In an effort to modernize our pulp and paper mill, we recently shut down three stock washer lines and now have all of the pulp washed on one line. If this washer line goes down, all pulp production stops. In order to keep this machine running from one annual shutdown to the next, we have added what we call "motor minders" to all hydraulic pumps and motors that operate this equipment.

A motor minder is an aluminum block through which the hydraulic oil passes. It has a sight glass on each side and a magnet on the bottom visible through the sight glass. We installed this along with a flow meter on the case drain of each pump and motor. If we start to get a bad bearing or excessive cam wear, metal debris shows up on the magnet. If there is an increase in the piston leakage, we get an increase in flow.

These monitoring devices, along with changing all filters to duplex and marking all gauges with an operating range, has made it possible for us to track the condition of this equipment and help us operate without interruption. (Norman Eudaily, Vibration Analyst, Simpson Tacoma Kraft)

We send $100 for each tip published.
Submit your tip.

Get Oil Analysis Level I training and certification.

Join us in Memphis, Tennessee on November 28-30 for Oil Analysis I training with ICML certification on December 1.

Book Bits: Responding Proactively to Seal Failures

From the book "The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication":

When a seal fails, don't just replace it. Determine the real cause of failure. Some causes for failures, which are often ignored, are listed below.

1. Misalignment of components.
2. Poor bearing lubrication.
3. Vibration of rotating components.
4. Contaminated fluid (water, acids or particulate).
5. Twisting condition due to "soft foot" at mounting pads.
6. Poor component base plate grouting or mounting.
7. Rotor imbalance or shaft whip.
8. Inadequate flushing procedures during commissioning or start-up after repairs.
9. Poor or careless seal or bearing installation.
10. Piping strains, due to misalignment or temperature variations.
11. Looseness of bolts and brackets.
12. Addition of incompatible fluid.
13. An increase in temperature (or a dramatic change in temperature).
14. Unclean operating conditions (causing dirt ingression).
15. A change in filtration practices.

Selecting the correct seal is only the beginning of sound equipment operation. Ongoing predictive condition monitoring using vibration and fluid analysis, a regular review of equipment operating logs and the implementation of a sound preventive maintenance program will ensure the long life of seals, eliminating leaks and environmental damage and will add millions of dollars to the bottom line.

More information about "The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication"

A recent post from the Noria Message Boards:

I need information on greasing motors. We are trying to rewrite our PMs for greasing motors. We need help with best practices, such as quantity, frequency, etc.
Some of our motors run 24-7, others at different frequencies. Does anyone have a standard to follow?

Respond or read responses here.

"My question concerns the use of food-grade lubricants in enclosed helical and helical-bevel gearing that is primarily splash lubricated. Normally we specify ISO VG220 EP lubricants for this type of gearing. However, I understand that food-grade oils do not typically contain the sulfur-phosphorous based EP packages. What advantages do food-grade PAO/SHC or food-grade polyglycol lubricants offer over straight mineral or white oils? Are there any advantages in terms of oxidation resistance, antiwear or scuffing resistance or water demulsibilty?"

By food-grade, I assume that you mean H1 – an oil which may be prone to incidental contact with food. Under these circumstances, the required is an oil which contains only additives which appears on the FDA "approved list" for food safe compounds. Generally, H1 lubricants are formulated with PAO, Polyglycol or white oils as the base oil. You are correct that the common sulfur-phosphorus chemistry used in many industrial gear oils does not meet H1 requirements.

As a gearbox supplier, what is required of course is the ability to adequately lubricate under high-load (boundary) conditions. So provided the H1 lubricant selected meets the required performance properties (OK load, 4-ball wear and weld, FZG etc.), it should be able to perform acceptably.

In terms of oxidation resistance, synthetic oils (PAO, Polyglycol) may show slightly better oxidation resistance than mineral oils, while the highly refined nature of white oils means that their long-term oxidative stability should approach that of a synthetic. Likewise, the demulsibility of white oils and PAO synthetics will generally be better than mineral oils (not withstanding any major differences in additive package which can also affect demulsibility) because of their inherent "purity" and absence of polar compounds.

The real issue between food-grade and nonfood-grade is cost, and to a lesser extent performance. Generally speaking, nonfood grade lubricants will provide the same, or often better performance at a lower cost, so unless a food-grade lubricant is necessary for the intended application, you are typically better served with a "conventional" nonfood-grade product.

Mark Barnes, Noria Corporation

Submit a question | Discuss on Message Boards

Resources

An Imperative Link in the Reliability Chain
Prohibit contaminant entry and improve your bottom line. www.des-case.com
615-672-8800

Increase uptime, reduce downtime. Work Smarter.
Sign up now for Molykote's Smart Lubrication™ Series. Just enter your email address.
www.molykote.com

Need performance and reliability?
Get Dow's PAG-based synthetic lubricants. Multiple formulations and viscosities for your specific application needs.

Finding Success in Failure Investigations: Why "Why?" is Only the Beginning
Hear this presentation by Jim Fitch at Root Cause Analysis 2006, Houston, Texas, December 11-13.

Lube-Tips is published bi-weekly by:
Noria Corporation, 1328 E. 43rd Ct., Tulsa, OK 74105 USA.
(918) 749-1400

Because results will vary widely based on a number of factors, Noria Corporation cannot warrant the results of any information within this e-mail.

© 2006 Noria Corporation

»Receive your own subscription to Lube-Tips