WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO COUNT ON OUR INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT TO
PERFORM AS DESIGNED.
Maintaining clean oil is one of the best investments a company
can make to keep equipment up and running, yet contamination often
remains an overlooked factor behind premature machinery failure and
diminished lubricant life. With increases in the cost of oil,
greater desire to minimize usage and waste, and a compelling
business case for prolonging equipment life, the economic and
environmental reason for controlling contamination of lubricants -
from the time oil enters a facility until it leaves - is stronger
than ever.
Reduced downtime, less oil usage, and lower repair and recycling
costs all add up to significant savings when solid reliability
practices are in place. The cost of removing contaminants is 10
times the cost of preventing them.
TWO MAJOR SOURCES OF LUBRICANT CONTAMINATION
Dirt
If the atmosphere is contaminated, oil will become dirtier and
lubricant quality becomes compromised. Particulate contamination,
once inside an operating system, will accelerate the generation of
new contaminants. These contaminants damage critical components and
act as a catalyst for oxidation, further degrading the condition of
lubricants.
Water
If the atmosphere is particularly humid or has frequent
temperature fluctuations, the oil is probably moisture-laden and
lubricant quality is compromised. Often times, plant wash down
activities are responsible for inducing conditions that lead to
moisture ingression and corrosion.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO HELP KEEP CONTAMINATION UNDER CONTROL?
The good news is that these factors, which work together to
threaten equipment reliability, can be effectively controlled with
some cost-effective preventative maintenance techniques. The best
and easiest way to exclude contaminants is to avoid practices that
risk exposing lubes to contaminants. A multi-faceted program that
includes some simple proactive steps can help conquer
contamination.
Detection
The first step is often the most difficult. Des-Case's Equipment
Reliability Services (ERS) are designed to help you critically
evaluate an array of equipment information: the application, the
industry, the environment the unit is in, the particular fluid
used, the condition of the lubricant, and a variety of other
factors. ERS can help you quickly identify the next steps you need
to take, help your team learn the basics about contamination
control, and perform cost-benefit analysis to help you in your
implementation of best practices.
Prevention
As nearly all gearboxes, reservoirs and storage tanks are
designed to breath, allowing only clean, dry air to enter the
system is at the top of the list of steps to take. Replacing
standard breather/filler caps with a desiccant breather immediately
prevents moisture and moves particle filtration from 40 micron to 3
micron. Des-Case's desiccant breathers combine a drying media with
a combination of filters to prohibit the entry of water and
microscopic particulates from entering the system. With a large
variety of sizes, desiccants, and options, Des-Case has a breather
to fit your need…or we'll help you make one that does.
Removal
Filtration devices should be used to remove particles and
moisture, further preserving the working life of the oil. They are
not just a tool for emergency remedial measures when dealing with
contaminated lubricants and hydraulic fluids. They should be used
in regular, scheduled filtering intervals to help remove
contaminants that have entered the system or were generated within
the equipment. Des-Case provides a wide array of customizable,
quality filtration units that are quickly delivered to you for use
in your program.
"THE BOTTOM LINE"
Fluid degradation can be greatly reduced through proper
lubrication maintenance which effectively starts with condition
evaluation, breather protection and off-line filtration. Des-Case's
technical team can help you evaluate where you are, give you
guidance on where to go, and provide the products to get you there.
Now, implementing best practice contamination control techniques,
maintaining clean, dry lubricants-and gaining the profitability
that goes along with it-is easier than ever.