Lubrication mistakes that you should avoid

Lubrication plays a crucial role in maintaining the optimal performance of machines and equipment. However, many industrial facilities make costly mistakes when it comes to lubrication. Improper lubrication leads to significant problems, including machine downtime, increased energy consumption, reduced productivity, and expensive repairs. 

So, whether you're working in the automotive, marine, energy, or manufacturing industries, proper lubrication becomes crucial for maximizing machine performance and reducing repair costs. 

In this blog, we will delve into the most common industrial lubrication mistakes and provide practical tips on avoiding them. Let's get started!

1. Improper lubricant selection

The right lubricant is critical for efficient machine operation. On the other hand, choosing the wrong lubricant can lead to problems such as corrosion, excessive wear and tear, and machine damage. 
Therefore, you should consider factors like operating conditions, temperature, and load requirements when selecting lubricants. Also, keep in mind that each lubricant has unique properties and specifications, determining its suitability for a specific application.

2. Improper lubricant application
Applying lubricants correctly is crucial because over-lubrication results in excess build-up, which reduces machine efficiency, while under-lubrication leads to excessive wear and tear on machine components.
Naturally, regular monitoring and maintenance of the lubrication become essential to prevent these issues. For the same, determine the correct amount and frequency of lubrication based on the specific requirements of the machine and its components.

3. Improper lubricant storage and handling
Proper storage and handling of lubricants are necessary to maintain their quality and performance, as improper storage and handling might cause contamination and degradation, reducing machine efficiency. 
To do that, store the lubricants in clean and dry conditions, away from sources of contamination. This can be done by using clean containers, following proper handling procedures, and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures and moisture.

4. Ignoring operating conditions
The operating conditions of a machine have a significant impact on its lubrication requirements. Factors such as temperature, speed, and load can all affect the performance of the lubricant and the machine. Therefore, ignoring these operating conditions may result in improper lubrication, leading to excessive wear and tear machine damage and reduced efficiency. 
Consider the working conditions when selecting and applying lubricants and regularly monitor and adjust the lubrication system. The right working conditions for a machine will depend on its specific design and application, suitable temperature, and machine speed.

5. Neglecting regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is vital for the proper functioning of a machine and its lubrication system, as non-maintenance results in a build-up of contaminants, wear and tear on machine components, and reduced machine efficiency. 
For the same, check and replace filters, clean and inspect components, and ensure that the lubrication system is functioning correctly. Also, adjust machine tension and alignment, regularly monitor fluid levels, check the belt and chain systems, and replace worn or damaged parts.

6. Lack of proper drain and refill intervals
Neglecting proper drain and refill intervals result in the build-up of contaminants and degradation of the lubricant, leading to reduced efficiency and machine damage. So, proper drain and refill intervals should be determined based on the specific requirements of the machine, the lubricant, and the operating conditions. 

In order to properly drain and refill machine lubricants, it is important to follow these steps:

• Turn off the machine and allow it to cool down.
• Drain the old lubricant completely from the machine.
• Clean the machine components, including the lubrication system, to remove any debris or contaminants.
• Refill the machine with the recommended lubricant, following the manufacturer's specifications.
• Start the machine and run it for a few minutes to circulate the new lubricant.

7. Neglecting the importance of cleanliness

Contamination of the lubricant or machine components might result in reduced efficiency and machine damage. Therefore, you should never neglect cleanliness. 
Clean care includes removing debris, cleaning components, and replacing filters as needed. Clean care should be performed based on the specific requirements of the machine and lubrication system. This may involve using specialized cleaning equipment and materials such as brushes, solvents, and degreasers. 

8. Failing to monitor lubricant quality

Over time, lubricants may degrade and become contaminated, reducing their performance and damaging machines. That’s why regular monitoring of lubricant quality is necessary to ensure that the lubricant remains in good condition and continues to perform as required. 

You can do this through regular lubricant analysis, including inspections and tests to determine its condition and properties. Several methods include visual inspections, chemical analysis, spectrographic analysis, and particle counting. Each method provides different information about the lubricant, such as its viscosity, acidity, water content, and the presence of contaminants.

Takeaway

Proper lubrication is essential for a machine's efficient and long-lasting operation, as avoidance of the same can prevent machine downtime, increased energy consumption, reduced productivity, and costly repairs. 
Therefore, choose high-quality lubricants to avoid improper lubrication and machine damage. Use lubricants designed for specific machinery demands. Castrol produces world-class industrial lubricants for a wide range of sectors. The company provides a wide range of high-performance machining lubricants, which help to reduce wear and tear and extend the machine's operational life. 

Visit the website for more information.