How to keep a factory fit during periods of long inactivity

When not in use, chains may be affected by such environmental influences.

The pins may have seized in the bushes, or there may be excess contamination adhering due to inactivity.

Also, with note to the bearings of the drive sprockets, if they remain inactive for long periods of time the rolling bodies slowly break through the lubricating film, leading to damage or failure when the machines are started up again.

In food processing companies, water and caustic solutions from cleaning procedures may have remained in the bearings, causing the emulsion of the bearing’s grease at start-up, again increasing the chances of failure.

With hydraulic systems, moisture may condensate due to temperature variations, which can lead to rust formation and components seizing. Repairing and/or replacing those components can be a time-consuming and costly effort.

Pneumatic systems are generally very sensitive to condensation forming, causing internal components to rust, resulting in stick-slip or total seizure of moving parts. That risk is amplified with longer downtime. In addition, rust particles can cause contamination issues throughout the system, which is unacceptable in food processing and pharmaceutical companies.

With oil-lubricated gearboxes that stand still for a long time, rust can form on the unprotected gear surfaces and eventually lead to pitting. This can result in considerable excess wear over time when in operation, thus shortening the lifespan. Even with open gears and sliding surfaces of a smaller size, rust and corrosion are a danger during a long downtime.

Gravity will cause oil to flow to the lowest point in a gearbox or hydraulic system. The oil film on higher points will become reduced, and as a result there may be insufficient protective lubricant upon start-up, resulting in possible immediate damage.

However, downtime also has its advantages for maintenance teams. Now there is time for preventive maintenance.

Interflon's unique MicPol® lubrication technology ensures that a solid, corrosion proofing and dust-repellent lubrication film remains on component surfaces even after long periods of inactivity.

It protects your machines and provides them with sufficient lubrication at start-up (emergency running properties of MicPol® which virtually eliminate any boundary lubrication instances), so that machines and their parts do not seize, do not suffer with stick-slip and will help ensure wear is kept to the absolute minimum.

Please download the whitepaper 'How to keep a factory fit during periods of long inactivity?' or contact us for more information.