Eco friendly lubricants allowing longer intervals
There is a high pressure to keep equipment, like ski lifts, available as much as possible to the public. But the harsh conditions (snow, cold, wind, rain, mist moisture) make this task quite challenging.
Many of the maintenance tasks can only be done after closing hours, in extreme cold conditions and at hard to reach (dangerous) places. At the same time environmental legalislation sets high demands on for example the environmental impact of lubricants.
Some applications at Ski resorts
Bearing bushes of cable grippers on telecabin
The bearing bushes of cable grippers on a cabin have to withstand a lot of pressure under harsh conditions. Using conventional greases, they have to be lubricated at least four times per year. Lubricating the 10 bearing bushes of each gripper (4 grippers per cabin) is a time-consuming, dangerous and heavy job. Technicians have to climb on top of the cabin, often in the evening, under difficult weather conditions. This takes about 15 minutes per cabin.
With Interflon Food Grease LT2, a transparent, low-temperature (up to -40˚C) grease with MicPol®, the lubrication interval can be extended to once every two years. Re-lubrication can take place after the winter period, provided that the telecabins are not open to the public and weather conditions are favourable. This leads to significant savings in grease consumption and labour time, and eliminates dangerous work in extreme conditions. Interflon Food Grease LT 2 is a "food grade" grease, so better for the environment. Favourable for ski resorts wanting to achieve the ISO14000 standard.
Bar springs in connectable chair lifts
The chairlift bar springs go through about 10,000 cycles of opening and closing every season, with the goal of lasting for 80,000 cycles (around 8 seasons) without needing additional lubrication. However, when conventional greases are used, problems typically arise after just one season (around 10,000 cycles) due to the tough conditions. The bar springs jam, causing the chairlift to squeak and requiring adjustments and re-lubrication of the corresponding chair unit. With approximately 100,000 bar springs installed annually, the replacement costs and labor time add up quickly.
By using Interflon Food Grease LT2 with MicPol®, the bar springs can complete the target of 80,000 cycles and even surpass it without jamming or creating squeaking noises. This results in significant cost savings on replacement bar springs and labour-time.
