Apr 12 2006
A newly developed lubricant is bringing production improvements to the heavy clay sector. Green bricks are fired for several hours at typical temperatures of 1050°C. This heat is also felt by the bearings of the hot air fans, which still heat up to approximately 220°C. Recently, a brickwork operator succeeded in increasing its plant's production capacity simply by using a new lubricant, namely the high temperature long-term grease BARRIERTA L 55/2, made by Klueber Lubrication (Munich, Germany).
With the product that was previously used to lubricate the hot-air fans of the kiln, the bearings would break down after around three months. On switching over to BARRIERTA L 55/2, the operators could extend the relubrication interval suggested by the bearing manufacturer seven-fold. However, the biggest benefit was an increase in production capacity by 5%, which is due to the fact that with the new grease hotter air can be circulated. The need for preventive maintenance has also been reduced. All in all, the operator of the plant enjoys smooth brick production that is hardly ever affected by standstills due to bearing failures.
The high temperature long-term grease BARRIERTA L 55/2 also withstands aggressive chemicals and vapours and is compatible with plastics and elastomers.