Modern production lines tend to operate under intense pressure. High speed, relentless cycles, extreme temperatures and pervasive contaminants - these are just a few examples of things that create environments, where machinery is exposed to damage. Effective lubrication systems is the most effective way to maintain it as well as avoid unnecessary costs.
However, manual lubrication methods are increasingly falling short of these demanding scenarios, while the process requires excessive downtime due to inherent safety risks. This is where centralised lubrication brings a modern solution, designed to overcome these challenges and offer other important benefits.
How do centralised lubrication systems work?
In essence, centralised lubrication systems are automated networks, designed to deliver precise amounts of lubricant from a central source to multiple points in the machinery. There’s typically a reservoir that holds the lubricant, a pump that generates pressure for the distribution, and a tubing or hoses with injectors at each lubrication point. The automated approach to this solution completely replaces the need for manual greasing or oiling, allowing the machinery to be lubricated at optimal frequency, using the right quantity every single time.
There are various types of lubrication equipment technologies available, depending on your specific industrial needs. These vary from traditional pumping systems such as single-line and dual-line systems, to more specialised solutions like oil mist systems, which continuously deliver lubricant in very fine particles. Moreover, dedicated chain lubrication systems focus on effectively lubricating the critical points in the machinery, like conveyor chains, by dispensing exact, metered quantities permanently.
The well-established leader in the industry, RIVI Technical Group, specialise in a range of industrial sectors, including paper production, glass manufacturing, railway engineering, oil and gas, food and drink, and many others. With each industry requiring different solutions, based on the unique working conditions, RIVI can also create tailor-made lubrication systems for your specific needs.
Advantages of centralised lubrication systems
Now that we understand more about lubrication systems, what they do and how they work, let’s look at the key advantages of centralised solutions:
Maximising uptime and production reliability
One of the most prominent challenges in manufacturing is machinery downtime, whether it’s due to failure or the need for regular maintenance. Each minute that it stands not working equals costs for the organisation, as it fails to meet the production demand or encounters costly delays. A centralised lubrication system, that is automated, can maximise uptime instead, as it helps maintain the machinery with a consistent application of lubricant. It’s a proactive approach, which prevents failures before they can even happen, drastically reducing unscheduled downtime. Not only that, many demanding production lined require near-continuous operation, in which centralised systems that lubricate the machinery continuously are even more crucial.
Enhancing workplace safety
The safety of staff is of paramount importance in demanding industrial environments. Centralised lubrication can significantly enhance workplace safety by removing personnel from potentially hazardous situations. Manual lubrication often requires technicians to reach into or climb onto operating machinery to access hidden lubrication points. This, naturally, carries risks like falling or touching moving parts. Automated systems can deliver lubricant remotely, reducing the need for manual intervention. Additionally, manual methods can also often lead to spillage, which also create slipping hazard. As such, a centralised, streamlined system is a cleaner and safer way to apply lubrication to machinery.
Optimising lubricant consumption and reducing waste
Beyond operational reliability, centralised lubrication systems are considerably more economic and sustainable than traditional systems or manual lubrication. While the latter can often be imprecise, leading to either under-lubrication (which causes wear) or over-lubrication (which wastes product unnecessarily), the former solves these challenges. Centralised systems typically utilise precise metering devices, which only delivery the exact amount of grease or oil required - no more, no less. As a result, the machinery not only is at the optimal level of lubrication at all times, but there is also less waste of lubricant, which can mean lower overall expenses for the organisation.
Extending equipment lifespan and reducing maintenance costs
The consistent and reliable delivery of lubricant to machinery has a direct impact on the wear and tear of its many components. Bearings, gears, chains, slides, and other moving parts tend to break first in machinery. However, with proper lubrication, their lifespan can be significantly extended, meaning maintenance or replacement of parts is a lot less frequent. With certain machinery parts being specialised or custom-made, this could potentially translate into large amounts of costs saved each year.
Investing in reliability with centralised lubrication systems
In highly demanding production lines, organisations simply cannot afford frequent breakage or downtime for maintenance. A centralised lubrication system is, therefore, a strategic investment in the reliability of production - a proactive way to maintain the machinery before it has a chance to break, while also increasing performance and lowering costs. Industry leaders Rivi.net do just that, providing businesses with specialised and tailor-made lubrication solutions for their unique needs.
