Total Lubrication Management
Condition Based Monitoring Through Advanced Technology
TLM (Total Lubrication Management) and CBM (Condition-Based Maintenance) are two approaches that aim to optimize the performance and reliability of industrial equipment by using data-driven insights and best practices. TLM focuses on selecting, applying, and maintaining the optimal lubricant for each application, while CBM focuses on monitoring and diagnosing the condition of the equipment and performing maintenance only when needed. Both approaches can help reduce operational costs, energy consumption, and environmental impact, as well as improve safety and quality. A comprehensive overview of TLM and CBM solutions, including their benefits, challenges, and applications in various industries.
Factors to consider when selecting a lubricant are
Viscosity
The measure of the lubricant’s resistance to flow. It affects the lubricant’s ability to form a film between the moving surfaces and prevent metal-to-metal contact. A higher viscosity lubricant provides better protection, but also increases the friction and energy consumption. A lower viscosity lubricant reduces the friction and energy consumption, but also increases the risk of wear and leakage. Therefore, the optimal viscosity depends on the clearance, speed, and temperature of the application.
Additives
The chemicals added to the base oil to enhance or modify its properties. They can improve the lubricant’s performance in terms of anti-wear, extreme pressure, anti-oxidation, anti-corrosion, anti-foam, and anti-rust. However, they can also degrade over time and lose their effectiveness, or interact with other additives and cause compatibility issues. Therefore, the type and number of additives should be carefully selected and monitored.
Base oil
The main component of the lubricant, which can be mineral, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Mineral oils are derived from crude oil and have lower cost and wider availability, but also lower performance and stability. Synthetic oils are manufactured from chemical compounds and have higher performance and stability, but also higher cost and lower availability. Semi-synthetic oils are a blend of mineral and synthetic oils and have intermediate characteristics and cost. The choice of base oil depends on the performance requirements, cost-benefit analysis, and availability of the lubricant.
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