1 /RATIONALIZATION
When operating large mixed fleets of equipment, an important task is to rationalize the range of lubricants required for service. The Total team has found that this approach can lead to a reduction in total costs by over 17%! This happens due to savings on material costs associated with storage, handling, spoilage and expiration of the product's shelf life.
Often, park owners use two or three analogs of oils that have a similar field of application, but with slightly different characteristics, or the type of packaging.
One of the ways Total suggests is to rethink its range of oils and choose a product that is applicable in as many areas as possible. For example, in the TOTAL lineup there is a universal STAR MAX FE 10W-30 oil, which is suitable for both engines and hydraulic systems and transmission units, so instead of 3 different oils you can use one that meets all the required OEM specifications.
2 /PACKAGING STANDARD
Another way is to standardize oil packaging wherever possible. Think, do you really need the same products in tubes, cans, buckets, barrels, IBCs and large containers? Storing the same oils in too many types of packaging can lead to increased storage costs. Careful analysis of where and how each package format is used will allow you to free up additional storage space and reduce the amount of working capital needed to maintain your product mix.
3 /AVOID CONTAMINATION
Contamination control is often overlooked when analyzing the causes of premature equipment failure or reduced oil life. Two technical hazards are the ingress of dirt (dust from the environment) and moisture into the oil. If the oil is contaminated, its life will be shortened, which can lead to premature oil changes and a corresponding increase in operating costs.
Total suggests the following control techniques: desiccants placed in oil containers and filtration when pouring oils. A filtration system can also be introduced when distributing liquid to containers and barrels.
This robust lubricant contamination control system will extend equipment life and reduce overall equipment maintenance costs.
4 /ANALYSIS OF THE USED OIL
The purpose of the analysis is to obtain a "snapshot" of the condition of both the lubricant and the equipment itself. Analysis of the oil used for a certain period of time allows for more optimal preventive maintenance and planning of further replacement schedule. It will also avoid costly emergency repairs and therefore extend the life of the equipment.
For example, the Laboratory Total ANAC performs over 200,000 oil analyzes annually for mining companies and other automotive and industrial customers. All that is required is to regularly take an oil sample using a special ANAC kit (without stopping the equipment) and send it to the Total oil analysis laboratory located in Russia. TOTAL ANAC will email a complete sample analysis report by email within 1-2 days after receiving the analysis.
5 /IMPLEMENT FIFO PRINCIPLE WHEN STORAGE
When barrels or cubes (IBC) reach the end of their shelf life, the use of oil can be detrimental to your equipment. It is worth getting rid of such a product, since the risk of additional costs is quite high.
Total offers the widespread implementation of the FIFO (First-In-First-Out) principle for the storage of oils in mining enterprises. Improving the warehouse management system, as well as the use of the FIFO principle when storing products will help reduce costs.
A site audit by Total will help identify areas for improvement.
6 /CONDUCT AN AUDIT
Total specialists help their customers to audit the lubricant handling system at all stages and reduce the cost of equipment maintenance.
Proper selection can help reduce many types of costs, such as:
- purchase costs;
- maintenance costs;
- fuel costs;
- oil disposal costs.
Contact the Total team in Russia (TOTAL VOSTOK LLC) to learn more about the company's products and services.
Hotline telephone for all regions: 8-800-505-36-45, daily from 9-00 to 19-00
www.total-lub.ru e-mail: [email protected]
Author: Industrial Manager Alexander Gor
