Machinery Lubrication November 2003

A reduction in machine performance is often the first indication of a problem with a hydraulic system. This usually manifests itself in longer cycle times or slow operation. Because flow determines...

Methods of leak detection can be as basic as eyesight, or as unique as my cousin Vernon’s rag data collection methods. (See “The Sweet Taste of Antifreeze”.) Sensory detection is not...

Large, double-acting (Figure 1), multicylinder, multistage crosshead design reciprocating compressors are used to generate low-pressure plant air, move natural gas in the natural gas production...

The Duracell plant in Cleveland, Tenn., manufactures alkaline batteries that are distributed globally. The facility receives raw materials for the manufacturing process, which flow through several...

The Northampton Generating station is a 120MW solid fuel power generation plant. The facility moves solid fuel with conveyors into silos for storage. Conveyor reliability is critical to the...

Flash back about 40 years. Vane pumps in hydraulic systems were operating at or below 1,000 pounds per square inch (psi). Do you know what the preferred hydraulic fluid was during that time? It was...

Enclosed gear drives are used in a diverse myriad of industries ranging from small to large manufacturing plants, steel mills, mines and quarries. In these industries, the number of enclosed gear...

Personnel from a large pulp and paper mill made a surprise visit to the mill oil supplier. The mill scheduled the unannounced visit for the purpose of identifying original conditions for the...