In the world of industrial conveyors, a persistent challenge has long plagued operations: ineffective chain lubrication. This seemingly minor issue costs companies thousands annually in lost production, excessive wear, unnecessary oil consumption, and product contamination. Enter David Chippendale, an experienced conveyor engineer who has developed a solution that’s as innovative as it is effective.
Chippendale, now director of RotaLube, has invented a patented sprocket-shaped applicator that engages with each pivot point of a chain as it moves, ensuring lubricant is applied directly and only where needed. This ingenious device is at the heart of RotaLube’s automated lubrication system, which has been successfully implemented across various industries, from food production to cement manufacturing.
Reflecting on the genesis of his invention, Chippendale said, “Over a decade designing, installing, and re-engineering conveyors on all scales, I noticed the same recurring headaches among my clients – breakdowns, excessive wear, and product contamination. It was all due to improper lubrication, and rather than address the symptoms, I wanted to find a long-term solution to the root cause of the problem. The old ways of applying lubricant weren’t working. So rather than haphazardly applying lubricant through brush or drip-feed methods or spit systems that claim to be targeted yet are prone to inaccuracy, I thought, why not channel the lubricant through a sprocket’s teeth?”
This novel approach has proven highly effective. RotaLube systems now improve conveyor performance and generate significant cost savings in diverse industrial settings.
However, recognizing that an automated system isn’t suitable for all situations, RotaLube has adapted its technology to cater to a broader range of customers. The company has recently launched the RotaLube ECO Lubrication Kit, which allows operators to use the patented applicator with a handheld spray can of lubricant.
“It was clear that the automated RotaLube system wouldn’t be the right choice for everyone. However, we remain convinced that our patented applicator is the best and only reliable device for precisely and effectively lubricating conveyor chains. So we needed to find a way to make it work for a wider spectrum of customers,” Chippendale explained.
The ECO kit, designed for various conveyor and roller chain pitch sizes, includes all the necessary components for maintenance technicians to implement RotaLube’s precise lubrication method without needing a fully automated system. This innovation makes the benefits of targeted lubrication accessible to operations of all sizes and setups.
Chippendale added, “The ‘ECO’ in the name refers to both its economic and ecological benefits, as it is a lower-cost alternative to the automated RotaLube systems, and it supports environmental care by reducing oil consumption and spillages. It is straightforward and easy to use, and the flexible tube design enables maintenance technicians to apply lubricant safely from a distance without the need to remove safety guards.”
As RotaLube continues to innovate and adapt to market needs, they’re not just selling a product but revolutionizing conveyor maintenance. By addressing the root cause of many conveyor issues, RotaLube is helping industries improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact. The launch of the ECO Lubrication Kit marks another step forward in their mission to make precise, effective lubrication accessible to all conveyor operators, regardless of scale or setup.
Learn more about Rotalube at www.rotalube.com
