Maintenance on your equipment is key to ensuring safety. And just like human beings, equipment needs a routine checkup in order to run efficiently.
Industrial coupling is no different. In order to save time and money on repairs, you’ll need to know the best ways to maintain your equipment.
Read on to learn the five tips for industrial coupling maintenance.
1. Disassemble the industrial coupling
When you’re inspecting the coupling, you’ll need to look into every crack and crevice. To do this, you’ll need to completely or partially disassemble the entire coupling.
This gives you a better view of the inside components. You’ll need to check for wear and tear, and also ensure that there are no alignment issues. Look for lubricants that have hardened, as this can also cause damage to the couplings themselves.
2. Ensure there’s enough lubrication
If the industrial coupling requires lubrication, you’ll need to make sure there is enough for optimal performance. Some of the types of couplings that require lubrication include:
- Fluid
- Geared
- Chain
- Grid joints
If your couplings are not properly lubricated, things will get complicated. The couplings need appropriate lube in order to move properly. If not, there may be issues with functionality that could ruin the couplings.
Additional lubrication may be necessary when you’re doing maintenance checks. Leaking can occur throughout time, so you’ll need to check to ensure there’s enough fluid within the couplings.
Make sure that you’re using the appropriate lubrication per the manufacturer’s requirements. Lubrication can differ depending on the type and manufacturer.
3. Be careful of contamination
As stated previously, it’s necessary that you take care when you’re inspecting an industrial coupling. Contamination can occur if you’re not careful. This can be particularly damaging to the couplings.
When you’re using solvents to clean or flush the coupling, make sure that you’re fully removing them. Otherwise, this can contaminate the equipment. Contamination will also thin the lubricant.
If any foreign particles enter the couplings, this can also cause damage to the machine.
4. Replace if necessary
If you’ve found wear and tear on the coupling, you may have to replace it. Couplings are generally inexpensive, so if you think that a replacement is necessary, you’ll save time and money on more expensive repairs.
Should the couplings need replacing, and they are not, it could affect other parts of the machine.
5. Reduce the use of the couplings
As with any machinery, the less it’s used, the longer it will last. But depending on your industry, this may not be an option.
Some other ways you can ensure that your couplings last longer is to watch how you’re operating the equipment. Hard braking and shock loading can greatly affect the condition of the machinery.
Conclusion
Proper inspection always ensures that machinery is up to proper standards. It will save you time and money to prevent more expensive repairs.
Plus, it will keep your equipment and couplings lasting a long time.
If you’re in the need for help with your business needs, we’re here to help. Contact us with any questions you may have.