Lubrication is the key to the smooth operation of plants and machinery. Automatic lubrication systems have been around for a while, but like any technology, slight adjustments here and there can make a huge difference to ensure that not only the machine is taken care of, but the right amount of grease or oil is provided for lubrication at the right time.

JSG Industrial Systems, a subsidiary of John Sample Group, has launched SKF's EDL (Electric Lubricator). As the name suggests, it is an electronically driven and easy-to-use booster pump capable of low inlet pressure.

Rainer Bels, Lubrication Technology Manager at JSG Industrial Systems, explained that EDL is not only an ideal choice for the food and beverage industry, but it also saves labor costs. There are other advantages.

Bels said: "These EDLs can integrate all the individual machines in a factory into a single location controlled lubrication system, or they can work independently of each other but still pump lubricant from a central container."

"Using a separate lubrication system with a separate container on the machine means that people still have to move around and fill them with lubricant, which can cause pollution problems. It also means that it is more likely to be in the grooves they fill Foreign matter is mixed in, which affects the reliability of the machine. They are all factors that need to be considered in the lubrication plan."

EDL does not have its own reservoir. It needs a source of lubricant supplied to it under pressure, which means it needs an external pump to supply the source of lubricant. According to Bels, it is more suitable for systems with many areas-whether they are separate machines or very large machines with different parts within the machine, as well as grouping of lubrication points.

"It's electronic, and there is a motor in it," he said. "It does not need to be close to the material being processed.

"The pump is used with the rest of the electronic control device. The lubricant distribution system can be installed in the cabinet together with the pump, or on the entire machine if necessary. These distribution blocks are made of stainless steel and can be washed clean."

The main feature of this equipment is its compact structure and simple use. It can be controlled from the center of the factory, or each part can be controlled individually according to the application.

When something goes wrong, or if more devices are needed as the factory expands, what is the availability of parts?

“As an SKF lubrication distributor, JSG has a large regional warehouse and has been supplying products and spare parts for many industries including food and beverage for many years,” Bels said.

Bels said that the key information that needs to be noted is that JSG has an extensive network of distribution partners in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Indonesia. They focus on the supply and installation of SKF lubrication systems and after-sales service support.

How do maintenance workers know when they need to replenish oil or grease?

"These systems have various interlocks," Bells said. "It depends on the level of complexity the end user wants to refill when the oil or grease container needs to be refilled.

"There will always be a pressure alarm telling you that it needs to be refilled. There will be a level indicator with a choice of several days or a month of warning-you just need to set the indicator to the correct level and the alarm will be It will sound so that maintenance workers can order another bucket of lubricant. It's that simple."

Food and beverage plants and machinery are usually equipped with automatic lubrication systems.

Most breweries have existing systems. Bels said that in fact, most food and beverage companies own them. In addition to being suitable for new factories, they can also be integrated into sites that are being refurbished.

"Many aging lubrication systems need to be refurbished or upgraded," Bells said. "This is where EDL may be needed. The industry understands the importance of having an efficient lubrication system to extend the long-term service life of the machine. EDL equipment is more about supplying multiple lubrication systems from a centralized tank and providing them in a centralized system. Efficient lubrication.

"This improves the cleanliness of the lubricant and contributes to the correct function of the lubrication system."

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