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CASE STUDY: Preventing excess lubricant waste with 8-point solution

A UK-based leader in waste management, who were operating in the energy and manufacturing sector, was managing several single-point lubrication units on their equipment.

The Challenge

A UK-based leader in waste management, who were operating in the energy and manufacturing sector, was managing several single-point lubrication units on their equipment. Specifically, the customer, with 8 units installed on a centrifugal pump. These lubricators needed to be replaced every three months, and due to the number of singular lubricators, it was leading to frequent maintenance and recurring costs. The customer was spending significant time on this process and was seeking a more efficient solution to reduce both maintenance frequency and operational costs.

The Consultation

Michael Turl, Business Development Manager, met with the customer to understand their requirements. During this meeting, Michael introduced ACORN’s expanded capabilities and showcased the company’s catalogue of industrial products and services, highlighting ACORN’s newly added expertise in lubrication solutions. Recognising the customer’s reliance on multiple single-point lubricators, Michael saw an opportunity to improve their operational efficiency by introducing an alternative solution.

The Solution

After the initial discussion, Michael consulted with Andy Howard, ACORN’s Lubrication Expert, to explore potential solutions further. Andy recommended that the customer consider the SKF 8-point lubrication system (TLMP1008/230V), a multi-point lubrication device designed to automate and centralise lubrication tasks for multiple points on machinery. This device could replace the eight individual lubricators on the centrifugal pump with a single, more efficient unit.

The 3 key benefits of the proposed solution included:

  1. Cost Efficiency: By consolidating lubrication tasks into one unit, the customer would no longer need to purchase eight separate lubricators every three months. Instead, they would only need to refill grease, resulting in long-term cost savings.
  2. Time Savings: Maintenance time would be significantly reduced as the customer would no longer need to replace each lubricator individually. The multi-point system would provide continuous lubrication, reducing the need for frequent intervention.
  3. Ease of Installation: The SKF 8-point lubrication system is designed for straightforward installation, minimising downtime during the upgrade process.

Implementation

Following the recommendation, Michael provided the customer with a specification sheet for the SKF 8-point lubrication system. Impressed by the potential savings in both time and cost, the customer decided to order the TLMP1008/230V lubrication unit. The installation process was smooth, and the customer was pleased with the ease of implementation.

Results

The customer quickly recognised the value of the new system. The SKF TLMP1008/230V provided automated lubrication to the 8 points on the centrifugal pump, eliminating the need for manual replacements every few months. The customer was able to reduce maintenance time, lower costs and increase equipment efficiency, all from making this simple change.

This successful case highlights ACORN’s ability to address complex industrial challenges through tailored solutions, demonstrating the company's commitment to delivering value.