DECEMBER 1997

Getting rid of old, hazardous oil

Problem: At an NTN Bearing Mfg. Canada production plant, a significant amount of contaminated grinding oil was in an unused Hoffman filter. It posed a potential fire risk. The lubricant was contaminated with metals, dirt and water.

Solution: A mobile oil reclamation service was contracted to purify and recycle the oil. After the oil was cleaned, it was transferred into an Oberlin tank for re-use. There was no plant interruption during the oil processing. The mobile equipment included an on-board power supply, so it was non-intrusive to the plant's operations. NTN was able to save $3,700 in new oil replacement cost.

  This suggestion was provided by the supplier on this project, Ecolube Recycling Inc., Barrie, Ont.

Some spherical bearings can be stored flat without damage

Problem: A popular belief in the bearing industry is that spherical roller bearings cannot be stored or shipped in an upright position. The fear has always been that following this practice will damage the bearing.

Solution: It seems this is not always the case. Spherical roller bearings can be stored and shipped in an upright position without any fear of damaging the bearing. There are some restrictions, however:

• spherical roller thrust bearings must be shipped flat
• SKF's CARB bearings must be shipped flat
• any large spherical roller bearings (more than 30.5 kg) must be shipped flat.

This handy knowledge comes from the engineering staff of SKF in Sweden.

Solving cold weather engine starting problems

Problem: Starting engines in winter's cold can cause many headaches. Is there an easy solution?

Solution: According to one reader, there is. "I lived in the northern part of Canada for a quarter of my life and have used synthetic lubrications since 1972. With synthetic oil in the motor, synthetic transmission oil in the transmission, and synthetic gear oil in the read end, I have never failed to start and run my truck and car over these 25 years."

Our thanks for reporting this experience go to Hugh Kack, tool crib attendant, Cameco Corp., Mining Division, Saskatoon, Sask. A Mr. O problem solver t-shirt is being sent to him for this tip.

 Lubricants and corrosion inhibitors. With an upper limit around 2300°F (1260°C), such a formulation protects against scaling and fretting corrosion, and can protect heavily loaded, high-nickel alloys under static conditions. Typical applications would include threaded connectors on turbines, chemical processing equipment, and diesel engines.