On average, if a workshop uses 10 barrels
of lubricants per month the spillage per
month is estimated to be about 63 litres
2. Contamination of the environment
All the oil that is spilled during dispensing ends
up polluting the environment. The spilled oil is
cleaned with cotton waste and this is disposed
in the dustbin. This trash is sent to the dump
yard (oil is not degradable). When it rains, this
water mixes with oil and seeps into the ground.
Additionally, when the workshop floor is
washed, the oil is washed into the ground. A
study conducted by EPA (Environment Protection Agency in US) found out that 1 litre of oil
can contaminate 50,000 litres of ground water.
Another way that the oil contaminates the
ground water is when the extra oil remaining in
the 5L or / 4L container is given to the customer
and in most of the cases, the customer dumps it
into the dustbin from where it finds its way into
the ground water.
Lubricants handling
equipment types
Typical lubricants handling equipment include:
1. Air operated piston
pumps
These are mostly used
for oils and greases
6. Fluid and inventory management
systems
It is possible to incorporate software in
the lubrication system for more accurate
monitoring of oil usage.
2. Diaphragm pumps
These are used for
antifreeze, coolant and
AdBlue
7. Mobile and
stationary Equipment
for waste oil collection
The system is not
complete without
waste oil collection
system. Such units
have pneumatic system
that enables the oil to
be pumped out into the waiting used oil
collection/disposable facility.
3. Loss of man hours
For every transaction, the technician is required
to go to the store and get the oil can. Sometimes
he is waiting for the delivery or gossiping. This
process can take 15-20 minutes. For example, if
in a workshop, oil change is done in 45 vehicles
per day, then 45 x 20 min = 900 min is LOST
man hours.
3. Electric pumps
These can be used for
oil and also diesel
Benefits of using
lubrication equipment
Factors to consider when choosing
lubrication equipments
When considering oil change equipment, it
is imperative to engage a team of experienced
professionals to provide a comprehensive solution. Ideally such a team will:
1. Analyze the workshop requirements and
advice on the equipment type and capacities
2. Give a comprehensive plan of the lubrication equipment solution
3. Install the equipment
4. Train the operators on proper usage of the
equipment
5. Provide after sales service as and when
required.
Fluids dispensed by Lubrication
handling equipments
Lubrication handling equipments are able to
handle a wide variety of fluids .These include:
• Grease
• Transmission fluid
• Coolant and antifreeze solution
• Diesel
• AdBlue (DEF)
• Compressed air
• Mineral and synthetic based motor oil, gear
oil, hydraulic oil.
.
July-September 2012 | Lubezine Magazine
4. Hose reels
These enable oil to be
dispensed far from where
the oil is stored. They
have been designed
to withstand the high
pressures carried by
the system and also to
be inert to the type of
product being dispensed.
5. Hose end meters,
delivery guns and
high pressure
greasing guns
The meters enable
accurate measurements
of the fluid being
dispensed
Numerous benefits can be accrued
from automation of the workshop:
• Increased profitability in the
workshop (standard workshops can
have 10% fluid losses )
• Increased Productivity (avoid stock
rupture, accuracy in dispensed
quantity)
• Quick Return on Investment (ROI)
• Workers control
• Robust and attractive design –
good image to the customers.
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