MACHINERY LUBRICATION- INDIA MARCH-APRIL 2020 | Page 23

MLI also for clients who complained. They were taken around the plant so that they could be convinced that there was no chance water/ moisture entering into product at factory. Step iii), the downstream end is the most susceptible. To start with is the stage of transportation from factory to branch warehouses. There is a possibility of rain water collecting on drum top and entering inside, if the drums are loaded and driven around uncovered. Dry seasons are comparatively safer but rainy season needs precaution. Same reasoning applies to storage at branch warehouses or customer’s warehouses. If the drums need to be stored in open, then they should be covered by tarpaulin or plastic sheets. If this is also not possible then they should be stored in horizontal position with both bungs in 3o’clock – 9o’clock position. important point – what is to be done in case water is noticed in lubricating oil? At customer’s end, it is always advisable not to use such product. Last step is dispensing from the drums into point of lubrication. As mentioned earlier casual bottles should be avoided, since its being ‘water-free’ cannot be guaranteed. A customer visit had shown us that even ‘tasla’ was being used for dispensing, which is not a good practice. There is another very important but often neglected route which we had come across - pilferage. Someone had taken out oil from drum and filled water. It is sad to say that pilferers have the expertise and tools to open the seal cap, remove oil, reseal them and hardly leave any evidence of tampering. In conclusion, we come to the most Each manufacturing unit has its own standards or follows the global standard set by its parent company with instruction of disposal or reprocessing of such non-conforming products. About the Author Manoj Srivastava graduated as Chemical Technologist. He has 32 years rich experience in strategic planning, plant operations with proven abilities in enhancing production process operations, optimizing resources, capacity utilization, escalating productivity & operational efficiency while curtailing costs and expenses in various lubricant companies in India and Africa (Tanzania). He is experienced in carrying out lube surveys/ audits & lubrication training for end customers. Contact Manoj at [email protected] www.machinerylubricationindia.com | March - April 2020 | 21