Improving Machinery: Upgrades and Technological Improvements

Question:

Have you implemented any of the upgrades discussed in this article? If so, how did you rationalize the decision? The use of plastic containers may seem justified, but what about the suggested technological improvements? How can we persuade our boss that these upgrades will benefit the machinery, especially when we lack expertise in this area? Explore more at http://www.l-fp.com/articles/0506_lubricanttransfer.html.

Top Replies

Have you implemented any of these technological upgrades? If a maintenance specialist is dealing with a group of centrifugal pumps, they should consider the following enhancements. It is recommended to: - Seal bearing housings hermetically with modern non-contacting and magnetic seals - Use high-film-strength synthesized hydrocarbon lubricants of appropriate viscosity - Utilize diester-based lubricants on reciprocating compressor cylinders - Install mechanical seals with efficient bi-directional internal pumping devices - Upgrade pumps to double-row angular contact bearings with dual inner rings - Set up pre-grouted pump baseplates - Employ balanced constant level lubricators - Replace oil rings with flexible flinger discs - Upgrade pump lube application methods to inductive pump jet-oil application - Eliminate cooling water from bearing housings with rolling element bearings - Use high-temperature performance polymers as wear ring and throat bushing material.

quote: As shared by Josh, some individuals have already completed various technological modifications. In certain cases, these changes have proven to be successful, while others require more time to assess their effectiveness. It is crucial to exercise caution before implementing any modifications. Ensure that the alteration is necessary and consider the cost implications, especially if your current pump is performing well. It is essential to be mindful that making changes to a pump, such as opening it up and replacing parts, can potentially introduce new issues. Therefore, it is advisable to only make modifications if there is an existing problem that needs to be addressed. Additionally, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation through a robust management of change process prior to implementing any modifications. Recently, we have encountered quality issues with a prominent pump supplier, underscoring the importance of vigilance in ensuring that such issues are identified and addressed before the equipment is put into service. - Kim Williams

Kim, those precautions sound great! This is exactly the type of information I was looking for. Hopefully, others will also contribute.

Kim had asked for my input on this matter a few days ago, and I wanted to wait for someone else's opinion before sharing my thoughts. I wholeheartedly agree with Kim's points. In our critical pumps, we have implemented dual-faced magnetic bearing housing seals. It's important to not rush into using new equipment without fully understanding its functionality. While I do appreciate the efficiency of closed system oilers like Trico's, it's crucial to not assume that the bearing housing is adequately lubricated just because there is oil in the bulb. Personally, I prefer having a sight glass on the side for better monitoring. Ultimately, the key question you should ask yourself is whether you are facing any issues that require attention. If so, implementing some of these suggestions could potentially solve the problem.

Are the crowds showing lack of enthusiasm for these technological improvements in reliability because they have not been extensively tested?

Indeed, the hurdle of convincing the boss about the utility of these upgrades is real. However, I've noticed that providing a breakdown of long-term cost savings often gets their attention. When we upgraded our system per the article recommendations, we saw a reduction in maintenance downtime. Also, let's not underestimate the value of improved worker safety that these technological improvements bring about. In my experience, presenting the benefits in terms of cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and safety seems to resonate well with management.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. Have any companies successfully implemented the upgrades and technological improvements mentioned in the article?

Answer: - While specific case studies may not be provided in the article, it is recommended to reach out to manufacturers or industry experts who have experience with these upgrades for real-world examples.

FAQ: 2. How can the use of plastic containers be justified in machinery upgrades?

Answer: - Plastic containers may offer benefits such as durability, cost-effectiveness, and resistance to corrosion, which can prolong the lifespan of machinery components compared to traditional materials.

FAQ: 3. How can we persuade upper management of the benefits of technological improvements for machinery if we lack expertise in this area?

Answer: - It is advisable to gather data and research supporting the advantages of the proposed upgrades, seek guidance from experts or consultants, and present a clear business case outlining the potential return on investment and long-term benefits.

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