As machines operate and advance, seeking greater performance and power in production levels, lubrication becomes a crucial point for their flawless operation, evolving to the point of becoming automatic. Understanding more about how machine component lubrication works, why it’s necessary, its benefits, and what happens if this care is neglected, is crucial for critical analysis. Automatic lubrication is essential to ensure the efficiency, productivity, and longevity of machines and equipment. Among the most used systems are the progressive and single-line systems, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The ideal choice depends on a careful analysis of the application’s needs.
A single central pump sends lubricant through a supply line to each dosing device. Each lubrication point receives lubricant from a single dosing device, which can be regulated to provide the precise amount of grease or oil.
Disadvantage: No individual monitoring of lubrication points.
Advantage: Simplicity, more affordable cost, easy installation.
The main pump connects to at least one dosing device (distributor block). Each lubrication point receives lubricant from a dosing device, which can be connected to other dosing devices to increase the number of points served.
Advantage: Precision: Individualized dosing for each point.
Disadvantage: Higher cost.
A central pump connects to two sets of main lines, which alternate in operation, pressurizing and depressurizing the system. Each lubrication point receives lubricant from a dosing device, which can be connected to other dosing devices to increase the number of points served.
Disadvantage: Maintenance requires more attention and technical knowledge.
Advantage: Ideal for large machines with many lubrication points and long distances between them.
A central pump connects to several dosing devices, each with a determined number of outlets. Each lubrication point receives lubricant from a specific outlet, which can be adjusted to provide the appropriate amount of oil or grease.
Disadvantage: No monitoring of points.
Advantage: Ability to serve different lubrication points with a single pump.
The choice of the best Automatic Lubrication system depends on a careful analysis of the application needs, considering factors such as the type of machine, the number of lubrication points, lubrication frequency, lubricant viscosity, operating temperature, working environment, installation and maintenance costs, among others. By opting for the most suitable system, it is possible to obtain the benefits of automatic lubrication, such as reduced maintenance costs, increased productivity, improved product quality, and environmental preservation.
If you work in the industrial sector, you know how essential lubricants are for the proper functioning of machines and gears. Jock/Woerner Lubrication Systems now brings to light the importance of equipment for industrial lubrication.
These materials are used to apply lubricants to the components of industrial machines and equipment, in order to reduce friction between moving parts, dissipate heat, protect against corrosion and eliminate impurities.
Furthermore, we are currently going through the 4th Industrial Revolution and the implementation of the industry 4.0 concept which has unfolded into many other concepts that encompass innovations in software, robots, artificial intelligence and with regard to lubricants, the market has agreed to call it lubrication 4.0 .
Lubrication 4.0 is the use of technology and data to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of lubrication.
It includes the use of sensors, software and analytics to collect data on the health of equipment and the condition of lubricants. This data can be used to identify potential failures, optimize lubrication intervals and improve equipment life, as well as protect employees from unsanitary conditions. However, with the use of technology to preserve machines, it is possible to have financial benefits and a competitive advantage in relation to its competitors.
According to the TechTudo website, lubrication 4.0 means that the systems are all connected, allowing the identification of the ideal moment to change oil or parts, without the need for human interference. Therefore, the data collected serves to identify the useful life of the lubricant and parts.
Lubrication 4.0 is the future. It is necessary to change the way lubrication is performed and seen by operators, making it essential to help their work.
When working with industry and machines, we need to maintain maintenance and any necessary care so that the machinery works at its best. Therefore, we can currently count on a centralized lubrication system. A system that significantly reduced machinery downtime.
Centralized lubrication, also known as automatic, basically consists of distributors and a pump.
The lubricant is dosed and pumped serially and progressively, avoiding insufficient and excessive lubrication. The amount of oil for implementing the system can vary greatly from machine to machine. However, even so, it is possible to define the quantity in advance and then monitor it. The existence of a large number of difficult-to-access points or lubrication points is another reason to install centralized systems, as they carry out lubrication reliably and precisely with few human resources.
Pumps can be hydraulic, electric, manual or pneumatic and are defined according to the project specification. Certain dosing valves also help regulate the amount of product. The most recommended thing is that a professional is responsible for this.
This is a system that offers several advantages to those who use it. However, there is still a lot of resistance in the industrial environment regarding centralized lubrication. And this is due to the common sense that investment in systems or prevention is more expensive or because of the little knowledge we have about the machines used.
Finally, as everything is done automatically, consumption is fully optimized at ideal levels, with no waste or excess. Optimizing lubricant consumption will also significantly help the purchasing sector, which will be able to calculate the demand for greases and oils with more certainty for equipment that is supplied by centralized lubrication.