Lubricants are the lifeblood of machinery, and every decision, from selection, purchase, storage, dispensing, and health management, plays a critical role in ensuring the reliable operation of essential machines. A minor oversight can lead to significant downtime,...
Welcome to Precision Spotlight, our fresh Q&A series in which we spotlight industry professionals and delve into their insights and experiences in the world of lubrication. In this Precision Spotlight, we interview Scott Selting, one of our Editorial Advisory...
Developing a robust oil sampling program can be a rewarding effort when these essential foundations are put in place: Meticulously selecting equipment to monitor with oil analysis, using a suitable criticality assessment. Setting the initial oil sampling frequency for...
In my experience, flash point is one of the most misunderstood numbers on a product data sheet. Most people ignore it, as it is rare for oil system temperatures to approach the flash point range (typically >200°C). When it does become a concern, there is often...
Calculating a lubricant's Viscosity Index (VI) requires understanding how the viscosity changes with temperature. The VI is a numerical value that indicates how stable a lubricant's viscosity is with temperature changes. A higher VI means the lubricant maintains its...
Calculating the beta rating for an oil filter involves understanding how effective the filter is at removing particles of a certain size from a fluid. The beta rating is a standard measure used in filtration to quantify the filter's efficiency, specifically its...
It's very much a lubrication issue. To prevent two metal surfaces from welding due to excess friction, keep them apart when expected to interact. A suitable film of lubricating oil accomplishes that. Some 50 years ago, MIT Mechanical Engineering Professor Emeritus...
Have you ever wondered how a launched-from-scratch vibration program can require investment ranging into the mid-six figures, pull the most talented and skilled repairmen, and disrupt other condition-based agendas? I used to wonder. The answer boils down to the most...
Proper lubrication of equipment, machinery, and devices is essential to ensure mechanical systems' smooth operation and longevity. This process must be based on rigorous procedures, precise calculations, and various crucial factors to determine the correct amount of...
Lubrication Management – A Necessary Evil? Lubrication tasks are essential to maintaining assets within any facility, regardless of industry. That means personnel are required to undertake these tasks. Traditionally, companies employed an individual or even a team of...
