In this episode of the Factory Futures Podcast, I am joined by Rafe Britton to dive deep into the critical role of lubrication in industrial operations, with a special focus on the food and beverage industry.

We discuss the common challenges faced in lubrication practices, the importance of condition monitoring, and emerging innovations in lubrication technology.

Rafe shares insights into the frequent mistakes made in lubrication management, practical tips for improvement, and the long-term benefits of adopting best practices and proper training.

Link to the assessment Rafe refers to :

The Lubrication Excellence Framework Quiz :

1. Naviguate to https://lubrication.expert/ -->

2. Right below the header, a click on the button that reads "Start your 5 minute Assessment"

3. Enter your details

Some key take-aways

1. Welcome and New Year’s Wishes: Kick off 2025 with a focus on improving reliability through lubrication.
2. Universal Need for Lubrication: If it moves, it likely requires proper lubrication.
3. Contamination Challenges: 80% of machine failures stem from contamination-related issues.
4. Impressive ROI: Investing $1 in lubrication can return up to $40 in value through reduced failures and downtime.
5. Food-Grade Safety: Food-grade lubricants ensure incidental contact is safe and meet regulatory standards.
6. Common Errors: Mixing incompatible lubricants is a frequent and costly mistake.
7. Viscosity Is Key: One of the three most crucial properties of any lubricant.
8. Training Resources: A wealth of online courses and materials are available to improve lubrication knowledge.

Chapters & Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to Lubrication Expertise
08:12 – The Importance of Lubrication in Industry
12:38 – Challenges in Food and Beverage Lubrication
19:01 – Procurement Issues in Lubrication
23:01 – Improving Lubrication Practices
27:58 – Asset Management and Lubrication Standards
30:30 – The Selection Process in Lubrication
32:47 – Inspection and Condition Monitoring
34:44 – Understanding Lubrication Systems
35:41 – Greasing Techniques and Tools
39:38 – Auto Lubrication Systems
43:16 – Common Mistakes in Lubrication Practices
46:50 – Emerging Technologies in Lubrication
49:46 – Educational Resources for Lubrication Knowledge

Podcast Episode: The Essential Role of Lubrication in IndustrySummaryKey TakeawaysEpisode Chapters