SKF, in collaboration with its authorised distributor Bearing Services Richards Bay, recently delivered a refillable lubricator solution to a well-known South African paper recycling company seeking a sustainable alternative to disposable lubricators.

“Highly conscious of their environmental impact, our customer has implemented targeted initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, conserve water and minimise waste,” says SKF product manager: MaPro Eddie Martens.

“Our MaPro portfolio encompasses a range of SKF maintenance products, including tools for bearing mounting, dismounting, alignment, lubrication and condition monitoring, along with services aimed at extending bearing lifespan and improving overall asset reliability,” explains Martens.

The TLRD grease dispenser is a refillable, electro-mechanical single-point grease dispenser that can be reused by refilling it with fresh grease and fitting a new battery pack. The unit’s remote mounting option makes it suitable for demanding environments such as tight spaces, high vibrations and hazardous conditions.

Available in 150 ml and 250 ml sizes, the dispenser can be used in applications such as food and beverage processing equipment, bearing housings, electric motors, fans and pumps, conveyors, and cranes. It features a user-friendly design, with an easy-to-use filling and refilling process which can significantly reduce environmental impact.

The unit offers advantages such as reliable and consistent performance and extended equipment service life that minimises downtime and maintenance needs, as well as supports environmental sustainability, reducing waste and lowering the overall ecological footprint.

“Sustainability was a key driver behind our decision to offer the TLRD units to the customer,” emphasises Martens. “Our lubrication portfolio also includes the TLSD prefilled electro-mechanical single-point lubricator series which is supplied with SKF lubricant. However, as the customer preferred to manage the filling process internally using their own grease, the TLRD units proved to be the ideal fit, aligning seamlessly with their in-house operations, while supporting their sustainability objectives.”