Machinery Lubrication May June 2014 May June 2014

transfers, check if samples are taken to verify compliance for both properties and performance. These samples should be kept on record for at least six months. Also, see if you can find current seals on all meters showing calibrations within the last year. In the packaging area of the plant, you will want to make certain that at a minimum the supplier is filtering the incoming oil through a 60-mesh screen. Again, confirm that meters and scales are up to date on their calibration. Inspect the condition of the drums prior to being filled. Are they reconditioned? If so, what processes do they have in place to prevent clean oil from being put into a dirty drum? Ensure that the empty drum inventory is stored appropriately as well. Every particle that contaminates the drum from this point will have an effect on your program. You will either have to remove it through filtration or suffer the consequences of particle contamination in your machine. Keep in mind that the cleaner the supplier can keep the oil, the less time, energy and money you will have to spend later in its life cycle to get it to an acceptable level for your machines. Your lubrication knowledge will be a tremendous asset when visiting your supplier. If you are not confident in your knowledge, just remember “clean, cool and dry.” Look at everything with this in mind and ask yourself if the lubricant is being kept as clean, cool and dry as possible. You then will have your answer as to how well your supplier is helping you achieve your reliability initiatives. About the Author Jeremy Wright is vice president of technical services for Noria Corporation. He serves as a senior technical consultant for Lubrication Program Development projects and as a senior instructor for Noria’s Fundamentals of Machinery Lubrication and Advanced Machinery Lubrication training. He is a certified maintenance reliability professional through the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals, and holds Machine Lubricant Analyst Level III and Machine Lubrication Technician Level II certifications through the International Council for Machinery Lubrication. C

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