SKF leveraged its expertise on a previous succesful grease dispensing solution to address a similar challenge for a customer who is a major player in the materials handling industry.
Eddie Martens, SKF Product Manager – MaPro, explains that the pump the customer was using to transfer grease from 220-litre drums into the lubrication system reservoirs was inefficient, leaving up to a quarter of the grease in the drum. This remaining grease had to be removed manually, leading to contamination risks or being discarded as waste, both of which were costly outcomes for the customer.
To accurately assess the challenge, SKF conducted a Client Needs Analysis as part of its Asset Management programme, developed to maximise customers’ operational reliability, efficiency and sustainability.
“Following the lubrication review, we identified that it was the follower in the pump arrangement that was causing the problem, and we were able to instantaneously recommend a proven and simple solution – a Lincoln pump which incorporates a cone-type follower,” says Martens. Further elaborating on the solution, he explains that the cone-type follower is most important part of the pump arrangement as it enables the drum pump to extract 99% of the grease from the drum. Through our years of experience, we have found that using the alternative type of follower results in a higher amount of grease remaining in the drum, sometimes up to 25% of the total content, which cannot be pumped out, ultimately leading to unnecessary cost increases for the user.”
The new unit, which was supplied through SKF’s Authorised Distributor, BSA Richards Bay, ensures that the maximum amount of grease is decanted from the drum, leaving only a negligible amount behind.
The solution delivered immediate results for the customer, providing two-fold benefits – substantial cost savings and enhanced sustainability. By reducing both grease waste and contamination, it directly contributed to lower grease consumption, aligning with sustainability goals.
“Through our collaboration with BSA Richards Bay in delivering this solution, we streamline the process for our customer to source our products, while also ensuring the delivery of prompt and efficient service,” concludes Martens.
