Degreasing: Equipment To Be Aware Of
Grease builds up everywhere, remove with caution
Degreasing is one of the most important steps when it comes to performance, cost, and safety. Regular degreasing leads to fewer equipment breakdowns and malfunctions.
Several types of industrial equipment, however, are particularly at risk of grease and oil buildup and therefore require regular degreasing to maintain optimal safety and performance.
The following categories and pieces of equipment & industrial machinery require regular inspections and maintenance, especially when it comes to degreasing.
Heavy Workload Machinery
Equipment such as motors, pumps, gears, and conveyors are prone to grease and oil accumulation, which can lead to increased friction, heat generation, and wear on moving parts. Regular degreasing helps prevent malfunctions and breakdowns.
Heat Exchangers
Boilers, heat exchangers, and condensers often accumulate grease and oil on their surfaces, which can impair heat transfer efficiency and increase the risk of corrosion. Degreasing these components helps maintain thermal performance and prolong equipment lifespan.
Electrical Equipment
Electrical panels, transformers, and switchgear can accumulate grease and oil, posing fire hazards and electrical safety risks. Regular degreasing helps prevent insulation degradation, overheating, and electrical failures.
Production Machinery
Industrial equipment used in manufacturing processes, such as presses, molds, and cutting tools, may accumulate grease and oil from lubricants or process materials. Degreasing these machines helps ensure product quality, precision, and safety.
Vehicles
Forklifts, cranes, trucks, and other industrial vehicles are often exposed to grease and oil in their daily operations, which can accumulate on surfaces and components. Regular degreasing of vehicle fleets helps maintain operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.
There are a few types of vehicles that should be monitored more closely than, say, a company car. These include:
Forklifts
Forklifts are commonly used in industrial facilities for material handling, transporting goods, and loading/unloading operations. They often operate in areas where grease and oil are present, such as warehouses, production floors, and outdoor yards, leading to substantial accumulation of grease and oil on their surfaces.
Trucks & Trailers
Industrial facilities often use trucks and trailers for transporting raw materials, finished products, or equipment. These vehicles may leak oil or hydraulic fluid from their engines, transmissions, or hydraulic systems, especially if they operate in rough terrain or encounter mechanical issues.
Cranes & Hoists
Cranes and hoists are essential for lifting and moving heavy loads in industrial environments, such as construction sites, manufacturing plants, or shipping ports. These vehicles may accumulate grease and oil on their mechanical components, cables, and pulleys, requiring regular degreasing to maintain safe and efficient operation.
Heavy-Duty Construction Equipment
Industrial construction sites often use heavy machinery and equipment, such as excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, which operate in rugged environments and are exposed to lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and dirt. These vehicles require thorough degreasing to maintain optimal performance and prevent premature wear and tear.
HVAC Systems
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment, including ductwork, fans, and coils, can accumulate grease and oil from airborne contaminants, leading to reduced airflow, energy inefficiency, and indoor air quality issues. Degreasing these components helps ensure optimal HVAC performance and occupant comfort.
The Importance of Regular Degreasing
Regular degreasing of industrial equipment is essential to prevent safety hazards, equipment malfunctions, and production disruptions in industrial facilities. Implementing a comprehensive maintenance program that includes scheduled degreasing tasks can help mitigate risks and ensure the reliability and safety of industrial operations.
RYDLYME The World’s Leading Biodegradable Descaler
For more than 80 years, RYDLYME has been the most trusted brand for removing scale from many parts of data centers–boilers, cooling towers, heat exchangers, condensers, chillers, and so much more. If you have further questions pertaining to the effectiveness of “The World’s Leading Biodegradable Descaler,” RYDLYME , please feel free to contact our main office.
