Take our quick survey now: Optimize your lubrication

Are the fluids in your equipment achieving expected service life?

• Never
• Sometimes
• Always

• Select an answer above to view recommendations.
• We change our fluids at set intervals (or based on calendar life) as we have always done.
• We follow OEM drain intervals.
• We use oil analysis and replace fluids based on the condition of the lubricant and component.

• If your lubricants aren't achieving expected service life, the first step is to start using an oil analysis program. Oil analysis will provide you with the visibility into both how your lubricants are performing as well the effects they are having on your equipment.
• OEMs often change oil drain intervals, so it is important to check regularly to ensure you are following the correct ones. It is also important to work with your lubricant supplier to ensure you are using the correct product for the application. Newer lubricants can provide increased protection as well as significantly increased service intervals to help reduce your costs.
• Great job! Keep in mind that the fluids in your equipment may not achieve expected service life due to reasons such as contamination, product misapplication or incorrect drain intervals.

Are you monitoring oil cleanliness in your new lubricant bulk storage tanks and in-service equipment?

• Never
• Sometimes
• Always

• Select an answer above to view recommendations.
• We do not track cleanliness or identify our cleanliness requirements.
• We know that fluid cleanliness is important, so we filter some of our oils but do not track cleanliness or identify the OEM specifications for our equipment.
• We have set ISO cleanliness codes for new lubricants and in-service lubricants that meets OEM specifications.

• Many companies assume oil is clean enough, but their oil often does not meet OEM cleanliness specifications. Establishing ISO Cleanliness targets are essential in order to reduce fluid contamination and ultimately optimize equipment component life by reducing overall wear. It is important to establish these ISO Cleanliness targets for both new and in-service lubricants.
• While you may have a general ISO cleanliness target established, it's important to track all transfers of lubricants within your facility, such as lubricant delivery, bulk tank dispensing points and critical in-service equipment.
• Great job! It is a best practice to have strict guidelines for your suppliers and maintenance teams in regards to product handling. Use oil analysis to track and make adjustments as needed.

Are you using oil analysis to monitor your fluids?

• Never
• Sometimes
• Always

• Select an answer above to view recommendations.
• We do not use oil analysis to monitor our fluids.
• We do oil analysis, but typically not for all our equipment. Decisions are made based on individual oil analysis reports.
• We have an oil analysis program in place and review trending analysis reports with our maintenance/engineering/reliability teams.

• Oil analysis is critical in anticipating the remaining service life of the lubricant and identifying any potential contamination or unexpected equipment wear. Oil analysis condemning limits and correlating actions/tasks should be put in place to fix the root cause of problem. A scheduled oil sampling program should be established for all critical equipment to avoid any unexpected equipment failures or significant downtime.
• A scheduled oil sampling program should be established for all critical equipment to avoid any unexpected equipment failure and significant downtime. A routine trending analysis should be reviewed by the maintenance team, lubricant vendor, or oil analysis laboratory to identify upcoming problems and develop a more predictive lubrication maintenance program.
• Great job! Keep in mind that this data and the subsequent analysis helps to maximize equipment life. Involving your lubricant supplier in the monitoring of fluid life and performance can provide additional value. Maintaining these records also provides a higher resale value and improved ROI.

Are you using the right lubricant package styles to maximize operational efficiency?

• Never
• Sometimes
• Always

• Select an answer above to view recommendations.
• We struggle to keep product in stock and often run out. Additionally, we use small package styles which cause operational inefficiencies.
• We try to use the most optimal package styles, but we have inefficiencies with our inventory management process.
• We have optimized our package styles for our business applications and conditions.

• In order to best manage the maintenance and operations budget, the most economical and efficient package styles need to be identified. The best practice is to utilize the largest possible package style while still maintaining optimal efficiency, safety and cleanliness to transfer/dispense lubricant into the equipment reservoir. Ideally, large totes or steel bulk tanks are the most effective and economical package styles for the primary lubricant storage room.
• The best practice is to use the largest possible package style while still maintaining optimal efficiency, safety and cleanliness to transfer/dispense lubricant into equipment reservoir. Ideally, large totes or steel bulk tanks are the most effective and economical package style for the primary lubricant storage room. While drums might be frequently used in the industry, they can often take up a lot of storage space and it can be difficult to prevent contamination while dispensing into equipment reservoir. The best practice is to use a lubricant transfer cart and/or lubricant transfer containers for dispensing during maintenance service.
• Great job! Keep in mind that while drums may seem like the easiest package style, they can often take up a lot of storage space and it can be difficult to prevent contamination while dispensing into the equipment reservoir.