【Weekly Topic】Topics on grease (first week of July)
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Based on the conditions of the equipment on site, it is common for many devices in chemical plants to require lubricating grease for lubrication. However, the problem lies in the existence of a variety of types of lubricating grease – such as lithium-based and calcium-based greases, as well as some imported types. According to the equipment manuals, different types of lubricating grease should be used for each type of equipment. This means that more tools are needed to apply the lubricating grease, and the process of application is also relatively complicated; sometimes mistakes can even occur due to carelessness. This leads to this week’s topic: This week’s topic – Can lubricants used on-site be standardized? How does your company do it? Everyone is welcome to join the discussion! 【Collection of Essential Knowledge in the Mechanical Field】http://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-1389197-1-1.html Seeking weekly topics and daily questions (prizes for participation) http://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-1373282-1-1.html
However, this raises the issue of lipid substitution. I usually consider using high-quality alternatives to low-quality ones; for example, using lithium-based greases in place of calcium-sodium-based ones. This allows for cost savings on equipment, reduces procurement complexities, and also makes usage much more convenient.
High-generation low models are certainly an option, but another factor to consider is the cost. The price of high-quality products differs by dozens of times from that of average-quality ones.
Not only lubricants, but I think the same is true for other spare parts as well. If they can be made universal, the cost per unit might be a bit high, but the overall cost should remain low, as this reduces the expenses associated with purchasing and storing these items, as well as minimizing inventory levels and the amount of capital tied up in them. For example, if there are ten types of lubricants, then prices for all ten products will need to be obtained at the time of purchase. But if these ten types can be combined into one, the large quantity purchased will allow the supplier to offer better terms, thereby reducing procurement costs. Additionally, the number of filling nozzles required can be reduced from ten to just one, and the error rate when applying lubricant will also decrease. Conversely, the costs should increase.
It is not possible to use a single type of grease throughout the site; our company attaches labels to both the oil drums and the storage locations.
My company is in a mess; things are being used improperly already.
Can the lubricants used on site be standardized? Basic uniformity: The type and model of grease used are consistent. How does your company do it? Unified management, with dedicated personnel in charge. Unified records for equipment maintenance.
It’s unlikely to achieve standardization, as different manufacturers produce models that vary; just like in the case of flanges, there are chemical industry standards, petrochemical industry standards, American standards, Japanese standards, and German standards
Marking them is a good practice; using a higher grade of grease instead of a lower one for those that are used in relatively small quantities can help reduce procurement and storage needs, right? Thereby reducing production costs?
Lubrication is a necessary means to ensure the proper operation of equipment; therefore, strict requirements are generally imposed on it. Improper use is indeed very detrimental to the long-term proper functioning of the equipment