Machinery Lubrication May June 2011 - Welcome to ECN Digital ...

HYDRAULICS AT WORK
passing, then by process of elimination, the fan motor must be
leaking excessively.
Note that the combination of the pressure gauge, needle valve
and photocell tachometer counting motor RPM is a crude but
effective flow-meter. And a flow-meter is the ultimate flowchaser’s
tool…
Flow-meter/tester
The reason it’s last on this list is because it’s the most expensive.
And because they’re expensive (a good hydraulic flow-tester
can run to several thousand dollars or more) it means, even
though it’s usually the best tool for the job, it’s also the one least
likely to be available to you.
But if a flow-tester is available it increases the flow-chaser’s
options considerably. The downside is a flow-tester must be
installed in the circuit being tested. This takes time, requires suitable
adaptors, and carries the risks inherent in opening the
system – such as oil spill and the ingression of air and other
contaminants.
For these reasons, a flow-tester is not always the first tool a
savvy flow-chaser will reach for. A good example of this is the
multiple-pump excavator discussed above; individual pump cycle
Contamination Control
Implemented at Holcim
The Midlothian, Texas, Holcim facility recently overhauled a lube system for a critical
piece of equipment, a separator on a finish mill unit that holds 10 gallons of 220 EP oil.
Often, the lid or fill cap would be taken off for inspections or other checks. The area became
dusty and dirty and at times, allowing mass amounts of contamination.
Jason Frankiewicz, a lubrication technician for Holcim, said the problem was resolved
by encasing the equipment in a steel box which was almost air-tight, except for the doors.
According to Frankiewicz, the infamous lid which was known for being left off was
removed, a new one bolted-on and a gasket seal top was installed. A minimess sampling
valve was installed and directional arrows were added.
It not only is visually appealing, but the filtration system can now keep up with the
manufacturing facility, increasing the life of the bearings, oil and availability of the equipment.
Frankiewicz said this type of contamination control is being implemented in other
areas of the plant to help maintain best practices.
Top Right: A separator on a finish mill at Holcim before contamination control
was implemented at the Texas facility. The equipment collected dust residue on the
inside walls.
Bottom Right: The separator box after workers implemented a contamination
control program. The box is now almost air-tight, the lid is sealed and bolted, which
helps keep the equipment clean. This type of contamination control is being implemented
throughout the Holcim facility.
times can usually be taken much faster (and more safely) than
performing a flow test on each of the pumps.
So the next time your hydraulic machine develops a fault, don’t
be overwhelmed. It’s quite possible it’s just a flow-chasing exercise.
And now you have four tools which can be used in different
ways to achieve the same result. The good news is, the first three
are not expensive and when used correctly, they can be just as
effective as the fourth!
About the Author
Brendan Casey, a fluid power specialist with an MBA is the founder of
HydraulicSupermarket.com and the author of Insider Secrets to
Hydraulics, Preventing Hydraulic Failures, Hydraulics Made Easy and
Advanced Hydraulic Control. He has more than 20 years experience in the
design, maintenance and repair of mobile and industrial hydraulic equipment.
Visit his Web site: www.HydraulicSupermarket.com
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