Key questions that an operator must ask

As equipment operates, the temperature of the lubricating oil increases. In some cases, oil reservoirs are provided with cooling jackets. Cooling water is allowed to flow through these jackets to cool the oil.

The desired oil temperature is usually given by a range, say, 80 to 200 degree F. This means that you need to protect against overheating as well as over-cooing of the oil.

To take proper care of your equipment you really need a lot of design information. The technicians should never try to guess the right answers. They should ask questions about machinery under their care:

a. What is the recommended oil level? How am I supposed to monitor the level? How am I supposed to maintain the oil at the appropriate level?

b. What is the recommended oil temperature? How am I supposed to maintain the oil temperature at the right point? How am I supposed to measure the oil temperature?

c. What is the recommended lubricant for the application? Are alternatives allowed?