A benchmark for lubricant reliability in mining

January 2024 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

According to Craig FitzGerald from ISO-Reliability Partners, mines can save R500 000 or more on their yearly mill cleaning costs, while electricity consumption can be reduced by up to 12%, and lubricant consumption lowered up by up to 60% when using Bel-Ray Clear Gear lubricant. “Today’s mines and heavy industries should be relying on superior high-performance lubricants to protect their equipment from breaking down in extreme operating conditions,” he explains. “Clear Gear sets a new benchmark for reliability and efficiency in the mining and mineral processing industries.”

Clear Gear has been specifically formulated by Bel-Ray tribologists and mining specialists to provide superior lubrication for open gear drive systems used in mills, kilns, dryers and similar equipment. The lubricant is available in five grades and is formulated to operate in the hydrodynamic mode of lubrication, with gear teeth protected by a thick, durable oil film that virtually eliminates metal-to-metal contact. Clear Gear is suited for intermittent spray, immersion and idler lubrication equipment.

This new-generation high-viscosity lubricant provides a highly tenacious nine-micron hydrodynamic layer between intermeshing gear sets. “We effectively reduce vibration, frictional forces and drag on the motor, resulting in a lower amperage draw to achieve the same level of production. Lower operating temperatures are immediately noted, while, on average, a 12% reduction in electricity consumption is gained,” explains FitzGerald. “Less friction means less gear wear, and lower cost of operation. This assists in lowering annual cleaning costs and can significantly improve the lifecycle of your assets.”

Further reading:

How SCE approaches sensor selection for critical environments
Specialised Climate Engineering Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Specifying the right sensor for a critical climate involves far more than matching a datasheet accuracy figure. As an authorised Vaisala HVAC partner, SCE explains how understanding the environment, the measurement purpose and sensor placement determines effective climate control.

Read more...

---

Changing gas quality calls for smarter combustion control
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
As South Africa prepares for a transition from declining Mozambican natural gas to a proposed methane-rich bridge, LNG, industrial users can no longer assume a constant Wobbe Index and calorific value. The compact RMG RGQ 5 provides fast, plant-level gas-quality data to support approved burner and engine settings.

Read more...

---

Getting the chemistry right
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Grace’s European production site has relied on analogue compression load cells from Minebea Intec for decades, with the long-proven measurement concept now serving as the reference for new silo projects as the company expands its capacity.

Read more...

---

Why measurement matters in smelting
Endress+Hauser South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
South African smelters returning to operation after energy constraints face new demands for tighter control, better visibility and environmental compliance. Endress+Hauser explains how modern measurement technology supports safer, more efficient furnace operation and local beneficiation.

Read more...

---

Sun tracking with pinpoint precision
Senseca Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced the SEMS-2000 solar energy measurement system, a 2-axis solar tracker with pinpoint sun-pointing accuracy that automatically monitors direct, global and diffuse irradiance for unattended outdoor solar installations.

Read more...

---

AMETEK expands 993X gas analyser series with explosion-proof enclosures
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
AMETEK Process Instruments has added ATEX and IECEx Zone 1-certified explosion-proof enclosures to its 993X series of gas analysers, enabling reliable installation in Zone 1 hazardous locations where purge gas is unavailable.

Read more...

---

Why medical device leak testing matters for South Africa's MedTech future
ATEQ South Africa Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
As South Africa works to grow local medical technology manufacturing, non-destructive leak and flow testing is becoming a strategic quality assurance tool, helping manufacturers verify device integrity, meet regulatory requirements and improve production efficiency.

Read more...

---

Moving forward with reverse osmosis
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Rising water costs and pressure on infrastructure are changing the way industries view reverse osmosis. G-Chem Aquacare is developing tailored, containerised solutions that make the technology more accessible for South African industry.

Read more...

---

Meteorological data logger with up to 32 analogue sensors
Senseca Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced its advanced data acquisition system for environmental monitoring, which has a universal data logger for up to 32 analogue, pulse and smart digital sensors.

Read more...

---

Importance of gas analysis in the petrochemical industry
Elemental Analytics Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Gas analysis plays a critical role in petrochemical operations, supporting process optimisation, product quality and plant safety. As an experienced and expert gas analysis supplier, Elemental Analytics can provide the correct analyser and sample system package to meet individual plant requirements.

Read more...

---