Nearly half of all machinery failures are the result of incorrect lubrication. That’s why more and more companies are turning to automatic lubricators to do the job for them. Factory machinery is a vital part of many manufacturing and production processes.
It is essential to lubricate their moving parts regularly to keep these machines running smoothly. It is where automatic lubricators come in. Automatic lubricators dispense the correct oil or grease to machine parts at regular intervals. But how do they work? We at C&L Supply Company are here to help you understand it better.
How Automatic Lubricators Work
An Automatic Lubrication System (ALS) continuously supplies grease or oil to various points on a machine while it runs.
An automatic lubrication system can maximize machine availability while minimizing labor dependency. Providing the right amount of lubricant at the right time reduces friction and wear and extends the life of bearings and machines. On top of providing lubrication, our systems also keep contamination, such as dust or dirt, out of the bearing
The compatibility and configuration of its systems vary widely. However, they all have the same four primary components:
- Controller: The mechanism used to activate and shut off the lubricating system.
- Pump: Transports lubricant from the reservoir into the primary system.
- Reservoir: Holds grease or oil
- Supply & Feed Lines: Allows lubricant to travel from the pump to the bearing or other lubrication point.
There is a wide range of applications for automatic lubricators in various industries, including:
Chemical and petrochemical processing
The automatic lubrication system eliminates manual labor costs while keeping the machine lubricated during production. In addition to giving more control over the amount of lubricant distributed in chemical processing machines, these systems can limit the danger of contamination, prevent potential hazards associated with manual lubrication, and lessen the risk of lubricant or chemical contamination.
Energy
Automatic lubrication systems conserve energy by reducing friction and drag in machinery. When energy consumption is minimized, equipment running costs fall, thus boosting business profitability regardless of the energy source.
In many industries, the cost of energy outweighs the cost of maintenance, machine repair, and even downtime. The benefits of reducing energy consumption can be substantial even when the reduction is small.
Food and beverage processing
Often harsh operating conditions are encountered by food and beverage processors, which can negatively affect equipment reliability and performance because of frequent washdowns, contamination, and corrosion.
It’s vital to lubricate rolling bearings properly in these environments to get optimal performance and life. Rotating machines depend on rolling bearings to support loads and reduce friction, heat, and power consumption.
Heavy construction equipment
Grease is dispensed in small amounts at frequent intervals during operation to ensure a consistent supply of grease in bearings, preventing dirt and contaminants from migrating into bearings. It prevents waste and leakage because small amounts are delivered.
In-plant industrial manufacturing
Since lubrication minimizes friction between moving surfaces, it protects equipment by reducing wear. Additionally, it absorbs shock, dampens machine noise, and dissipates heat generated by high-speed movement inside the bearing and down the shaft. By flushing contaminants from bearings and gears, lubrication reduces metal corrosion. It protects against water, chemicals, and other impurities as a sealing medium.
Mining
In the mining industry, technicians rely on lubrication to keep their machinery clean and safe. Performing maintenance on mining equipment that is not properly lubricated may be hazardous. Luckily, our automatic lubrication keeps mining equipment running smoothly.
Oil and Gas
Lubricants are essential for the smooth operation of large mechanical equipment used on oil and gas production platforms. An automatic lubrication system ensures optimum availability and extended system life. These systems allow automatic lubrication while the equipment runs, requiring no intervention on the operator’s part. By doing so, employees are assured maximum efficiency and occupational safety at all times.
Pulp and paper processing
Using large automatic lubrication systems to lubricate bearings on entire machines is becoming increasingly common. These systems can lubricate bearings on paper machines, pumps, agitators, mixers, screens, and filters. The lubrication requirements of an entire mill can be handled by more extensive systems, which include up to a thousand lubrication points.
Steel
Precision, quality, and reliability are constant challenges faced by steel manufacturing companies. Steel companies have increasingly used automated machinery and equipment in their factories to meet the increasing demand for high-quality steel. The harsh operating environment in steel plants requires automatic lubrication systems to ensure that plant machinery is properly lubricated.
C&L Supply Company’s products stand out from the rest
Our team at C&L Supply Company is passionate about providing our clients with the best possible service and products. We always look for ways to improve and bring new innovative ideas to the table. Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more about what we can do for you – we would be happy to talk!