Lubrication is a word that’s often used in regards to machinery reliability and maintenance, but what is lubrication? The dictionary defines lubrication as the application of some oily or greasy substance in order to diminish friction. Although this is a valid definition, it fails to realize all that lubrication actually achieves.
“We have a hydraulic brick manufacturing machine that has been operating at our plant for a month. The hydraulic pump continues to overheat even though we have a heat exchanger. What could be the cause of this, and what would be your suggestions to fix the problem?”
Proper oil flushing of rotating equipment tends to be an afterthought. Whether it is commissioning or maintenance involving end users, construction groups or manufacturers, oil flushing tends to be thought of as a “just do it” item. The only time it becomes a priority is when a system fails, and then it is all about getting back on line quickly and not so much about planning. Fortunately, there is a better way. The following six steps are intended to help you achieve a more successful high-velocity oil flush.
“What is the first indication of lubricant starvation?”
Heat is the direct consequence of lubricant starvation. Once any mechanical system becomes depleted of lubricant, and the lubricating film keeping gears, bearings or slides apart is no longer present to support or protect the surfaces, surface-to-surface contact will occur. When two surfaces slide or rub together, friction is produced, and from friction comes heat.
Machine failures are the bane of every maintenance department. Determining their exact cause can also be rather difficult. The equipment failures discussed in this article defied quick solutions and were quite costly in manpower, material and downtime. Various resolutions were proposed and tried with little success until thoughtful analysis was undertaken. The systematic approach that was employed as well as the results that were achieved in these three examples should provide a better idea of how to analyze similar types of equipment failures in your facility.
