The mobile equipment at the customer’s mine site works long hours in a generally harsh environment, so keeping a close eye on the condition of the lubricant in each machine and then pro-actively responding to any concerns was absolutely critical to meeting production targets. They stressed that if one system or lubricant was not performing as required, then this could cause the whole machine to fail, which would be extremely costly.

Through a process of consultation, it was determined that an isoPOD® system from Lubrication Engineering would be a critical component of the broader solution for the challenge presented. Lubrication Engineering ultimately recommended the e20 isoPOD in this instance because it is a purpose-built lubrication storage and dispensing system designed specifically for the external dispensing of lubricants directly into critical assets and mobile plant.

As the e20 unit is readily transportable, it provides a fast method of implementation that does not require significant site works, which reduces establishment costs. The unit was delivered to the site and placed in the field, close to the relevant work zone at the mine site.

The ease of installation in the desired location, also assisted by reducing the travel time back to the workshop for maintenance top ups on the mobile plant, significantly improving operational efficiency. Another benefit to the customer’s mine was that the e20 isoPOD could be locked when not in use, meaning the lubricants could be safely and securely stored in a bunded container in the field where they were needed.

One of the most critical aspects of this improvement programme was directly related to the site’s strict lubricant cleanliness standards. A key component of the e20 isoPOD design is that each stored lubricant passes through a high quality, high efficiency filter assembly. Knowing the target cleanliness level required by site allowed the filtration package to be specifically designed to meet the cleanliness targets for each oil. Particulate contamination was thus removed from the lubricant before it was pumped into the relevant system on each mobile plant item, ensuring compliance with the oil specification for cleanliness.

A further benefit of the isoPOD e20 unit in this case was that its design and construction provided a way of managing, and ultimately reducing, the risk of environmental impact due to spillage, as it is built with an integrated bunding in line with the AS1940 2017 standard.