Maintaining and Replacing Rubber Components in Oil Extraction Equipment

Oil extraction equipment relies on various rubber molding parts and components, such as O-rings, seals, packer cups and pipe wipers, to function correctly and meet jobsite demands. Timely preventive maintenance is crucial for keeping the machinery and these supporting products in peak condition and maximizing uptime.

Oil Extraction Machine Maintenance Steps

Focusing on these areas will ensure your equipment's custom-molded rubber parts will perform to your expectations:

1. Conduct inspections: Check the parts regularly — at least quarterly or monthly in heavy-use applications — for cracks, wear and other signs of damage or deformation. These issues result from temperature fluctuations or frequent mechanical stress.
2. Clean and lubricate: Use mild detergents or specialized cleaning agents to remove oil and grease that can cause degradation. Apply rubber-compatible lubricants to minimize friction between moving parts.
3. Monitor equipment performance: Changes in your oil extraction equipment's performance or productivity could indicate problems with rubber parts and components that require attention. Examples include sudden pressure drops or significant vibrations. 
4. Check for leaks: Faulty rubber components can cause equipment leaks. You may notice puddles of oil or other fluids that could require a parts replacement.
5. Schedule replacements: Even top-quality custom-molded rubber parts have a finite life span. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations regarding when to replace these components. It's better to upgrade the parts before they fail to avoid potentially costly equipment downtime.
6. Properly store spare parts: To prevent degradation,keep unused rubber parts in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. When receiving a new order, rotate the stock by moving older items to the front to maintain inventory freshness. 
7. Document maintenance activities: Keeping accurate and detailed records of your maintenance procedures helps you take the best care of these crucial parts and components and optimize your preventive maintenance schedules. 
8. Partner with a reliable custom rubber parts manufacturer: When it's time to replace worn or damaged parts, choosing a trustworthy supplier is vital. The company should have an excellent reputation for providing high-quality products and backing them with exceptional service.

Contact Global Elastomeric Products, Inc. to Learn More

At Global Elastomeric Products, Inc., we've been designing and manufacturing custom-molded rubber parts for oil and gas industry applications since 1963. Our ISO 9001:2008 registered company offers tailored solutions at competitive prices and quick turnaround times to help keep your work processes on schedule. 

Contact us for more oil extraction machine maintenance tips and to request a free rubber parts quote today.