More ups, less downs!/Mike Longbottom and Nick Schmitz, Shell Lubricants, US, discuss the advantages of extending equipment lifetime and consequently reducing downtime

摘要

Unexpected equipment failure probably tops the list of the most frustrating production delays, which in turn incur unexpected costs for mining companies. Yet for many, planned maintenance is still regarded as a process to be endured rather than embraced. By adopting a more scientific approach to maintenance, it is possible not only to reduce costs but also to significantly cut downtime and to almost entirely eliminate unforeseen equipment breakdowns. A new diagnostic system, developed by Shell Lubricants, is enabling possible failures to be identified earlier and with greater accuracy and has the potential to become invaluable to the mining industry. Renowned for its world-class range of lubricants, the company has long been regarded as a leading supplier of speciality high performance products for the mining sector. These products help reduce maintenance costs and capital expenditure, increase equipment uptime and improve environmental management. The company's range of specially developed products for the mining sector is endorsed by most major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).