From "Lubrication Fundamentals"

Mechanical handling equipment is needed for efficient movement of drums into and out of a plant warehouse. Hand- or power-operated forklift trucks or stackers are widely used for this purpose. They offer the advantage of a single handling operation from warehouse storage to the oil house or point of use. A chain block or trolley with a proper drum sling mounted on an I-beam bridge can be used to move drums in and out of storage. This type of equipment does not require the aisle space needed to maneuver a forklift. Mechanical handling equipment is closely regulated by OSHA. A thorough study is required to assure that the system and equipment meet all requirements.

More information about the book "Lubrication Fundamentals"

Contamination control for mobile equipment.

The new Des-Case® Disposable Steel Breather is the ideal desiccant breather for mobile equipment. With 1-micron filtration and a rugged metal housing, the DC-DS breather is durable, resistant to vibration, and can withstand high temperatures.

The unit is available with several adapter options, including a proprietary design feature for extreme humidity and high outflow applications, which creates a virtually sealed system.

By prohibiting entry of dirt and moisture, mobile equipment operators can attain significant cost reductions. Not only from extended oil drain intervals, but through prevention of premature component failure and by limiting rebuilds.

www.des-case.com/DCDS_tech.pdf

E-mail: breathe@des-case.com

Our Message Boards are always buzzing with conversations on interesting topics. Here's a post that has generated some great responses:

We are currently having a debate over the effects of emulsified water in a lubricated system. One theory has been proposed that emulsified water is "hidden" as very small droplets within the continuous phase. Thus, water which is emulsified as droplets in the oil never directly contacts any part of the lubricated system and therefore cannot cause damage.

The other theory of course is that emulsified water does cause damage to the lubricated system. The second part of our debate is that if the water is acidic, will it manifest its acidic properties (such as be corrosive) when emulsified?

Read the responses or respond to this question.

"In a dusty plant, what is the best thing to do with a gearbox plug while changing the oil?"

There is no good way to handle plugs, even in the cleanest of industrial environments. I strongly recommend that these units be fitted with quick-connect couplings. This will protect the lubricant from becoming contaminated from the environment while being introduced, and will allow for the use of a filter cart more conveniently, either for periodic offline filtration or for new oil introduction.

Plugs not only allow contaminants to enter through the opening, as you indicated, but also tend to attract dirt when taken out. One additional consideration is that the threads themselves will have a tendency to produce metallic debris during both removal and installation from the shearing contact at the mating surfaces.

Adam Davis, Technical Consultant, Noria Corporation

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