For many businesses, the difference between success and failure depends on the condition of their machinery, and machines will not operate effectively for long without the correct lubrication systems for their size and capabilities. Utilizing the wrong method of lubrication for a machine can cause multiple mechanical problems, including catastrophic failure. Not only will this lead to a massive loss in productivity, but it will also likely necessitate a costly repair or replacement. For any business that operates on a thin margin, this can be devastating.
Avoiding the many issues that could arise as a result of improper lubrication is a matter of choosing the correct system for the machinery you are using. There are three main choices: single-line, dual-line, and multi-line lubrication systems. To understand which of these will be best for the particular needs of your equipment, you’ll need to be able to differentiate between them and understand the purposes each type is best suited for.
Lubrication Systems: An Overview
Today, to operate, the vast majority of companies depend on some type of machinery with moving parts. Everything from industrial cranes to fast-food ice cream machines require gears, bearings, and pistons to perform their work. And all of those moving parts need to be lubricated in order to continue to function effectively.
As the mechanical parts in a machine operate, they generate friction, which is transformed into waste heat. Over time, this causes wear and tear on all the mechanical parts of the system. A small amount of grease, mineral oil, or synthetic oil will create a barrier between the different elements of the machine. This will not only reduce the friction, but it will also provide a protective layer that helps to prevent premature corrosion of the metal parts of the device.
For some machines, lubrication is applied manually by workers after taking the machinery apart. However, since this is impractical for large-scale equipment, most machinery that is used for industrial applications now has some type of automated lubrication system.
How Lubrication Systems Work
The main job of a lubrication system is to deliver the lubricant substance to each of the moving parts in a machine. Each lubrication system is composed of a reservoir that contains the lubricant, a pump that pressurizes the lubricant and sends it where it needs to go, and at least one supply line, essentially a tube that is fed toward the parts that require lubrication. Supply lines terminate in injectors, which are what finally distribute the lubricant onto the necessary machine parts.
Most systems are controlled by one or more built-in electronic components. These allow the user to determine how often lubricant is delivered and how much is to be used. It’s important that the system provides the exact amount needed. Under-lubricated parts will not be able to resist friction effectively. Conversely, over-lubricated machinery parts can experience a buildup of material that ultimately blocks the parts from operating effectively. Over-lubricated parts can also operate too well—a little friction is often necessary to prevent parts from slipping or otherwise losing control.
More advanced lubrication systems will make use of filtration systems and may even utilize computerized sensors to detect the contamination level of the lubricant. This helps track the overall health of the machinery.
Ensuring that the lubricant is applied appropriately is a matter of both effective controls and the installation of the correct lubrication system for your machine’s particular needs.
Single-Line Systems
As the name implies, single-line systems use only one supply line to transport lubricant to the injectors. This doesn’t necessarily mean they only work in machines that have just one moving element. Actually, a single-line system can be excellent for multiple connected machines. They are extremely precise when it comes to delivering the correct amount of lubricant, and they are usually controlled electronically.
These types of systems generally work best on smaller, simpler machines. Larger ones may require more supply lines. Common applications for single-line systems include construction machinery and restaurant food service devices.
Dual-Line Systems
Larger machinery will often have far too many lubrication points for a single supply line. For those, dual-line systems are excellent because they can deliver more material to larger areas. Unlike in single-line systems, the amount of lubricant delivered to a given area is variable. This allows for a little more versatility but also means a more complex operating procedure. Dual-line systems can switch between the two supply lines as needed, depending on the pressure, which is monitored by a specialized gauge.
These types of systems are excellent for large-scale manufacturing machines, including those used in steel mills and other metalworking factories.
Multi-Line Systems
Multi-line systems have a different supply line for each lubrication point. Each of these lines attaches to a single reservoir but has its own pump so that the control is more precise. This is critical because these systems are best for very large-scale machines, which may have thousands of lubrication points.
Unlike other single- and dual-line systems, multi-line ones can operate nearly all the time. Even if an injector becomes clogged, the rest of the system will continue to operate just fine, allowing the machinery to continue to perform its work without a lag.
Multi-line systems are most frequently used in compressors, vacuum pumps, and combustion engines of large construction vehicles.
Where to Find the Best Machinery Parts
Just as it has in most industries, the technology behind lubrication systems has advanced dramatically in recent years. To ensure your machinery operates as effectively as possible, it’s important to take advantage of this technology. Do some research to locate companies in your area that specialize in hydraulic technology and fluid conveyance and make use of advanced technology to render their lubrication systems more efficient.
Many companies, such as Aberdeen Dynamics in Tulsa, OK, are continually innovating to integrate the latest advances in programming technology with heavy-duty materials to ensure your machinery provides the maximum return on your investment.
