Following hot on the heels of a successful turnkey lubrication solution recently supplied by SKF South Africa’s Authorised Distributor, Bearing Services Springs, to a leading building materials manufacturing company, the customer took the decision to completely change over to SKF pulleys, belts and grease.
During an on-site CNA-Lubrication Audit at the customer’s Alrode plant, Johannesburg South, earlier this year, Bearing Services Springs noticed a few lubrication issues. It was revealed that lubrication was not being carried out reliably and that up to nine different types of grease were being used. After a valuable detailed report was compiled and presented through to the customer with solution driven recommendations after the CNA-Lubrication Audit was completed, the customer recognising the long-term cost-saving benefits, requested a grease conversion to SKF LGHQ 2 grease and to install System 24 LAGD 125/WA2 lubricators on all their critical lubrication points. “A quick response from the Bearings Service Springs team has ensured that lubrication is now carried out correctly and on time,” explains SKF Product Manager for Maintenance Products, Eddie Martens.
“While on site doing the audit, we noted a problem with the belt alignment on one of the extractor fans,” continues Martens. “Impressed with our reactiveness, the customer made the decision there and then to completely change over to SKF pulleys and belts. We were also asked to supply a TKBA 40 belt alignment tool from our MaPro product range to ensure that alignment is carried out correctly.”
Martens confirms that the customer reports extreme satisfaction with the fan which is now running at much lower temperatures. “In fact, our customer is so impressed with the results that they have asked us to assist in converting their remaining fans to this solution. We have also been given the green light to proceed with the implementation of other suggestions documented in the CNA-Lube Report.”
In conclusion, Martens points to the tremendous value of a CNA-Lube analysis. “In addition to conducting all-inclusive analyses, our highly skilled, trained technicians also keep a professional eye out for any other issues that can potentially lead to catastrophic and expensive failures due to downtime, repair and/or replacement time and costs. This enables us to make informed recommendations for equipment and plant optimisation, to the ultimate benefit of our customers.”
