Optimizing grease usage can be difficult. Taking the time and utilizing available expertise, such as trained technical service advisors, can help operators significantly improve greasing practices. In turn, this can lead to performance improvements, which contribute to better overall management and day-to-day running of a feed mill.

Our technical service advisors support operators in overcoming grease challenges. One such issue can be the use of low-quality grease. Often, operators will select the least expensive grease on the market as it offers a low initial cost. However, using a low-quality product will, in fact, typically lead to a higher overall cost in the long-term as it can cause shorter and more frequent grease cycles. This means more grease drum change-outs, resulting in higher grease usage and in turn, more grease needing to be purchased.

This is not an efficient way of operating. A higher quality product may have a higher initial cost, but it lasts longer, offers better protection, and has the ability to safely extend grease cycles - meaning operators need to purchase less grease, leading to overall cost savings.

Using a low-quality product can also lead to over-greasing. It’s easy to assume that using excessive amounts of grease is a good strategy as the overall cost is lower than serious equipment repairs and associated downtime costs, but over-greasing is not only inefficient, it can also damage equipment. Over-greasing clearly causes an increase in the amount of grease purchased and therefore increased grease expenditure, but it can also sacrifice bearing life and protection – over-greasing reduces protection and is actually harmful to feed mill equipment.

An often-overlooked challenge associated with over-greasing is the increased risk of contamination, particularly if a non-food grade grease is used. If this kind of product enters the food chain, there are obvious compliance issues, which can be extremely damaging for operators. Contamination can also occur if materials enter a grease drum which is then used on equipment. While not immediately noticeable, this can have a significant impact on performance and shorten bearing life.

Operators can find efficiencies in grease selection and practices. With careful consideration and advice from trained technical service advisors, improvements can be made to optimize the performance and reliability of a feed mill.

Grease choice should be a fundamental consideration for feed mill operators. Manufacturers utilize advanced lubricant technologies to develop formulations that suit different kinds of equipment and operations. Therefore, selecting the best grease for the particular application can be a complex decision, which can require specialist advice.

As we’ve discussed, a high-quality grease, such as those from the Petro-Canada Lubricants PURITY^TM FG product line can offer significant benefits. All of these greases offer exceptional bearing protection against wear and corrosion. The synthetic and synthetic blend versions perform well over a wide operating temperature range and maintain protection against heavy loads. The clear grease option offers equipment protection in a colorless, non-staining formulation.

Due to the options available, selecting the correct grease can be difficult. Getting that decision right is crucial as it can improve bearing life, reduce grease consumption, and extend greasing cycles. Improved equipment protection can also reduce unplanned downtime and associated costs. It’s worth taking the time to understand which grease is right for your application. Speaking to a grease specialist is the best way to do this and can secure efficiencies for your mill.

In the day-to-day operation of a feed mill, maintaining proper lubrication can be difficult – not only due to the risks of over-greasing but also verifying the constant flow of grease to the bearings. Through innovative solutions, we can deliver forward-thinking products that help feed mill operators overcome some of the challenges they are currently facing.

For example, the Petro-Canada Lubricants bulk grease offering means the correct amount of grease is applied to equipment at the right time, avoiding potentially harmful over-greasing.

To make sure the correct amount of grease is applied to the bearings, a common requirement is the use of an automated grease pumping system. An innovative bulk greasing solution to address this requirement is available in the form of a ‘fluid bag’. After installing the appropriate piping from the fluid bag to the pellet mill bearings and adjusting the automatic pump settings, grease is then automatically dispensed in the optimal amounts throughout the day. Once this system is in place, the use of a grease fluid bag reduces the need for manual handling of drums and equipment.

Using this sealed, heavy-duty flexible bag also prevents contamination of the grease. As the fluid bag contains between four and five drums’ worth of grease, the burden on feed mill operators to frequently move drums in and out of the mill is removed. This reduction of manual labor also alleviates health and safety concerns as it eliminates the need to carry heavy drums around the facility.

Focusing on effective greasing practices can support the optimization of a feed mill’s operation. While several factors contribute to the overall management of a mill, selecting the right grease and using it correctly can improve performance and reduce costs and unplanned downtime, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership.

The support of trained grease specialists and technical service advisors is vital. These experts can help you make the right decisions and show you how to save money, improve performance, and ultimately, optimize your feed mill.

For more information, please visit: https://lubricants.petro-canada.com/en-us/contact-us.