The Atlas Copco Drill Rig had a history of high particle contamination in the hydraulic oil due to the harsh working environment in a Limestone Quarry. The rig works mainly on the top of the quarry face, exposed to the weather and in a high dust environment, 10 hours a day 5 days a week.
Oil sampling is routinely included in the monthly service and is used as a preventative maintenance procedure and after a sample was analysed, the report showed an ISO count of 23/21. Normally the oil would be drained off, the machine refilled with new oil, along with new OEM filters but it was decided that a KLEENOIL 9778H unit would be fitted to the hydraulic circuit (fully installed cost £345.00) and a trial operated.
The following monthly oil sample analysis indicated that the ISO level had fallen from 23/21 to 21/17 and the subsequent monthly oil sample to ISO level 19/16. After this 3 month trial the KLEENOIL filter cartridge was changed (cost £7.50). The quarry operator estimates that the savings made against the investment is already over £500.
FA-ST also supplied a purpose built pressure testing kit in a hard carry case to enable the quarry plant fitters to carry out routine pressure tests on all the Atlas Copco circuits.
KLEENOIL units are to be installed on further plant applications in 2005.
