by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jan 15, 2022 | Lubrication Corner, RAM Tools & Methods, The Bloch Files
One of my recent articles (Jan. 10, 2022, see link below) made the case for simplified equipment-failure analysis. We referred to it as the FRETT approach. FRETT stands for Force, Reactive Environment, Time, and Temperature. Its application is best explained using an...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Dec 4, 2021 | Lubrication Corner, Tech Reviews, The Bloch Files
This discussion is a continuation of one that began in a Nov. 27, 2021, article (link below) on the role that oil mist has played in protecting stored equipment for decades. Here, the focus is on a variety of advantages this technology offers in equipment preservation...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Nov 28, 2021 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner
It’s very much a lubrication issue. When two metal surfaces are expected to interact, if they are not to weld to each other due to excess friction, they must be kept apart. That’s accomplished with a suitable film of lubricating oil. Some 50 years...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Nov 27, 2021 | Lubrication Corner, Tech Reviews, The Bloch Files
It has long been proven that soundly executed long-term storage protection of sensitive machinery, such as compressors and drivers, will save much money. The same holds true, of course, for general purpose machines, the bulk of these being process pumps, electric...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Oct 24, 2021 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner
The lowliest and most ubiquitous device in the world of lubrication recently celebrated its centennial anniversary. Designed as a simple, yet efficient mechanical gateway device, the grease nipple has only one job: to connect to a manual grease-delivery gun and...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Aug 30, 2021 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner
Grease guns seem simple enough. But how well do you know yours? Do you know how to correctly cartridge and/or bulk load your gun? Do you know how to expel trapped air from it? Do you know its shot size in cc or cu in (e.g., in cubic centimeters or cubic inches)? Do...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Aug 8, 2021 | Learning from Mistakes, Lubrication Corner, The Bloch Files
The subject of lubrication is rarely, if ever, taught in U.S. universities. That’s regrettable. Misunderstandings and lube-related errors abound in plant operations and cost industry millions of dollars each year. The following collection of real-world case...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Jul 11, 2021 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner
The online resource Dictionary.com defines the word “clean” as “free from dirt,” “free from foreign and extraneous matter.” To most, “clean” is a subjective term, the interpretation of which depends on the subject matter and the interpreter’s standards for...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Jun 19, 2021 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner
I was recently asked, “Why are lubricants so different? Why can’t we simply buy a ‘one fits all’ oil and grease?” I explained that the old farmers axiom, “Oil is oil, any oil will do,” may have had some merit 100 years ago, but it doesn’t now. In...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Jun 6, 2021 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner
If a machine is to provide service life past its warranty stage, its designer must envision and consider all operating conditions under which the machine will operate in the field. For example, to mitigate the effects of severe and semi-severe conditions, the design...
