Develop clear lubrication procedures

One of the best ways to avoid maintenance downtime is by having clear and precise lubrication procedures. When developing lubrication procedures for manufacturing facilities, engineers should consider several requirements to maximize machinery life, including routine maintenance and lubrication procedures. Both are extremely important in helping equipment and machinery run properly and consistently. To be effective however, each must be cost-effective and reduce maintenance downtime.

One of the most dependable and well-liked procedures for equipment lubrication is oil mist. An oil mist system is an environmentally clean, centralized lubrication system that continually atomizes oil into small particles and then conveys it, through low pressure, to multiple application points. The combination of a liquid lubrication layer and a continuously replenished solid lubrication layer eliminates metal-to-metal contact, reducing friction and lowering temperature.

Studies show oil mist lowers bearing temperature by up to 25%, providing significant savings on energy and resources. Along with those savings, it provides a 70% reduction in grease consumption and eliminates corrosive gases and other contaminants, removing the need for periodic grease changes.

Alternatives to oil mist include air-oil, grease and oil splash. Air-oil is a simple procedure, similar to oil mist, in that it is fed through a siphon and puffed onto machinery. Grease is one of the most widely recognized procedures. It is a process of specifically greasing each machine over several different periods of time. Oil splash is the same process that happens in your car; oil is splashed on particular parts that need lubrication.