Notes from the lab - Page 2 of 6

Care and Maintenance of Hydraulic Systems

Care and Maintenance of Hydraulic Systems is essential. You see or are affected by hydraulic systems all the time. Most construction and farm equipment use hydraulics. Many buildings 4 stories or less use hydraulic elevators. Hydraulic cranes, lifts, and tow trucks all use hydraulics. This list quite long and they all use the same common parts: A reservoir or sump to supply fluid for the system, cooling and deairing of the return fluid. Pumps of various types to supply pressure for [...]

23 May 2020

By Stratson Notes from the lab 0 Comments

Trends in biodegradable lubricants

Trends in biodegradable lubricants Biodegradable lubricants such as animal fats and seed oils were used for centuries prior to the discovery of oil. Whale oil was a popular lubricant of choice until the 1900’s. There were several issues with using animal fats and seed oils, they lacked oxidative stability and low temperature properties. Interest in biodegradables became popular during World War I and II due to oil rationing and shortages, then again during the 1978 OPEC oil embargo. Advantages of Biodegradables Biodegradables offer [...]

13 February 2020

By Frank Kleijn Notes from the lab 0 Comments

Lubricating Cranes

Lubricating Cranes is essential for a wide variety of crane designs, whether they are permanent structures for stevedoring or overhead cranes in manufacturing. Others are the cage type that usually must be assembled on-site and then dis-assembled to move to different locations. These cranes have pulleys, bearings and ring bearings that are heavily loaded. SWEPCO 101 and 123 have proven to extend the bearing life in these applications. The Wire ropes require quality lubricants to prevent wear, corrosion and breakage. SWEPCO [...]

9 February 2020

By Frank Kleijn Notes from the lab 0 Comments

Food Grade Lubricants

There is a lot of confusion about Food Grade Lubricants as to where they can be used, are they safe, and what do the different classifications mean? Food grade lubricants are designed for use wherever food is handled, processed or packaged. Everywhere from the farm, ocean, or fresh water to your local market. These lubricants have different classifications to indicate where and how they can be used. H-1 Lubricants H-1 Lubricants are for use in processing and packaging equipment along with food [...]

23 December 2019

By Frank Kleijn Notes from the lab 0 Comments

Reducing emissions in a simple way

Reducing emissions in a simple way is an important goal in today’s world. Efforts are being made everywhere to significantly reduce emissions from factories, ships, and especially cars. Unfortunately, mostly symbolic measures are taken, such as lowering the maximum speed. These are generally politically driven actions that have limited effect and hardly contribute to a substantial reduction of emissions. At Southwestern Petroleum Corporation®, we have been working for years on solutions that truly make a significant and sustainable impact. We [...]

18 November 2019

By Stratson Notes from the lab 0 Comments

Tractor Lubrication

Farms are found everywhere around the world with the exceptions of the north and south poles and uninhabitable areas. Humanity has modified the earth to raise food where nothing edible grew before. There are usually many pieces of equipment on a farm and one of the key implements is the tractor. The tractor has evolved from a simple machine to replace animals into a complex multifunctional and versatile implement complete with climate control, WIFI, and GPS systems. Currently self-driving [...]

11 November 2019

By Frank Kleijn Notes from the lab 0 Comments

Lubricating Concrete Mixing Trucks

Lubricating concrete mixing trucks worldwide with high-performance lubricants, ensuring smooth operation from front to back on every construction site. Starting from the from the front and working towards the back… Most of these units are diesel powered, SWEPCO 310 Premier Engine Oil SAE 15W40 or 10W30 will provide excellent service, quieter operation, reduced maintenance, and longer drains in most cases. The SWEPCO 310 is backward compatible for older units and acceptable for use in gasoline and natural gas-powered trucks. Moving to the under [...]

11 November 2019

By Frank Kleijn Notes from the lab 0 Comments

Food Processing Machinery

Food Processing Machinery Part 1 Although there are many types of food processing equipment, Extruder and Pellet Mills will be discussed in this technical bulletin. *Extruders: Starches, sugars, proteins, dyes, minerals, and other materials are blended in powder form and then mixed with water and steam to a desired texture and temperature. This mixture is pushed through a die or extruded, and cut to length to make breakfast cereal, ready to eat snacks, and other edible items. The same process is used [...]

25 October 2019

By Frank Kleijn Notes from the lab 0 Comments

Hydraulic Hammer Lubrication

Hydraulic hammers are commonly used in construction and demolition to break up roads, sidewalks, site pads, rocks, or any hard object that needs to be reduced in size for removal or further processing. These tools can be attached to a wide variety of equipment with a hydraulic system. They are commonly attached to backhoes, steer skids, and loaders. The chisel sides up and down with extreme force to break up the concrete, rocks, etc. A hammer paste is recommended to [...]

10 October 2019

By Frank Kleijn Notes from the lab 0 Comments

Lubrication of a Drawbridge and related Equipment

Follow a water way, river, stream, or canal, and you may find a drawbridge. A drawbridge is a passable span across the water that can be raised for ships and boats to pass and then lowered for normal use. There are thousands of drawbridges in the state of Florida alone, not to mention the world-famous London Bridge and many more. Most of these bridges are raised and lowered by a set of gears. Usually there is a drive which [...]

12 September 2019

By Frank Kleijn Notes from the lab 0 Comments