News Details

Kluberbio saves steel company 138580 GBP on rail switchplate lubrication

30/06/2009 11:28:39 Hits:767

A major steel producer previously used a mineral based lubricant for the site switch plates which was liable to wash off and contamination. The results of which apart from excessive downtime of the site was the potential for derailment of rail vehicles due to the plates sticking. In addition to the cost of these issues was the added cost of manpower and lubricant usage of 50 x 200l drums per annum and the fact the mineral based lubricant was not bio-degradable, an issue high on the agenda of this company.

Kluber Lubrication was approached following a number of failed trials of alternative lubricants to offer a better bio-degradable solution. Kluberbio ALO 32-4000 was offered for trial on some of the worst areas on the site which were predominantly submerged during rainfall, covered in dust and other contaminants during dry periods. These switch plates previously took 3 men to lubricate 3 times weekly.

Trials were initiated on the North side tracks where the plates are subject to loads of 1200 tons of hot steel in a dirty and dusty environment, and on the south side where they carry rolled steel and coils in a similar environment, both also subject to rainfall. By using a Klubermatic pump the engineers can now lubricate 90 plates with one fill, lubricate once every 3 weeks and with monitoring extend further.

Increased lubrication intervals from three times per week to every three / four weeks saves manpower resource which in turn enables the operation of re-lubrication to move to the Locomotive Drivers freeing up the engineers for other tasks.

No derailments have since been attributed to lack of lubrication. Previously one derailment at the blast furnace would cost an estimated £.80,000 per hour.

Due to the lubrication points being continuously lubricated no weekend call-outs to lubricate points have been required.

Reduction of environmental impact by reducing lubrication use by over 95%

Ease of application saving frequent refilling of oil container (whole site 1 fill).

The overall impact of switching to a high quality biodegradable lubricant is an annual saving of £.138,580 based on:-

- Saving on lubricant spend of £.6000

- Saving on re-lube intervals from 12 times per month to once per month

- Saving on manpower from 3 men to 1 man

- No derailments

- No weekend call outs

- 95% reduction in lubricant usage

Need more information? Call Nick or Sandy at Kluber direct on 01422 205115