The solution reduced the operating cost to lubricate large mill gears by re-using new technology open gear lubricants after batch testing and filtration – saving ZAR 2 m per annum on 2 mills
Application
Open gear lubrication via spray system and total waste of the applied open gear lubricant is very costly.
Identify
Open gear are mostly lubricated via spray system, and the lubricant is used only once. Costs are accumulated as follows:
- Cost of the new lubricant to lubricate the gears.
- Cost to collect and dispose the waste grease.
- Production losses due to lubricant spillages contaminating material.
Agree
It was agreed to use a high performance lubricant Castrol Molub Alloy 8031 gel technology, combined with a modified and improved sealing and collection arrangement. The product is a superb open gear lubricant with excellent load carrying capabilities that run off and are easy to collect.
Deliver
The MA 8031 forms a translucent layer on the gears that allow better inspection with strobe lights, reduced temperatures on the gear, and flush any contaminants of the gears. As it runs of easily the collection process is fast, and batches are tested, filtered and returned to service, reducing the cost of operation on two mills by ZAR 2 m per annum.
The cost to dispose is zero, as it can be disposed of as waste oil.
