COAL FACE
Lubrication for coal processing
AND TRANSPORTATION
Coal processing and transportation require unique lubrication solutions to preserve equipment performance because of the prevalence of fine coal particles (duff) and their corrosive impact on coal-handling machinery. Lubrication Engineers South Africa has a range of lubricants ideal for coal processing and transportation
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long with fine particles, heavy loads, shocks and jars are typical of coal operations. Lubricants designed to withstand these conditions are essential to ensure maximum efficiency, explains Callum Ford, national marketing manager at Lubrication Engineers (LE) South Africa. “At LE South Africa, our work in the coal processing and transportation industry has shown us that it’s critical to use lubricants designed to repel duff and dirt to protect the equipment at all stages across the coalhandling system,” he says.
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Important maintenance tasks According to Ford, the products LE South Africa supplies to its coal industry clients work best in conjunction with some key maintenance techniques. These include making sure grease fittings, fill pipes, plugs and gear-tooth surfaces are cleaned before a lubricant is applied. Ford also recommends that drums and containers be kept covered when not in use and stored in a clean, closed area, where possible. The ideal solution is a bulk lubrication storage system, which eliminates the risk of contamination and reduces the room for operator error. When it comes to lubrication, correct application is also important. “For example, plain sleeve bearings that are lubricated with grease should be pumped to capacity, or until some of the old grease escapes at the bearing end. This provides a flushing action and seals the bearing against foreign matter getting in and causing damage.” Fully sealed bearings, where grease cannot easily escape, usually require only a small amount of
