Guidelines for Effective Lubrication

A guideline for proper lubrication of the equipment for any dairy plant can be prepared from the recommendations made in manuals of individual equipment.Manufacture of equipment does indicate the type, quantity and lubricant required.From various lubricants recommended, a common list of lubricants could be prepared to minimize diversified needs. Mark the points of lubrication on equipment and in the record book. Then, plan a schedule and route for technician. Evaluate the suitability of lubricant application method and change if required. Normally the cost of lubricants ranges from three to ten per cent of the machine cost.With the information gathered, a “Route Map” could be prepared. This map covers all machines that can be lubricated in one shift or a day. This way daily, weekly,monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual lubrication chart are prepared. A Supervisor or Engineer needs to monitor these charts for effective lubrication programme.