
22-23 Buenos Aires

Machinery Lubrication I
14-16 Houston, TX

Machinery Lubrication I & II
20-23 Selangor, Kuala Lumpur

Técnicas de Lubricación
3 Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico

Técnico en Lubricación de Maquinaria
21-23 Villahermosa, Tab.

MAY 2009

Oil Analysis I
19-21  Minneapolis,  MN

Análisis de Aceite – I
19-21  México,  D.F.

Aplicaciones de Lubricantes
13-14  Buenos Aires

Lubricación de Equipo Móvil
6-7  Leon,  Gto.

Lubricación de Maquinara I
12-14  Santo Domingo,  Puerto Rico
26-29  Heredia,  Costa Rica

Oil Analysis I and II
19-22 Bangkok

Técnicas de Lubricación
15  Santo Domingo,  Puerto Rico

Machinery Lubrication and Oil Analysis
18-21  Nagoya, Japan