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Transitioning to a New Lube Supplier
Rod Pizzey, Mechanical Supervisor, Gerdau Ameristeel
Unfortunately, this situation is already in an uncontrolled state,
but it can be salvaged. First, the new supplier must very quickly
forward a cross reference list of the old suppliers products and
theirs which they have compatibility information on. A reputable
supplier will have a good catalogue of compatibilities with other
major brands of similar applications.
This will identify all the products immediately which can be
used for topup with no concerns. This must be communicated immediately
to all oilers/tradesmen. Each machine/reservoir should be immediately
tagged as to it's status so it is not inadvertently topped up
with incompatible fluid.
Any products which they have no compatibility data on should
be flagged for compatibility checks and the tradesmen/oilers notified.
These products should be assumed incompatible until proven otherwise.
Small volume topups should be eliminated for these products and
a change out program identified for the oilers/tradesmen.
The new supplier must begin checks immediately on these products.
If the volume is small then do the change out and don't worry
about compatibility as these tests take several weeks to do. This
information must be kept current and available to the oilers so
they are aware of changes as they occur.
If there is a compatibility issue with the large volume reservoirs
then the existing spare product should be earmarked and conserved
for topup on these units. If the product is determined to be compatible
then it is added to the list, otherwise when a suitable down turn
occurs, the lubricant can be changed out to the new product. Another
approach which may help where the first choice is incompatible
is the substitution with a so-called second choice product that
is compatible for topups.
When down time is available the system can be flushed and changed
to the correct product. The biggest issue in these change outs
is record keeping and information availability to the oilers.
The records must be kept up to date and in a manner that they
can be easily accessed.
See other responses
to this Readers Challenge.
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