Lubrication is a common need in many industries. However, not all lubrication needs are the same. Every industry faces unique lubrication management requirements, machinery systems, and environmental conditions.
This post provides a breakdown of the varying lubrication needs and practices across key industries.
Lubrication Management for the Manufacturing Industry
Needs: The manufacturing industry uses high-speed and continuously operating machinery. Thus, the industry requires precise lubrication to minimize wear and tear while causing minimal disruptions.
Practices: Automated lubrication systems are commonly used to supply consistent lubricant, especially for hard-to-reach areas. Real-time condition monitoring techniques like vibrational analysis are also employed to detect early signs of equipment failure.
Synthetic lubricants are most often used in the manufacturing industry for their stability in high-speed and high-temperature conditions.
Lubrication Management for the Food and Beverage Industry
Needs: The lubricant needs of the food and beverage manufacturing industry are like those of the non-food manufacturing industry, with the added requirement that lubricants must be food-grade. This is to avoid food contamination that can compromise the safety of food or beverage products.
Practices: Food and beverage facilities must use lubricants that are NSF H1 (H1 is the food-grade lubricant classification under the National Sanitation Foundation). Strict hygiene protocols must also be in place to prevent lubricant and food contact. Regular monitoring and checking are also required to ensure the correct and safe use and storage of lubricants.
Lubrication Management for the Mining Industry
Needs: The mining industry operates in harsh environments that are often unsafe for humans and have varying extreme conditions. The machinery used is also mostly heavy-duty and handles high loads.
Mining conditions deal with extreme pressure and heavy contamination. So, the mining industry requires a robust lubrication management strategy to manage these conditions.
Practices: A centralized lubrication system is essential for delivering accurate amounts of lubricants at multiple points, reducing the need for manual intervention and risk to human safety.
The mining industry also uses extreme-pressure lubricants that can withstand high loads, heavy contamination, and extreme changes in temperatures. Contamination controls like filtration systems and constant lubricant analysis are also employed.
Lubrication Management for the Agricultural Industry
Needs: Equipment and machinery used in agriculture are constantly exposed to moisture, dirt, and varying weather conditions. The agricultural industry requires lubricants that are strong against corrosion and contamination.
Practices: Although not strictly required, the frequent practice in the industry is the use of biodegradable lubricants to minimize the environmental impact of lubricant leaks. Frequent lubrication is also necessary due to constant exposure to dirt and contamination.
The use of multipurpose grease products is also common because of their versatility on various equipment and conditions.
Lubrication Management for the Energy Industry
Needs: The energy industry, particularly oil and gas, requires lubricants that can operate in extreme environments and withstand high temperatures, pressures, and corrosive conditions.
Practices: The industry favors high-performance synthetic lubricants for their ability to withstand extreme conditions while providing long-lasting protection from wear and tear. For operations dealing with saltwater exposure, lubricants with high anti-corrosive properties are also preferred. Constant monitoring is critical to maintain ideal lubricant health and performance.
Lubrication Management for the Transportation Industry
Needs: The transportation industry requires lubricants that can perform high-speed operations and extreme temperatures. These lubricants should also perform for longer because the industry typically involves longer periods of maintenance.
Practices: The transportation industry commonly uses specialized lubricants for different transportation types, such as aviation hydraulic fluids or marine engine oils. Regular oil analysis is also practiced more frequently because proactive lubrication is critical. Additionally, automated lubrication is practiced, ensuring the consistent lubrication of components like gears and bearings.
Lubrication Management for the Construction Industry
Needs: The construction industry uses machinery that lifts heavy loads and works in dirty environments, thus requiring lubricants that are durable and can prevent frequent breakdowns.
Practices: Heavy-duty grease products are recommended for critical components that lift heavy loads. Centralized lubrication systems are also useful in reducing manual effort and safety risks. Finally, performing routine inspections is critical in ensuring the proper functioning of lubrication points.
Tailored Lubrication Solutions from Redlist
There is no one-size-fits-all solution in lubrication. As shown above, some industries prioritize contamination control and food safety, while others focus on handling extreme pressure or temperatures.
There is also the existing lubrication management program to consider. Some organizations already have lubrication programs in place, while some must start their program from scratch.
As illustrated in several case studies we have conducted on some of our previous clients, Redlist can provide tailored and industry-specific solutions to meet any lubrication requirement.
Whether you are a wood production company establishing your lubrication routes from scratch or a metal manufacturer looking to scale up, Redlist can help create strategies that will initiate your lubrication program or expand your program to accommodate your growing business.
Redlist streamlines lubrication processes such that even engineering service providers use our software to service multiple companies. Also, Redlist supports compliance with lubrication regulations and has saved previous clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage claims, fines, and penalties.
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