By integrating real-time monitoring with precise flow control, SKF’s Flowline Oil Monitor Meters have significantly improved the flow rate control and performance of oil circulation lubrication systems installed on a paper mill.
The customer, who is a specialist in high-quality paper production for various applications, based on Johannesburg’s East Rand, had been relying on SKF’s Safematic oil flow metering systems on their paper mill for many years. The machine transforms raw materials or vegetable matter like wood pulp or recycled fibres into a continuous sheet of finished paper products that can be used for various applications including writing, printing and packaging. This is achieved through a series of mechanical and chemical processes that break down the fibres, forming them into a mat which is then dried to produce the final product.
The earlier-generation Safematic system had consistently delivered dependable performance for the customer, playing a key role in supporting the plant’s operations. However, with modern lubrication requirements becoming more demanding and technology advancing rapidly, the legacy systems began to show their limitations. Specifically, they lacked individual flow control at each lubrication point, as well as customisable alarm settings for monitoring low, high and optimal oil levels – features now essential for maximising equipment protection and operational efficiency.
SKF recommended that the customer upgrade to SKF Flowline Monitor Oil Meters with integrated monitoring, which will provide continuous oversight and control of the oil circulation lubrication systems. The SKF Flowline Monitor divides, measures and controls the flow rate in oil circulation lubrication systems. The series includes is three models – FL15, FL50, and FL100, delivering thee different flow meter sizes, covering flow rates from 0.1 to 100 l/min and handling operating viscosities between 32 and 1000 mm²/s. Featuring operating pressures up to 16 bar, each meter operates independently and can be programmed and adjusted separately for precise control. With an operating temperature range of 0 to +65°C and an IP65 rating, the SKF Flowline Monitor delivers accurate measurements irrespective of variations in oil temperature and viscosity. It supports computer configuration and remote monitoring, while optional monitoring modules provide common alarms, individual alarms for each lubrication point and interfaces to process control systems.
As part of the first phase of plant upgrades, a total of 64 SKF Flowline meters have been installed at the paper mill. Donatien Makopo, SKF Application Engineering Manager – Lubrication Systems, highlights several significant benefits these units are delivering to the customer: “The turbine-based monitoring and adjusting-valve technology result in minimal pressure loss, ensuring optimal system efficiency. Operators also appreciate the easy-to-use interface and the clear indication of flow accuracy at each lubrication point. The improved panel mounting with enhanced lighting makes daily operation much simpler and safer for the team.”
In addition to the operational improvements, the Flowline meters also contributes to sustainability goals by reducing oil consumption through precise flow control and eliminating leaks from the outdated system. This not only extends the service life of the paper mill but also enhances overall machine reliability and operator safety. Makopo adds that the upgrade is proving to be a valuable investment for the mill’s future, thanks to improved safety and efficiency across the board.
Although the customer placed the order in May 2024 with the initial plan to install the system during their December shutdown, the extensive time required for full installation and commissioning led to the decision to postpone the work to the longer shutdown period in Q2 2025. “Given the complexity and scale of the installation, postponing to a longer shutdown was crucial to ensure everything was done thoroughly and without compromise,” explains Makopo. “We completed installation in May 2025, with full commissioning finalised at the end of July, following a slight delay on the customer’s side.”
Training was provided to ensure the customer could confidently manage the correct setup of the Flowline Meters. While the customer currently oversees service and maintenance, SKF remains committed to full technical support as needed. This collaboration marks the start of a long-term partnership, with Makopo confirming that the SKF Flowline Oil Monitor solution is just the first of several planned upgrades covering the entire plant including the rollout of SKF CoMo (condition monitoring) products to enhance machine performance and reliability and support sustainable plant operations.
Wrapping up, Makopo reflects on why the customer chose to partner with SKF, underlining the company’s long-standing reputation for reliable service and strong technical support which are both critical to the success of the project. “In addition to meeting all technical requirements, our commercially competitive pricing made SKF the clear choice for the upgrade. By partnering with us, the customer gained access to premium service levels, deep industry experience, and specialist expertise tailored to their operational needs.”
