Q What are the key signs that equipment is experiencing poor lubrication practices?
A Poor lubrication practices can quietly sabotage equipment performance, leading to costly breakdowns and safety risks. Some of the key signs include unusual noises, overheating, excessive wear and tear, leaks and seal damage, low oil pressure, and increases fuel and energy consumption.
Q In your experience, what’s the most common cause of premature equipment failure?
A The premature equipment failure can be attributed to several factors, including: poor lubrication practices, lack of preventive maintenance, and the natural wear and tear from use. Misalignment during installation can lead to damaging vibrations, while contamination from dust or moisture further exacerbates deterioration. Operator errors, often due to inadequate training, can introduce additional risks, and improper storage or handling can damage components before they are even utilized.
Q Which key lubricant-based techniques can address equipment challenges?
A Effective lubrication techniques are crucial for preventing equipment failure. Manual lubrication allows for close inspection of wear points, while automatic systems provide consistent delivery. Condition-based lubrication uses sensors for targeted application, and oil analysis helps detect wear before failures occur. Filtration systems control contamination, ensuring equipment longevity. Optimizing lubricant selection enhances performance, and lubrication mapping establishes schedules for maintenance. Together, these strategies minimize waste, reduce human error, and support predictive maintenance, ultimately enhancing equipment reliability and lifespan.
African workers discussing maintenance of machine in a heavy industrial factory.
SOURCE | SHUTTERSTOCK/ IAMLUKYEEE.
Q What is Lubricant Condition Monitoring program and how can it be integrated into maintenance routines?
A The Lubricant Condition Monitoring program (LCM), also known as Oil analysis program entails analysis of lubricants that highlights its changes and/or deterioration which influences the lubrication properties. This information is used in maintenance decision making to abate any failure of the system, increase the system availability, reduce unnecessary lubricant replenishment costs, moderate environmental effects and enhance the diagnosis process.
To simply integrate LCM into maintenance routines, regularly sample lubricants (monthly or by operating hours) and analyze results against OEM standards and historical data. Use findings to adjust service schedules, replace components, and enhance storage practices. Connect the data to CMMS dashboards for effective trend tracking and alert notifications.
Q How do you measure the Return On Investment (ROI) of a lubricant Condition Monitoring program?
A Measuring the ROI of a Lubricant Condition Monitoring (LCM) program involves assessing its impact on preventing failures, extending equipment life, and enhancing operational efficiency. Key metrics include lower maintenance costs from reduced unplanned repairs, higher equipment reliability with longer Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and fewer disruptions, and optimized lubricant use through extended change intervals and reduced waste. Additionally, tracking KPIs like predictive versus scheduled oil changes and contaminant trends helps evaluate the program’s effectiveness. .