One of the most basic ways that you can check your machines and equipment is to check its oil levels. Your machine’s oil levels are the most important part of your equipment because if its levels are too low or high they can cause damage to your machine.
If the oil level is low in your machine then issues such as heat, friction, and boundary conditions may persist. On the other hand, if the oil levels are too high it can cause problems like oxidation, fluid friction, and excess heat. So, you must check the oil levels of your machine regularly and maintain a balanced oil level in your machine. You can use an oil monitoring system to keep track of the oil levels of your machine.
In this blog post, we outline some of the key factors that could lead to an increase or decrease in the oil levels of your machinery.
Leaks
One of the most common concerns with fluctuating oil levels is generally leaks. Oil leaks can be easily detected if a proper inspection is done. Through proper inspection you will be able to detect the decrease in the oils levels or pressure. When inspecting, if you see a decrease in the levels of the sight glass, pressure gauge, or level gauge you will have to take immediate action to avoid damage.
By taking action you will be able to identify the location of the leak and also its size and severity, this will help you avoid more damage to the machine. If the leak requires a long-term fix then the best time to address the issue would be during an outage or turnaround.
Oil leaks often recur on the same equipment over time and can be easily spotted by the use of saturated mats placed below the source of the leak. If all of this is happening on your site then it’s time that you address the issue. If you perform oil level inspection regularly then you will be able to understand which assets are prone to leaks and which machines have recently been maintained and how critical the leak is.
Vapourization
Vaporization is another less likely cause of lowered oil levels. Vaporization occurs mostly in high-temperature applications as in these applications there is less dense hydrocarbon dispersion and that results in a change in the viscosity of the oil level. If this type of issue is identified through in-field or laboratory oil analysis, then the most vital part will be good communication between the individual who conducted the analysis and the one who is reviewing the oil analysis reports, especially during shift turnovers, lubrication meetings, and work order documentation.
Improper Filling Practices
The main worry with a low oil level is with the reservoirs and sumps, but a level that is too high is concerning as well. If the lubrication is filled improperly in the system then it can lead to fluid friction, if this issue is not addressed timely it can result in oxidation. Improper filling practices can also cause boundary conditions if the oil levels are too low. Hence, it is very important to understand and review the filling practices being used in your facility. Are there any preventive maintenance tasks or work orders that need to be checked on a yearly basis? Are all the level indicators properly marked? Is there any documentation for in-field re-filling practices? You will have to monitor the filling practices at your facility keenly because if the filling practices are poor they can lead to serious damage to your equipment.
Contamination
Contamination is the last consideration for an increase in oil levels. Factors like seal and cooler leaks, cross-contamination, process chemicals, and even moisture ingression can lead to an increase in oil levels. It is very difficult to identify contamination in the field, therefore good communication between the individuals reviewing the oil analysis reports and in-field inspectors is very important.
About Micro-Lube
Micro-Lubeis a full-service conveyor lubrication Company with international experience and a genuine commitment to professional, affordable, and personalized service. Our staff has over ten years of “hands-on” experience in conveyor and chain lubrication which has earned our customers’ confidence in our products and services. At Micro-Lube, you can find a wide range of lubricants for almost any kind of machine. We help provide you with the best lubricant for your machines and several other products related to filtration, dispensing, chain, conveyor, and more. Contact usfor more information.
One of the most basic ways that you can check your machines and equipment is to check its oil levels. Your machine’s oil levels are the most important part of your equipment because if its levels are too low or high they can cause damage to your machine.
If the oil level is low in your machine then issues such as heat, friction, and boundary conditions may persist. On the other hand, if the oil levels are too high it can cause problems like oxidation, fluid friction, and excess heat. So, you must check the oil levels of your machine regularly and maintain a balanced oil level in your machine. You can use an oil monitoring system to keep track of the oil levels of your machine.
In this blog post, we outline some of the key factors that could lead to an increase or decrease in the oil levels of your machinery.