Cite this document

Industrial plant lubrication programs are organized to assure in-service lubricating and hydraulic fluids are kept clean, dry, and fit for use; that these fluids are right for the applications; and that they are filled to the correct levels. These programs can yield outstanding results. For example the lubrication program at an automotive assembly plant reported more than 700 % return on investment with a two month payback period. For another example the lubrication program at a petroleum refinery is credited with reducing maintenance work orders by one-third, from 995 to 674 failure related work orders. Cost avoidance is achieved in at three principal areas: less fluid consumed, less reactive maintenance, and more deferred maintenance. Under-pinning for successful lubrication programs is the use of defined procedures and measurements. Gene Jennings, Condition Based Maintenance Coordinator for Southern Company, highlights the significant role ASTM is fulfilling for industrial lubrication programs in this statement: “Consistency in data gathering is crucial to a successful program and standardization is the foundation for consistency.”