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Tribology
Project 2010
For several years SAIT has been trying to initiate a study of the cost of non conformance with the basics of Tribology in South Africa. We are now exceptionally proud to announce that a study, sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology has been completed.
The cost and energy saving potential of tribology to South Africa has never been determined; a project to establish this cost was established through the Department of Science and Technology. Although some pockets of excellence were discovered, the major project findings were that, if considered at all, tribology is most often considered to be lubricant related, which is a commodity function relegated to the lowest level of labourer. Skill losses and management practices have resulted in a drop in maintenance standards and increase in machinery failures; root cause analyses are seldom, if ever, completed, and energy consumption is typically a production expense with no thought of energy conservation through tribology. The cost and energy saving potential of tribology to South Africa could not be established because data recording across industry is insufficient. A significant mindset change is therefore required to bring tribology out into its rightful position throughout industry; this should include sharing of best practices by establishing a centre of excellence that can also solve common industry problems, and establishing a Research and Development University Chair would promote tribology and could be used to conduct research that is specific to South African conditions.
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