After setting pretty stringent lubricant target cleanliness levels for our equipment, we experienced problems with repeating and maintaining the levels. Our environment is extremely dusty and dirty. After numerous attempts to eliminate variables (procedure, type of bottles used, and filtering), we came up with a solution: sealing the vacuum pump and both the line flush and final sample bottles in a 2 mil-thick Ziploc bag leaving only the sample tubing with the sample port quick-connect exposed. It is a little bit tricky removing the lid and bottle from the pump, but after a few tries it becomes easier. (David Peraza, Maintenance Lubrication Technician, Cargill Salt)

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Call for Abstracts - Lubed, Reliable and Lean 2007

Share your interesting case studies, personal expertise and new ideas as a speaker at the 2007 Lubrication Excellence, Reliability World and Lean Manufacturing Conferences, May 15-17 in Louisville, Kentucky. Send abstracts and program ideas to awegener@noria.com.

Book Bits: Observation of Lubricant Condition

From the "Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology"

An experienced observer of lubricant condition will give considerable attention to the color of a lubricant sample - it is helpful to compare with an unused sample. Oxidative and thermal breakdown of a lubricant is often beyond exhausting its antioxidant reserve, gives a darker, more brown, color. The deepening in color is also associated with a characteristic "burnt" odor, which is recognizable when experienced. The viscosity of the sample will also increase.

More information about the "Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology"

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

Question: Name three ways to get information about particles in oil.

Get the answer.

"Is there any way to tell if an improper lubricant is being used without performing an oil analysis, or without a part or system failure? We currently have an oil analysis program in place, but I still find that wrong oils and fluids are being used from time to time, in between the oil analysis."

The most effective way to determine if wrong oil has been used is by oil analysis, by looking at a change either in viscosity and/or additive concentration. Unless there is a significant difference in oil type (viscosity, base oil type, additives, etc.) or any dye that may be used in the oil or grease, it is unlikely that a sensory inspection is sufficient.

However, your problem has little do to with oil analysis, but is more of a procedural issue. Bottom line, we need to make those who are empowered with adding/changing oil understand why adding the wrong oil is bad.

The first stage is understanding through education, whether it be formal training or simply internal training sessions. Secondly, we need to make the process of adding oil as foolproof as possible. The best way to achieve this is to practice lube tagging. In this approach, new oils are tagged with a designated color and shape. For example, ISO VG 220 gear oil is given a red circle, AW 46 hydraulic fluid a green square, etc.

The next step is to similarly label dedicated oil transfer equipment such as oil top-off containers, funnels, filter carts, etc.

Finally, label the gearboxes etc., with the same red circle, green square etc. The strategy is simple: red-circle oil gets added to red-circle components using red-circle hardware. This can be applied to all components and hardware, including greases, grease guns, etc.

For more info on lube tagging, refer to the following article: GM Invests in Lube Program Updates

Mark Barnes, Noria Corporation

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