Technology Showcase: Lubrication Solutions

Vibration Analysis & Lubrication: Natural Synergy

It’s difficult to argue against the importance of an effective lubrication program or the necessity of vibration analysis. Still, rarely do these two modalities actively work together. Instead, they’re often considered completely separate entities on a reliability flow chart. The good news is that an often-overlooked dynamic synergy can exist between a plant’s vibration and lubrication groups.

Here’s how
Vibration analysts are often troubled with a combination of too many pieces of equipment to check and too little time to do it. Lubrication groups, on the other hand, constantly struggle with proper lube techniques, how to correctly determine lubrication levels and when to schedule them.

An investment in acoustic lubrication and monitoring of bearings not only helps build an effective lube program, it also sets up a natural first line of defense against rotating equipment failure. The ability to discover equipment in the early stages of failures, between vibration analysis routes, can yield huge financial rewards. The acoustic lubrication method makes better use of a lube technician’s lubrication route—helping establish new routines that are based on time, but customized for each bearing’s actual lubrication requirement. 

 When vibration analysts begin to integrate lubrication technicians into their monitoring cycles, more rotating equipment is being monitored—more frequently. While the technology and procedures to acoustically monitor grease-lubricated bearings has been around for 20 years, it’s still a vastly underutilized method. A simple paradigm shift in the maintenance culture is usually all that’s necessary to begin taking advantage of two groups that already exist.

Industrial maintenance management is a daunting task, even in the best of times. Operations must continue to find creative ways to stay competitive while keeping costs down. Using existing manpower more effectively—with minimal investments in equipment and training—is a good economic move. Go ahead: Uncover an important natural synergy in your plant. Learn more about acoustic lubrication and bearing monitoring solutions at www.uvlm.com.  MT

UVLM, Inc.
Centralia, WA

Feature-Rich Containment System Offers Drive-Through Capabilities

New Pig’s recently introduced PIG® Collapse-A-Tainer® Fail-Safe Containment System features end walls that can remain folded during normal use, but automatically rise and float with the liquid level should a leak or spill occur. The addition of floating walls allows the system to provide constant drive-through containment capability without the need to manually fold the sidewalls up or down each time a vehicle enters or exits the containment system. Heavy-duty hinges can be manually locked into place when snow, hoses or other heavy objects could prevent the flotation system from functioning. Made of tough XR-5 geomembrane, it’s suited for use under storage tanks, tote tanks, pillow tanks, pallets loaded with drums and more. Available in three variations with sump capacities from 748 to 5236 gallons, this containment system can be customized to fit the needs of any facility.

New Pig Corp.
Tipton, PA

Handy Lube Products For Trade and Industrial Pros

To serve the needs of today’s busy professionals throughout the trades and industry, WD-40® has announced the addition of three new products to its Specialist® lineup:

Dirt & Dust Resistant Dry Lube is a specially created, fast-drying formula that reduces friction and wear.  An NSF Category H2 product, it resists dirt, dust and oil, helps release molded parts and is suitable for lubricating slides, rollers and hinges.

Machine & Engine Degreaser, which can spray up to five feet, has a deep foaming penetrating action that quickly removes grease, oil, dirt and grime.  Authorized for use under NSF Category C1, it’s appropriate for use on engines, gears, chains, industrial machinery, power equipment and metal tools.

Electrical Contact Cleaner Spray, an NSF K2-registered product, is safe to use on plastic, rubber and metal surfaces.  Incorporating Smart Straw® technology, it can easily clean oil, dirt, flux residue and condensation from circuit boards, controls, switches, precision instruments and electrical panels.

These new products are available at select retailers and industrial distributors nationwide.

WD-40 Company
San Diego, CA

Clean And Protect Hot Line Tools 

CRC’s new dual-action, lint-free Hot Line Tool Cleaner & Protectant Wipes keep fiberglass hot line tools clean. These pre-moistened, easily disposable wipes are saturated with a special cleaner and protectant designed to effectively remove dirt, tar, sap and grease without harming the tool. According to the manufacturer, this unique formula won’t remove or adversely affect gloss finishes or build up on tools over time, nor will it harm lineman gloves, climbing gear or insulating blanket covers. OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910.1200 requires the daily cleaning of hot line tools prior to use. CRC’s convenient 8” X 10.5” wipes allow for easy one-time use and eliminate the need for rags and storing of bulk chemicals.

CRC Industries, Inc.
Warminster, PA