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Lube-Worthy Lube Techs?

I just read an article called "Goodbye Oiler, Hello Skilled Lube Tech and Lube Analyst". You'll see it in the Jan/Feb issue of Practicing Oil Analysis magazine later this month.

After reading this article, I can't help but wonder how the job of lubricating machinery somehow got so low in the 'job-chain'. Think about it. What if the most critical piece of machinery at your facility were to fail due to improper lubrication?

In hindsight you'd probably wish that more instruction had been provided - something more than "here's the grease gun, get to work." Even though we've seen a lot of progress in this area, it's sad to say that this is hardly an exaggeration in some facilities we've visited.

Will you be the next victim of hindsight? What steps can you take to make sure that you aren't? Here's a start: make certification a requirement for all lubrication-related job functions. Check out the various certifications offered by the ICML and see which ones fit your needs.

Notice I said that certification is a start, not the end-all solution. If your company is like others, you still need documented lubrication procedures, proper lubrication equipment and lots of other things, including a bigger budget.

If you're already on the right track, shoot me an e-mail and let me know what you're doing. Success stories make my day.

Mike Ramsey
mramsey@noria.com

Book Bits

From "Filtration Technology":

Water absorption filters usually have an element that combines a particle removal media with water absorption material. The water absorption material may be something as simple as cornstarch, or as complex as a polyacrylate material. The latter is the type of material used in babies' diapers to absorb water. Typically, these filters are used to remove small amounts (less than 1% by volume) of free water from hydrocarbon fluids in circulating systems.

Most water absorption media are sensitive to flow rate, and their efficiency improves as flow velocity is lowered. It is common for these filters to be used on off-line circuits where the flow rate can be controlled by pump selection.

Click here for more information about "Filtration Technology".

Today's Tip

• Monitor your filter change interval. Premature plugging is usually a sign of a problem that merits further investigation. This may be caused by airborne dust coming from nearby construction or a prolonged dry spell raising atmospheric dust levels. Whatever the source of dirt, the root cause needs to be investigated and perhaps the seals or breathers need to be serviced or upgraded accordingly. In certain cases the problem may be associated with a change in the performance of the filter from your supplier. Extremely long filter life is as much a concern as too short.

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Q & A

"To what extent does the presence of microbial growth affect the quality of lube oil, and how can this be controlled?" -- Nomava Marala, Arnot Power Station

Microbial contamination is a pro-oxidant and forms acid products in the oil. Additives are also adversely affected. Over time insoluble suspensions can lead to sludge, deposits, and viscosity change.

Filters will plug and oilways will obliterate. Usually the best strategy for controlling micro-organisms is to control water contamination. Without water the bacteria can't survive. For water-based lubricants there are biocides available as well.

Jim Fitch, Noria Corporation

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