Many industrial applications including those in the oil and gas industries rely rugged and durable machinery with gearboxes. These boxes are an important part of drive systems and maintaining them can help you avoid a lot of rotating equipment repair bills. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your gearboxes running smoothly.
Keeping it Clean
It only takes a small amount of dust and dirt to enter a gearbox, and you could end up calling your local rotating equipment repair service. Dirt acts as an abrasive when introduced to moving parts, and it can wear away gears in a short amount of time.
Always make sure your gearboxes are properly closed and sealed. Many boxes have air breathers, and they may need frequent cleaning and inspections. If you have filters, make sure your maintenance staff gets reminders when it is time for filter changes.
Housekeeping is an important consideration for all industrial settings. By keeping work areas clean, you keep less contaminants from entering gearboxes. A clean work site is a safer place to work also. To ensure good housekeeping, be sure all employees clean their work areas during the day and not just at the end of the shift.
Proper Lubrication
If you wait until your gearbox makes funny noises or does not run right, you could need rotating equipment repair service soon. It is vital to keep gearboxes properly lubricated. Some may need oil while others require grease. Make sure to use the right type of lubricant. Otherwise, you may do more harm than good to your equipment.
Capacities
Not all gearboxes can function well in warm, damp, or cold environments. When you install new equipment, make sure your gearbox is rated for the work you plan for it. This gives you longer life and better service.