by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Mar 27, 2021 | Lubrication Corner, RAM Tools & Methods, The Bloch Files
Every so often, it’s time to ask if our knowledge of a reliability subject is up to date. The need to stay abreast of grease technology is a case in point: One case study showing the benefits of doing so dates back to around 2006. That’s when a Texas-based...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Mar 21, 2021 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner
When it comes to fleet and generator maintenance, nothing has a bigger impact on engine-life cycle than a simple oil and filter change. Yet, as straightforward as an oil change sounds, effectiveness is only assured by using the correct lubricant viscosity. If you own,...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Mar 6, 2021 | Lubrication Corner, Safety Matters, Workforce Issues
Safety in the workplace is paramount. Few people would disagree with this statement, especially working professionals in the maintenance and lubrication fields, who, for the most part, are well trained in this area. When it comes to the handling and transfer of...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Feb 27, 2021 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner
When was the last time you performed an interior physical inspection of your oil-system reservoirs? Is performing a reservoir cleanliness check (interior and exterior) part of a regular preventive maintenance (PM) checklist for all hydraulic,...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Feb 13, 2021 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner
Over the past year, one effect of COVID-19 has been to turn us into a population of stockpilers and hoarders of consumable products. As a result, many are now more aware of a consumable item’s “best before date,” found on most product packaging and labeling materials....
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Feb 6, 2021 | Lubrication Corner, RAM Tools & Methods
It is very easy to overlook the specialized needs of automated lubrication systems. In most asset-management-system and preventive-maintenance (PM) implementations, automated, centralized lubrication systems are often treated as integral components belonging to...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Jan 16, 2021 | Lubrication Corner, Maintenance Management
A manufacturing client recently asked me a seemingly difficult question: Does a simple, universal, inexpensive, easy-to-implement maintenance strategy that’s capable of substantially increasing machine reliability and availability actually exist? My answer...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Dec 19, 2020 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner
In my Dec. 12, 2020, article, “ Improve Hydraulic System Reliability For Just Pennies A Day” (see link below), I used the term “creep to failure.” It describes mechanical systems that continue to work, albeit inefficiently, for long periods of time,...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Dec 12, 2020 | Lubrication Corner, Maintenance Management
Despite their complexity, hydraulic systems are forgiving in nature. In most cases, they can perform well for a long time before any major or catastrophic failure occurs. Unfortunately, this “creep to failure” quality can promote apathy in production and maintenance...
by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, Editor | Nov 21, 2020 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner, The Sustainable Plant
The potential to reduce the environmental impacts of industrial operations with better management of parasitic frictional losses is well-documented. The science and technology associated with surfaces in relative motion, including friction, wear, and lubrication is...
