Durable machinery with the right lubricants
Professional lubrication has a direct effect on the durability and reliability of equipment and machinery. To improve safety on a plant, numerous steps can be taken.
Lubricants are complex chemical compositions, so to avoid errors of mixing lubes and to apply industry standards, particularly in the food-grade industry, a good labeling system is necessary.
Lubricant contamination has a large influence on machinery and equipment. That being said, it is important to exclusively use clean lubricants. Open and dirty dispensing containers can be a source of contamination entering the machine. Dispensing equipment must be safe, clean and closed.
Choosing the right lubricant
Lubricants have a broad-spectrum of functions that include controlling and supporting the following:
- Temperature: Lubricants can absorb and transfer heat.
- Corrosion: Quality lubricants protect surfaces from corrosive parts.
- Friction: Lubricants reduce heat generation and energy consumption.
- Wear: Lubricants can reduce mechanical and corrosive wear.
- Contamination: Lubricants transport particles and other contaminants to filters and separators.
Types of lubricants
- Greases: Composed by utilizing oil and combining it with thickeners.
- Oils: Composed of long polymer chains with some extra additives.
- Penetrating lubricants: Not built for long-lasting lubrication. Low viscosity, these lubricants are particularly developed for to infiltrate the small cracks over the surfaces, to increase lubrication and to split up the rust.
- Dry lubricants: Such as silicon, molybdenum, graphite and PTFE. These lubricants have a slippery characteristic at a molecular level which reduces the friction between surfaces.