Purge, or purge port, regreasing is a critical maintenance procedure employed to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of machinery and equipment that require lubrication. It involves the removal of old or contaminated grease (and thickener) from bearings, joints and other lubrication points, followed by the application of fresh, clean grease. This process helps prevent friction, wear and other potential breakdowns, ultimately contributing to the efficient and long-term operation of various mechanical systems.
Importance and Need for Purge Port Regreasing
Over time, grease can deteriorate due to factors like heat, moisture and contamination from dust or debris, especially in machinery built for large-scale applications, such as an electric motor. This degradation can lead to decreased lubrication effectiveness, increased friction and accelerated wear on components. Purge port regreasing is essential to expel degraded grease and replace it with new lubricant, ensuring smooth operation and minimizing the risk of equipment failure.
Types of Grease Guns for Purge Port Regreasing:
Two common types of grease guns are used for performing purge port regreasing: manual grease guns and air-powered grease guns.
- Manual (Lever or Pistol-Grip) Grease Guns: These are hand-operated grease dispensers that require manual pumping to apply grease. They are suitable for smaller-scale applications and situations where precise control is needed.
- Air-Powered Grease Guns: These grease guns use compressed air to dispense grease, making them suitable for larger and more frequent lubrication tasks. They provide consistent and efficient grease application.
Key Steps for Performing Purge Port Regreasing:
- Preparation: Ensure the equipment is turned off and the area is safe for maintenance. Gather the necessary tools, including the appropriate grease gun, clean rags and safety equipment.
- Identification: Locate the purge ports or grease fittings on the equipment. These are the points where old grease will be purged out and new grease will be injected, and are typically located on the opposite end of the fill point.
- Purging Old Grease: Using the grease gun, slowly stroke the lever to inject fresh grease into the purge port slowly and methodically. As the new grease is injected, it will push out the old or degraded grease. Continue this process until you see clean, fresh grease being expelled from the equipment.
- Wiping and Cleaning: Have a rag handy to wipe away any excess grease that might accumulate around the purge port during the process. This helps maintain a clean working environment and prevents contamination.
- Applying Fresh Grease: Once the old grease is purged, continue injecting the fresh grease until you see the new grease emerging from the purge port. This indicates that the lubrication point is properly filled with clean grease.
- Verification: Test the equipment briefly to ensure that the new grease is distributing evenly within the system. Listen for any unusual sounds that might indicate insufficient lubrication.
- Labeling and Documentation: Keep a record of the maintenance performed, noting the date, equipment details, and type of grease used. This helps in tracking maintenance schedules and ensures consistent upkeep.
- Clean-Up: Collect and dispose of all consumables used during the procedure.
Key Takeaways:
- Make sure you use the appropriate grease by confirming that the LIS code on the grease gun matches the code on the component you are regreasing.
- Always ensure the purge port path is clean; remove any hardened grease with a zip-tie or a pipe brush to limit contamination during the procedure.
- Apply grease slowly and methodically.
Conclusion
Purge port regreasing is a fundamental maintenance practice that aids in maintaining the performance and durability of machinery by replacing old, degraded grease with fresh lubricant. Choosing the right grease gun and following the outlined steps in this article will ensure you perform this procedure safely and effectively, and your machinery will continue functioning optimally for the duration of its lifespan.
This article is based on the "Purge Regreasing" video from Noria's Task-Based Training series. To purchase this training course, visit the Noria Store.
