Introducing a structured maintenance management programme that ensures ongoing effective lubrication is critical in maximising production efficiencies, says technical solutions provider Bearing Man Group (BMG).

BMG fluid technology manager Wayne Holton says the company’s efficiency drive, which is designed to help companies reduce energy consumption and optimise production, encompasses predictive maintenance services for condition monitoring and oil analysis.

“To achieve optimum performance and extend the life of components like bearings and industrial chain, correct lubrication is as important as the appropriate selection of each part.”

Although a general multipurpose grease is adequate in many applications, more arduous operating conditions demand careful selection of the correct lubricant and lubrication system, Holton adds.

He emphasises that factors such as speed, ambient tempera- ture, load, vibration and environmental conditions need to be considered. Holton notes that, through a wide range of energy- efficient products – which include synthetic oils, lubricants and lubrication systems, and the support of a technically competent team – BMG ensures efficient maintenance and the extended life of components.

BMG’s technical resources team offers an oil analysis service consisting of laboratory-based sampling and analysis, as well as on-site analysis, filtration and flushing. Other services include technical applications consulting, product and system design, product quality control and assurance, as well as condition monitoring.

The products and systems design in question refer to either a designed, bespoke turnkey system or an off-the-shelf, do-it-yourself lubrication product to meet the demands of customer applications.

“Our on-site services teams offer installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance programmes (also referred to as service-level agreements) to assist in setting up and with regular maintenance to ensure optimal functioning of our systems,” he highlights.

Holton illustrates that conditioning monitoring identifies lubrication problems, misalignment and vibration problems, as well as the causes, so that units can be repaired before further damage occurs. This results in reduced downtime, efficient production and substantial cost savings, he adds.

Extended Range
Holton says BMG has extended its range of lubrication products to include a single point, where the grease is pressurised by a gas-generated unit to provide continuous, reliable, clean and precise lubrication.

Some of the benefits include the reduced risks of contamination and accidents, particularly in dangerous areas; shorter maintenance times; improved reliability of industrial equipment and lower operating costs, he adds.

The company explains that its automatic lubrication ensures that the correct lubrication, with the correct grease, is easily integrated into various applications without having to modify installations.

Holton adds that BMG’s specially designed OMSA lubrication systems eliminate the risk of excessive or inadequate lubrication, ensure constant and regular lubrication of bearings and are ideal for use in humid and corrosive environments.

He explains that various greases are available for different applications, such as a general- purpose grease for industrial use, heavy-duty grease for high-load applications in humid environments, and grease for long-term lubrication at temperatures of up to 175 °C.

Further, BMG also has 140 mobile technicians with specialist technical skills and equipment to conduct breakdown and routine maintenance on plants, carrying out troubleshooting and advising on possible productivity improvements to ensure the highest level of plant output and reliability.

He notes that BMG offers the full portfolio of shock pulse condition monitoring equipment, from basic hand-held instruments to high-level on-line systems. This range includes the entry level BearingChecker and VibChecker portable instruments designed for reliable on-site vibration measurement and assessment.

BMG drives, belts and ironware GM Carlo Beukes explains that the VibChecker requires minimal operator training and supports BMG’s BearingChecker, which is used to accurately assess the condition of rolling element bearings during operation in equipment like motors, fans, pumps and gearboxes.

“The VibChecker gives early warning when machines are developing problems to prevent the premature replacement of parts,” he notes.

Beukes highlights that vibration monitoring is the most widely used preventive maintenance technique to accurately assess the condition of, for example, pump rotors, fan impellors, gearbox gears and housing mountings.“These instruments are instantly usable and require little training for efficient operation,” he concludes.