Expansion Chambers:
Eliminating Vents
By Kristopher B. Sonne, CLS, MLT, Trico Corporation

While working as a Reliability Technician at a food manufacturing plant I was called in due to a SEW Eurodrive gearbox which was leaking oil from the seals. Making an initial assessment of the gearbox I noted the seals were new and properly installed, the temperature was alright and that the gearbox operated a light duty conveyor. It appeared that there was no reason for the unit to be leaking. Upon closer inspection I noticed that the breather valve transport fixture (a manufacturer installed tag that seals the breather valve to prevent oil spills during transportation) had not been removed. As the unit was put into operation, the air temperature increased and expanded in the gearcase and because the breather valve transport fixture had not been removed the air had no place to go which caused the oil to seep through the seals.

Maintenance Tip
Incorporating Standard Operating Procedures

Standard operating procedures are a key element to doing anything with consistency and accuracy. Procedures should be clear and concise and represent how something gets done each and every time. To support this, procedures should be dynamic enough that we can change some of the elements if we need to. For example, duty cycles change, operating conditions change and production demands change. These changes all require a change in lubrication frequency, amount, type or method of application. A great machinery lubrication program understands the need for change and allows for modification to procedures to support these changes.

Congratulations to our Apple iPad Winner!

During the 18th Annual SMRP Conference at the Frontier Center in Milwaukee, WI October 18 – 21, conference attendees were given the opportunity to stop by Trico’s booth and register to win a 16GB Apple iPad by attending a personalized presentation on Trico’s TLM (Total Lubrication Management Solution).

We are pleased to announce that Zeke C. of Lathrop, CA was randomly selected from the entries as the winner of the iPad giveaway. Congratulations Zeke, enjoy your new iPad!

Product Feature

Benchmark Your Lubrication Program Online Whether you are looking to benchmark your facility on current lubrication practices or you are looking for areas within your facility to make any necessary changes, Trico’s Online Lubrication Self Assessment is a convenient way to evaluate your plant. This self guided survey can be completed at any time, at your convenience.
Last Chance! Last Chance to take advantage of Trico’s Use It or Lose It Year End Budget Promo. Recieve 30% off Spectrum Products including Oil Safe® Containers, Grease Identification Products, Fast Funnels, Breathers, Tags, and EZI-Action Pumps. Or build your complete lube room for as little as $7,750. To benefit from this year-end savings, call 800.558.7008 and use the code WEB10L0 TODAY!

Lubrication Contamination Control

Join us for a webinar on Friday, December 17, 2010 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST. Kristopher Sonne, Senior Field Service Reliability Technician, for Trico Corporation will be presenting Lubrication Contamination Control. In this webinar you will learn to keep machines running reliably. The webinar will also introduce the listener to the basics of contamination control in both new and in-service lubricants. Reserve your webinar seat now.

Training Schedule

Volume 6 Issue 12

Lubrication Practices Benchmark
Trico’s Online Assessment

Stock your Lube Room
Promotional Offer

Clearly, the Right Choice
Oil Analysis

Improve Lubrication Practices
On-Demand Short Courses

www.tricocorp.com