With over 26 years in the industry Rodney Fitzpatrick, owner of Lubrication Engineering has been providing lubrication-based maintenance solutions that enhance performance and increase long term profitability to the mining industry.

‘A lot of the time it's the simple things, that can make a huge difference' Rodney said.

‘Ensuring a quality, fit for purpose grease is used can save significant downtime, increase equipment life and ultimately increase your bottom line'

‘We recently recommended the use of Almatek 1233 Mine and Quarry Grease for a specific application at a Gold Mining company which ultimately has saved them over $200K per year!' Fitzpatrick said.

‘The customer was a large global mining company operating an underground gold mine in the Northern Territory of Australia.'

‘They were experiencing continual short life of pins & bushes on underground Sandvik® Jumbo's, Cable Bolters and Production Solos. With a typical life span on most of between 2-3 weeks.'

‘Due to the high operational demands of the mine, greasing intervals for the more than 40 pins and bushes on each Jumbo were often missed. The operation of each machine results in high vibration and impact within the joint, as well as being subjected to high volumes of water. By the time maintenance teams were able to grease each point, it was common to find them dry and no grease lubricating the pin and bush. This resulted in high rates of wear and corrosion causing the joints to lose operational tolerance and even seize.'

‘The grease being used and recommended by the incumbent lubricant supplier was a general heavy duty NLGI 2 greasy. Lubrication Engineering recommended the use of Almatek® 1233 Mine & Quarry for the application due to its ability to withstand high shock and pound out as well as being 100% waterproof. The grease also contains Almasol® and Quinplex® LE's proprietary additives found and used in LE's high performance lubricants.'

‘Trials were conducted using two machines; one operating the existing grease and the other using Almatek® 1233 Mine & Quarry. Operational hours and wear rates were monitored, and failures recorded for each.

‘During the 12-week trial, the machine using the existing grease had a total of 16 pins and bushes replaced whilst the machine using Almatek® 1233 Mine & Quarry had only 2 replaced.'

‘Following these results and calculations of over $200'000 per year in savings in parts for the fleet, the mine immediately changed over to Almatek® 1233 Mine & Quarry grease for all underground mobile equipment.'

‘Obviously this is a great result for the Mine, and they have now extended trials for the surface fleet and similar results are expected.'

‘This is just one example of how Almatek 1233 Mine and Quarry Grease can make a huge difference. You might pay slightly more for the grease to begin with, but the results are unquestionable and will save you huge amounts of money in the long run. Fitzpatrick said.

Lubrication Engineering

Lubrication Engineering is the trusted supplier of choice for innovative lubrication maintenance solutions. We are the premier supplier of high-performance lubrication equipment and lubricants to the Australian market.

We deliver holistic solutions that improve performance, reliability and increase long-term profitability, through a process of on-site consultation that includes all aspects of the lubrication Circle of Reliability.

For More information please contact:

General Manager
Lubrication Engineering Pty Ltd
26 Prince William Drive, Seven Hills, NSW 2147
Ph: + 61 2 9636 5655 Fax: + 61 2 9636 8566
Mob: + 61 (0)418 179 841
Email:Geoff@lubeng.com.au

Links:

Almatek 1233 Mine & Quarry Grease
https://www.lubeng.com.au/product/almatek-mine-quarry/

Lubrication Engineering Pty Ltd
https://www.lubeng.com.au/