In the glass industry, the chains and sprockets of fiber conveyors at the furnace exit have a working temperature close to 300°C. Lubrication is meticulous, it is done with a brush every 8 hours 7 days a week.
Lubrication of chains and sprockets on a fiber conveyor at the furnace exit.
context
problem
Regular chain breakage and premature sprocket wear result in costs, production downtime and excessive lubrication.
solution
Castrol industrial's SU suspension lubricant extends lubrication times by a factor of three. It is now possible to lubricate conveyor chains and sprockets only once a day.
Lubrication of chains and sprockets on a fiber conveyor at the furnace exit.
context
At a Belgian manufacturer of floating glass, the chains and sprockets of fiber conveyors near the furnace exit operate at temperatures close to 300°C. Lubrication is crucial and should be meticulously performed every 8 hours, seven days a week, using a brush.
Problem
Frequent chain breakages and premature wear of sprockets have become a regular occurrence at the facility. This has led to soaring costs and extensive downtime associated with the replacement of mechanical components. Production interruptions are frequent, exacerbated by the excessive need for lubrication interventions.
Solution
Castrol's Optimol Suspension SU extends lubrication times by a factor of three. It is now possible to lubricate conveyor chains and sprockets only once a day.
results
After one year, the chains have proven their durability, remaining intact without any signs of breakage or premature wear. The extension of lubrication intervals by threefold has notably improved operational efficiency by 300%. This optimization has not only led to the preservation of the chains but also to a significant reduction in both mechanical intervention and labor costs.
Comparing the previous annual labor cost of €98,550 with the solution offered by Optimol Lubrication, which amounts to €32,850, reveals a remarkable difference. Consequently, the client benefits from substantial savings of €65,700 on labor costs alone.
In summary, the implementation of Optimol Lubrication has not only ensured the longevity of the chains but has also resulted in a more cost-effective and efficient operational model, reflecting a considerable improvement in overall performance.
