SKF Uses Automated Lubrication System to Improve Crane Efficiency

SKF recently installed its Proflex automated lubrication systems in the MSC Home Terminal cranes in Europe's second largest port, Belgium's Port of Antwerp, enabling the port to reduce manual maintenance by almost 1,900 hours annually.

On average, the port spent nearly 90 hours to perform lubrication routines manually, which were carried out when the cranes were not in operation. As the container port traffic experiences double-digit growth yearly, the terminal operator faced increased time pressure and shorter maintenance windows to carry out the work.

"By automating the lubrication process, the SKF Proflex system is an ideal solution for our customer," says SKF's Henrik Lange. "Previous manual lubrication routines required a lot of man-hours per year, per crane. SKF Proflex systems are now supporting crane availability and are helping to cut downtime and productivity loss. The systems also eliminate the safety risks workers are exposed to if they would need to perform the manual lubrication work on the cranes."

The SKF Proflex system features a pump unit that delivers grease to a series of progressive feeders, which can automatically supply a defined amount of lubricant up to 150 lubrication points. The installed system at the port lubricates the wheel base, winch and trolley, supplying the exact amount of lubricant to more than 60 points on each crane.

In addition, SKF fitted each Proflex system with control options on pumps, distributors and feeders, allowing the port to monitor the systems from the office and keep the cranes in optimal condition.

For more information, visit www.skf.com.