In This Issue:

• Today's Tip: Use Self-Closing Valves

• Book Bits: Bearing Care Tips

• Lube-Trivia: Filter Pressure Differential Triggers Tests

• Q & A: Keeping Lube Pails Clean

Today's Tip

Use Self-Closing Valves

• Consider using self-closing valves as the dispensing valves on oil drums that are stored in a horizontal position. A self- closing valve will eliminate the possibility of the dispensing valve being left partially open and draining the entire contents of the drum on the ground or containment pad. (Submitted by Eric S. Ernst, Maintenance Team Leader, PPG Industries, Inc. Thanks Eric!)
  

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Book Bits

Bearing Care Tips

From "Rolling Bearings Handbook and Troubleshooting Guide"

When the bearings are very contaminated with dirt and sludge, soak them in kerosene, mineral spirits, or special commercial solvents. Some solvents can be detrimental to non-metallic cages, seals, or other components. After cleaning with solvents, bearings are extremely vulnerable to corrosion or mechanical damage and should be protected or lubricated immediately. Handling with bare hands can corrode the bearing surfaces because of the acidic moisture on the hands. A clean, dry, unlubricated bearing can be easily damaged by the movement between rolling bearings and raceways. Such bearings should never be spun or subjected to shock or vibration before a coating of lubricant or preservative has been applied.

More information about the book "Rolling Bearings Handbook and Troubleshooting Guide"

Lube-Trivia

Filter Pressure Differential Triggers Tests

Test your knowledge and prepare for ICML lubrication and oil analysis certification with Lube-Trivia.

QUESTION: The pressure differential across a filter has gone down. What oil properties should be checked?

For the answer, visit: http://www.lube-tips.com/trivia/20030924.asp

Q & A

Keeping Lube Pails Clean

"Is there an effective method for cleaning five-gallon stainless steel containers which are used to transport and store oil in our plant?"

Many companies prefer to use five-gallon plastic buckets (also known as, popcorn pails) because oil doesn't tend to stick but flows out readily and is easy to wipe down.

Others use disposable, off-the-shelf plastic liners, similar to what is used in the food industry.

Or, if you must clean the stainless steel buckets, you may need a standard parts-cleaner/degreaser, the kind mechanics use in garages and rebuild shops. Either petroleum or nonpetroleum- based solvents are used. The final cleanup is often with a common dishwasher using water and detergents. Filtered water is best.

Jim Fitch, Noria Corporation

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