In a Swedish sawmill, the electric motors driving the lumber dryers operate in extremely demanding conditions. Bearings must endure constant temperatures exceeding 80°C, exposure to water, and chemicals from the wood. Ensuring reliable lubrication of these components is critical for uninterrupted operations and long-term performance.
Memolub HPS
Securing motor bearing reliability in lumber dryers.
Context
Problem
The electric motors are located inside the dryer cabinet, making them inaccessible during production. Upper motors can only be reached using an elevator, and maintenance is tightly synchronized with cabin reloading schedules. This challenging environment, characterized by corrosion and aggressive conditions, often led to bearing failures due to insufficient lubrication. Frequent breakdowns increased maintenance costs and posed significant operational risks.
Solution
A Memolub HPS automatic lubricator was installed, paired with Calcium Sulfonate Complex EP 2 grease, known for its resistance to high temperatures and water. The solution ensured consistent lubrication of the motor bearings, even in the harshest conditions. Plans were also made to optimize the system further by connecting one Memolub unit to a splitter to serve both bearings of a motor.
Results
The implementation of the Memolub HPS system provided secure and reliable lubrication for the motor bearings. This reduced the risk of failures, minimized maintenance costs, and improved overall system reliability. The solution demonstrated the potential for future expansion, enhancing efficiency across similar applications in the facility.
