Why lubrication procedures are important

We are a 24/7 operation and our lubrication crew works day shift only. Problems arise when duplex filters are switched over, during the off shift, due to an increase in differential pressure or for any other reason deemed necessary while troubleshooting. The information regarding that change is not always communicated to the day shift lube mechanic and the problem element does not get changed out when it should.

We have adopted a standard whereby all duplex filters are run on the right side. If there is an off-shift switch to the left; it is easily picked up during normal rounds. The filter is then replaced and switched back to the right side. We also use a tagging system, located at each filter unit, indicating the date of each filter change for reference and filter life. (Submitted by David Anderson, Preventive Maintenance Supervisor, Norske Canada. Thanks David!)

From the "Lubrication Excellence 2004 Conference Proceedings"

It makes sense that all lubrication-related tasks be performed in a consistent manner that conforms to best practices. It is not enough to provide training to the technicians responsible for performing the tasks. To ensure adherence to best practice techniques, procedures must be developed and documented in a step-by-step fashion so that any individual who may be called upon to perform a task can do so without compromising quality. In an ideal situation, each procedure would be the responsibility of one person. However, due to personnel changes, vacations and other unforeseen circumstances, it is likely that a single task may be performed by many individuals with different backgrounds or skill levels. Additionally, the procedures should be readily available, preferably in an electronic format which can be attached to work orders generated by the CMMS system.

Lube-Trivia: Which Oil Is White?

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

QUESTION: Which of the following would be considered a white oil? Group III Hydrocracked Mineral Oil or Group IV PAO Synthetic?

Q & A: Diagnosing Oil Problems With A Laser Pointer

"I recently read that a laser pointer can be useful for identifying suspended solids and oil/water emulsions in sight glasses. How does this work?"

One of the things you are looking for is reflective light fragments indicating large solid particles suspended in the oil. You can observe this by experimenting with a new turbine oil, or other rather clear oil in a sample bottle.

With the laser passing horizontally through the oil, sprinkle table salt into the open mouth of the bottle. You will see something of a laser light show as the salt falls through the light beam. Without the use of the laser, the salt in the oil is completely invisible to the eye.

Another practice is to observe the laser light beam on a white piece of paper after it passes through the oil. Is the laser spot clear and distinct or is it blurred and diffused? Diffused light may indicate emulsions, oxides, color bodies, other contaminants or oil degradation products.

The laser does not work with dark or opaque oils.

To reward the lubrication and reliability community for its participation in the Noria Message Boards, every week we present the Post of the Week award to one lucky member who receives $50.

"Whenever you are looking at specifying a filtration system for a specific application, it is better to know exactly what you are trying to remove. For instance, if the reason you are getting such a high particle count is because of water in the oil, then a standard filter with a high Beta rating won't do anything for you. If the issue is air bubbles in the oil, then filtration will not improve the situation. You can get a 120 filter cart for an ISO 220 at low temperatures just about anywhere, but getting one to suit your application is what you need. I might suggest you consider:

1. Working with a filtration cart company to analyze and identify your application and contaminant or

2. Get your lab to investigate the cause of the high particle count and then proceed to put together a specification to send to several portable filter cart vendors for a quote."