Lubrication: Kluber

Three challenges for the container glass industry

Jonathan Cruz* explains common problems for IS machine lubrication and how these can be overcome.

Glass containers are one of the most common types of packaging in the beverage industry, where we can have beverages such as beer, carbonated beverages, liquors and household.

For the manufacture of bottles, the blow-blowing technique is mainly used, where the operation of the independent section machines constitutes the pillar and the key to achieving the company’s production levels.

Melting furnaces, which handle more than 100 tonnes of glass per day and produce up to 300 containers per minute, feed them.

Resistance to high temperatures

The process demands high temperature ranges around 220°C where the mineral base oils cannot reach a lifetime that favours the lubrication of the most remote points.

Synthetic ester-based oils are hightemperature oils with superior thermal resistance than conventional ones.

To analyse thermal stability, the following tests were performed: � Dish test (open and capped); � TGA (Thermogravimetry analysis with dynamic temperature sequence).

With these tests, evaporation and ageing behaviour as well as oxidation resistance can be analysed.

TGA results show that the evaporation loss of these Kluber oils at operating temperatures is very low, up to 25% lower, which means that the oil will retain its lubricity longer in the mechanisms.

Minimal carbon residues formation

The amount of carbon residues due to temperature effects on the oils increases the preventive stoppages for maintenance and cleaning of the machine.

In addition, the machine is exposed to sudden production stoppages associated with the clogging of the lubrication veins.

The amount of carbon residues left by a mineral oil is 20 times greater compared to a synthetic oil.

To evaluate the high temperature oils, the Eisenmann test (complete evaporation according to Eisenmann) and the Panel Cooking test were performed.

In addition to the Eisenmann test, also the Panel Cooking test shows the residue

� Thermal stability tests can help manufacturers reduce costs.

� Percentage of carbon residue with various base oils.

formation behaviour of oils (in terms of quantity and appearance) under thermal conditions.

The test is usually performed by us or by competitors for evaluating other high-temperature oil applications than those described in this paper. However, the Panel Cooking test shows the residue behaviour of the oils subject to thermal stress on the steel sheets used for this test.

Long relubrication periods

The low evaporation loss and low residue level ensure longer relubrication periods than conventional oils.

Additives with properties reactive to black light, working as indicators or lubricant film developer, favour visual inspections confirming lubricity and avoiding mechanisms over lubrication.

Our glass specialists can help you to learn about IS Machine Inspections and how our oils overcome these challenges favour lower maintenance to achieve glassmakers’ goals.

Our resume includes:

� Products showing good results

� Evaporation loss compared to competitor oils

in thermal stability tests can reduce consumption quantities and energy costs. � Besides thermal stability and wear protection, residue formation is a crucial criterion for many users. The residue amount should be as low as possible and easy to dissolve. � In general, products showing a minor tendency to residue formation reduce cleaning and maintenance work. If residues are even easy to remove, energy savings and longer service life are possible as well. �

*Glass Market Manager Klüber Lubrication, Querétaro, Mexico https://www.klueber.com/mx/