Every industry has is own distinct range of needs when it comes to overall operating equipment. This is also true of their needs for equipment maintenance. Lubricants are designed to reduce the amount of wear and tear that moving machinery sustains, by limiting the friction that occurs between moving parts. In order to keep things functioning optimally in any industrial environment, it is important to know how to choose different lubricants for industry.
One of the most important things to know about industrial facilities is that they are always governed by a very vast range of stringent regulations and policies. These often exist to keep people safe within these environments. In some instances, however, they are designed to protect the natural environment by minimizing the use of potentially toxic agents in instances in which these are not absolutely essential.
The first part of shopping for any lubricant in any specific application is to identify the regulations and policies that are affected by this purchase. This is vital for keeping a company compliant and for avoiding harsh fines, fees and other penalties. In some instances, choosing the right product for equipment maintenance can prevent breakage, fire, explosion, death, and many serious industries. As such, it is also vital for avoiding company-wide shut-downs due to serious and potentially catastrophic, compliance-related deficiencies.
Heat is always a concern when identifying a lubricant for a specific application. Friction generates heat and moving parts and their obvious movement generate heat as well. When in use, the viscosity and composition of a lubricant should be sufficient for the circumstances to prevent overheating. Otherwise, the lubricant will cause problems far more serious than the ones that it is meant to prevent.
Another important thing to know about viscosity is that it can also impact performance. Options that are too thick can get caught in machines and build up residues and other particulates that shorten the lifespan of costly investments and affect their output. You should always know the exact designation for any application that you are working in.
Most companies work with compliance consultants to avoid problems in these areas. This way, they can identify designations or specifications that are specific to individual projects. The best consultants are able to handle equipment maintenance across a diverse selection of equipment types so that the entire process is seamless, easy and cost-effective.
Another way to choose the best lubricants for any industrial application is by consulting with the manufacturer of the related equipment. There are even times when manufacturers or sellers will continue to handle all aspects of maintenance over the anticipated lifetime of their articles. To be even less hands-on in this area, some businesses even opt to lease their equipment instead, which typically comes with ongoing, routine maintenance that includes lubricant changes.
Even lubricant manufacturers can be helpful to this end. These companies often provide very specific instructions for the types of equipment that their products can be used in. They also inform buyers on the specific of how frequently these products should be changed and on the signs of problems with building friction, equipment breakdown, and other potentially lubricant-related problems.
