SMOOTH RUNNING The correct oil or lubricant can keep components like bearings, mill gear and industrial chain running at optimum levels
Industrial products provider BMG stresses that to achieve optimum performance and extended life of components like bearings, mill gear and industrial chain, correct lubrication is as important as the appropriate selection of each part.
Although a general multipurpose grease or oil is adequate in many applications, more arduous operating conditions demand the careful choice of the correct lubricant and lubrication system.
“In selecting the right lubrication system and lubricant for a specific application, factors to be considered are speed, ambient temperature, load, vibration and environmental conditions,” says BMG group sales development manager Carlo Beukes.
He adds that BMG’s specialist technical division offers an oil analysis service, which consists of laboratory-based sampling and analysis, as well as on-site analysis and filtration and flushing.
Other services include technical applications consulting, product and system design, product quality control and assurance, as well as condition monitoring services.
Conditioning monitoring identifies lubrication problems, misalignment and vibration troubles and also helps in identifying the causes of the damage, so that units can be fixed before further destruction occurs.
This means reduced downtime, efficient production and substantial cost savings.
A structured maintenance programme goes a long way to optimising productivity, enhancing equipment reliability and extending service life of components.
BMG provides engineering components and support services to all sectors, to ensure high productivity, reduced energy consumption, minimal downtime and long service life of systems.
“BMG is a complete process solutions provider to all sectors of industry, which means companies can access all essential quality branded products and essential support services from one reliable supplier,” says Beukes, adding “this integrated approach guarantees lower production costs and higher efficiencies”.
“We believe the introduction of a structured maintenance management programme, which can be implemented in-house, or partially outsourced to a professional organisation, is critical to maximising production efficiencies in all industries.”
Maintenance of machinery can be an expensive exercise, not only in terms of the cost of spare parts and labour, but also lost production owing to machinery breakdowns or plant stoppages for unscheduled maintenance.
Careful consideration therefore needs to be given to disciplined inspections and planned maintenance of all items of plant and production machinery.
Over-maintenance can be almost as costly in terms of lost production as under maintenance, so a careful balance is critical.
Care in the initial design and manufacture stage of the plant, the selection of compatible quality branded mating components, professional installation – with particular attention to meticulous alignment of coupled components – ensure reduced downtime, lower maintenance requirements and therefore lower operating costs.
Beukes says that servicing of all sections of machinery in the factory should be carefully planned on the basis of the estimated time for each procedure or service, in order to create a controlled workload for the maintenance staff.
“Even small faults in design, operation and maintenance, can have a negative impact on productivity and safety,” he says.
BMG’s proactive maintenance service – which encompasses predictive maintenance services, including condition monitoring and oil analysis – is enhanced by advanced technical and design support across all functional disciplines.
“BMG’s maintenance and support services also include mobile breakdown, repair and maintenance support, that ensure production plants are up and running as quickly as possible following a breakdown,” Beukes concludes.