Plant Equipment Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

08/05/2024 Well-oiled machines

With many businesses wondering if their lubrication maintenance plan is up to scratch – or even fit for purpose – what does the perfect programme look like? Tom Austin-Morgan investigates » Read More

29/04/2021 Constant top-up

Although automatic lubrication systems don’t do away with servicing requirements altogether – they still need to be checked and replenished – such systems do offer plants greater confidence that rotating equipment will not run dry. By ... » Read More

29/04/2021 Green lubrication

Technological developments are breaking down the traditional division between eco-friendly and high-performance industrial lubricants. The developments are being pushed by consumer demand. By Jody Muelaner » Read More

08/05/2019 Correct lubrication = longevity

Industrial equipment can fail because of inadequate lubrication maintenance and incorrect lubrication. Getting it right, first time, every time, is therefore vital » Read More

01/07/2018 When increased profit is a chain reaction

The performance of existing plant and machinery can sometimes be markedly improved by the simplest of modifications, such as retrofitting a better quality transmission chain » Read More

01/06/2009 Better crystal balls

With a breakdown in plant sometimes so catastrophic (failures of lubrication pumps have resulted in shutdowns of more than a year before new parts could be made), it is astonishing that so few plant engineers make use of increasingly ... » Read More

01/02/2009 Maintec show

What - Maintec exhibition and conference Where - NEC, Birmingham When - 17-19 March 2009 » Read More

01/10/2008 Sound of silence

Ultrasonic tools are invaluable in detecting bearing failure, mostly because warnings appear well before any temperature rise or low frequency vibration can be seen. In fact, the technology recognises everything from early fatigue failure, ... » Read More

01/12/2005 Stem the flow

These days, industrial lubrication has two main purposes: first, to ensure by some mechanical, electronic or outsourced human means that machine mechanisms receive timely lubrication; and, secondly, that this lubrication should be as ... » Read More

06/06/2005 Lubrication - Smooth operator

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of lubrication-free chain products on the market - and manufacturers are continuing to develop more. But why do we need so many different types of lubrication-free chain ... » Read More