When we design a lubrication system, our focus is on our customer’s long-term operational success. The main characteristics of our systems that impact that success are functionality, reliability, and ease of operation.
Every aspect of our systems is thoughtfully engineered to deliver in these three critical categories and surpass “good enough” when it comes to performance and durability. We are always evaluating our products with the goal of continuous improvement, and it is this tireless commitment to excellence that drives our innovation.
20 Years of Reliable Compressor Lubrication Performance
We recently got a call from a customer looking to replace two Watchman Lubrication Systems that we sold back in 2005 for their reciprocating compressors in an LNG storage application. These Watchman Systems were still in service, having operated reliably for 20 years. When a customer calls to talk about systems that are nearing the 20-year mark, we usually suggest that it is time to budget for replacements. While we can still service and supply parts for these older systems, at a certain point the benefit of upgrading to a new system with 20 years’ worth of improvements far outweighs the costs.
Upgrading the Watchman Lubrication System: Two Decades of Innovation
The improvements we have made to our Watchman System over the past 20 years are significant.
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We have made it easier to prevent oil contamination by changing to a rectangular tank with a large, removable top that simplifies cleaning. When you consider how much grime can accumulate in a tank over 20 years, easier cleaning is a major improvement.
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We now fully weld and powder coat each stand for enhanced durability. You will find this same attention to detail on our powder coated panel, tank, and other components as well.
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The Wizard Monitor has seen two major updates in the last 20 years, with our current Wizard V model featuring a large, brightly lit touchscreen and better system integration with Ethernet and Modbus capabilities.
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In 2008, we began our in-house precision machining of pumps, divider blocks, and many other components. These components are the heart of the Watchman System and ours are widely considered to be the most reliable and accurate on the market today.
20 years is a great lifespan for a lubrication system. As a comparison, you won’t find many cars sold in 2005 still on the road. When we originally built these systems, President George W. Bush was just sworn in for his second term, YouTube was created, Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” was at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was the top-grossing movie, and Chevrolet released the HHR. We like to think that our 2005 Watchman was a lot better looking than Chevy’s roadster wagon.
Did You Know:
We are always on call. At Sloan Lubrication Systems, we are passionate about service. Many first-time customers come to us because they need help with an existing system and they can’t get knowledgeable support. Once they find us, they are typically a customer for life. If you need help with a lubrication system – any lubrication system, contact our team. We are the solution to your lubrication problems.
