INSIGHT
Enhancing mine productivity with high performance lubricants
Maintaining equipment performance in harsh environments can be extremely challenging. Fortunately, the use of high performance lubricants can help protect mining machinery and increase productivity, explains Sarp Degirmenci, Offer Advisor at ExxonMobil.
Mining equipment is regularly exposed to heavy loads, extreme pressures and periods of prolonged operation. These stresses, together with elevated levels of dust and other environmental contaminants, combine to create uniquely harsh conditions. Maintaining the reliable operation of mining equipment can therefore be tough. It is, however, critical as breakdowns not only impact productivity, they can also expose maintenance staff to unwelcome hazards.
It is critical that mining firms use the most appropriate high performance lubricants as they can help reduce downtime of both stationary and mobile equipment. However, identifying the most suitable oils and greases can be confusing. For example, there can be significant advantages using a synthetic lubricant over a mineral alternative.
Synthetic benefits Synthetic lubricants are formulated using more highly refined base stocks than conventional mineral grades. This enables them to provide enhanced oxidation resistance and a higher lubrication film thickness – ensuring continued performance and protection even
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in high temperature conditions. Their longer life also equates to less maintenance, which lowers labour costs and reduces downtime – all factors that can directly impact a mine’s maintenance budgets.
In addition, synthetic base oils have the potential to contribute to decreased energy consumption as a result of reduced friction. Depending on their formulation they can also provide inherent detergency and biodegradability, contingent on the synthetic ester used.
Taken together, these properties can help extend equipment life. It is therefore worthwhile considering a switch to synthetic lubricants, depending on application.
Costly and avoidable wear
One of the key considerations when choosing a lubricant is its viscosity. Getting this wrong can increase equipment wear rates and energy consumption, while reducing lubricant life.
When temperatures rise, viscosity falls, and when temperatures drop, viscosity increases. The degree to
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