Environmentally friendly lubricants for harsh conditions
The marine environment at harbours subjects lubricants to severe weather and salt water spray, demanding exceptional anti-corrosion properties. The heavy loads endured by harbour equipment also pose significant challenges for maintenance personnel.
Managing the pressure of ensuring maximum equipment availability while meeting the increasing demand for environmentally friendly lubricants can be difficult. Harbour equipment, such as reach stackers, gantry cranes, and empty container handlers, operates under extreme conditions, necessitating heavily additivated lubricants. While effective, these lubricants often prove detrimental to the environment and the health of workers.
Interflon has developed a range of environmentally friendly lubricants specifically tailored to the demands of harbour operations. These products excel in resisting water intrusion, combating corrosion, and supporting heavy loads.
Some applications at harbours
Telescopic booms and guides of reach stackers
Telescopic booms and guides must support very high loads. They are often outdoors, where dust and corrosion are the main concerns. Conventional greases cannot withstand these hostile outdoor conditions and are pushed or washed out. This requires frequent reapplication, which is not only time-consuming but also results in a very high grease consumption.
Interflon Grease OG is the ideal solution for these applications. It resists water and heavy loads and has a very low water wash-out. Thanks to its MicPol® particles it provides excellent protection against corrosion and rust. It can extend lubrication intervals by a factor of 4 to 6, reducing cleaning time. It is also the ideal lubricant for crown wheels. Before applying Interflon Grease OG, degrease the surface with Interflon Degreaser EM 30+.
Lifting chains of empty container handlers
Empty container handlers have a lifting system based on two duplex leaf chains. Situated in a salty environment and subjected to significant loads, lubricating these chains presents a considerable challenge. Operators typically employ bulk grease as a means of lubrication, but this method fails to penetrate between the leafs, leading to the formation of abrasive pastes that accelerate wear. Additionally, it leaves the chains dirty.
We recommend first applying Interflon Lube TF to the chains to create a long-lasting MicPol® lubrication film in the inner parts of the links. This prevents metal-to-metal contact and premature wear. Then apply a thin layer of Interflon Grease OG to seal the chains against water and dust. This will result in cleaner chains, extended lubrication intervals, and longer chain life. Before applying Interflon Lube TF and Interflon Grease OG, degrease the chains with Interflon Degreaser EM 30+ and blow them dry with compressed air.
