perma; a world leader in single point lubrication

As the world market leader in the field of single-point lubrication, perma has an outstanding reputation for innovative and reliable lubrication solutions of excellent quality. To understand more about its products, services and market activities in Africa, Lubezine had an interview with Dr. Abassin Aryobsei, CEO at perma GmbH & Co. KG in Euerdorf, Germany.

What are automatic lubrication systems, how do they work and what are the different types available?

Automatic lubrication systems enable consistent and controlled lubrication without the need for manual intervention. This precise discharge of lubricants, such as oil and grease, reduces friction and wear and extends component life. perma mainly offers two different types of lubrication systems: electrochemical and electromechanical. Electrochemical lubrication systems work by means of an electrochemical reaction. A built-in gas generator creates a pressure inside the lubrication system which moves a piston forward and thus supplies the lubrication point with lubricant. Electromechanical lubrication systems operate with battery or external power. Depending on the application, they discharge lubricants in regular, adjustable cycles and quantities, e.g. to bearings, sliding guides, gears and shafts.

What are some of the lubrication systems you have?

Our focus product is the perma STAR VARIO. The system consists of an electromechanical drive, a so-called LC (lubricant cartridge), filled with 60, 120, 250 or 500 cm³ of lubricant and a battery pack. Via a set button, the discharge period can be set to 1 - 26 weeks or 1 - 24 months (depending on LC size), visible via the LCD display. LED lights indicate the current operating status of the perma STAR VARIO at any time and can be seen from a longer distance. Due to a pressure build-up of 7.5 bar, perma STAR VARIO is ideally suited for the lubrication of electric motors. Furthermore, the option of remote installation by using a hose up to 5 meters contributes to higher workplace safety. In the field of electrochemical lubrication systems, our perma NOVA deserves special mention. It is the first electrochemical lubrication system that automatically adapts to the ambient temperature due to a built-in temperature sensor, thus ensuring constant and reliable lubricant discharge. With its EX-protection approval and IP65 protection class, the perma NOVA is ideally suited for use in mining or the cement industry.

What markets do you serve in Africa?

In Africa, we are currently mainly serving the South African market. Nevertheless, we have been able to expand our market coverage in the last two years. Meanwhile, perma has authorized distributors in South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Egypt and others. Due to the great development opportunities on the African continent, we are continuously working with our young and dynamic team to further expand our footprint on the African market.

What benefits do clients get from using your lubrication systems?

One of the advantages of perma automatic lubrication systems is that they can be easily changed by hand. This significantly simplifies the lubrication of equipment, as no special tools are required. The possibility of using grease lines up to 5 meters allows the lubrication outside of hazardous areas, which reduces the risk of accidents by up to 90%. Due to the fact that our products are self-contained systems and that they discharge the exact required amount of grease, perma lubrication systems also make an active contribution to the protection of our environment by avoiding unnecessarily large lubricant amounts. The continuous supply of fresh, clean lubricant to lubrication points also increases equipment availability by preventing unnecessary downtime due to improper lubrication, resulting in higher productivity.

What are the maintenance benefits of using these lubrication systems?

Automatic lubrication with perma significantly extends maintenance intervals and lubrication periods. With the help of perma lubrication systems, roller bearing failures due to improper lubrication (overor under-lubrication) can be reduced by up to 75%. The extension of lubrication intervals allows maintenance staff to attend to other important tasks. Due to the individual setting options as well as the possibility of selecting customer-specific lubricants, our systems can be adapted to the needs of individual machines or applications. This allows us to exactly match machine manufacturers’ specifications. At the same time, maintenance costs are reduced by up to 25%.

Can the lubrication systems be integrated with predictive maintenance techniques?

The perma CONNECT APP facilitates the creation of digital lubrication and maintenance plans which can then be shared with the responsible employees via the app or the desktop version. Once a lubrication system is saved in the app, the operator obtains an overview of the specific installation locations and corresponding configurations of all saved lubrication systems. Furthermore, perma CONNECT reminds the end-user in a timely manner when a lubrication system or LC unit needs to be changed. Our Bluetooth-enabled lubrication systems perma STAR VARIO Bluetooth and perma ULTRA can also be controlled and their status monitored via the app. In addition to this digital solution, our perma STAR CONTROL has the option of being connected to a PLC via cable. Using IMPULSE mode, the lubrication system can thus receive the command directly from the application.

Which complementary lubrication tools and services do you offer?

Apart from the perma CONNECT APP, which helps to create a digital lubrication plan, perma’s portfolio also includes the SELECT APP. This tool enables the end-user to define the required lubrication amount and setting of perma lubrication systems under consideration of the operating conditions. Furthermore, perma offers trainings through the perma ACADEMY for service staff and customers on the correct handling of our lubrication systems and the basics of automatic lubrication. These trainings are conducted online, on-site, or at our headquarters in Euerdorf. By leveraging our experts’ comprehensive knowledge across diverse industries, we are able to address the specific requirements of our customers.

Would you like to learn more about perma’s products and services? Send your request directly to lubezine@perma-tec.comor visit our website www.perma-tec.com