These days, best-practice contamination control is more like an accepted pre-condition for reliability. Given contemporary advances in technology for excluding and removing contaminants, it could be said that failure to control contamination is a failure of machine design rather than a failure of maintenance.

Many facilities are unaware of the danger improper lubricant storage and handling practices create regarding equipment reliability and lifecycles. Proper lubrication is not only about the right amount-at the right time-at the right place, it is also about keeping lubricants clean, cool and properly identified.

Water is a highly destructive contaminant. It’s important to know how it behaves and coexists when it invades our oil, machine or system. The understanding of its coexistence has evolved over the years from the initial perception of two states, then three and now four. 

Many industrial maintenance departments hire inexperienced people for lube tech positions. They make the mistake of assuming that because lubrication tasks appear to be simple that being a lube tech is simple. Learn the qualities you should look for when filling this key position and why having a well-trained tech is beneficial for your bottom line.