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Preventing
Excessive Lubrication in Oil Sump Applications.
Lubricator location, viscosity
of oil, equipment operation, and temperature
can all have an effect on proper lubrication
amounts in equipment. It is important to
understand proper application of Trico products
to help reduce the chances of excessive lubrication
in equipment. Although proper use can reduce
excessive lubrication, other factors can have
an effect.
Lubricator Location
This can have an effect on how a constant level
lubricator dispenses oil. The recommended placement
is on the side of the equipment facing the direction
of shaft rotation at the bottom when using the
side mount of the lubricator (Fig. 1). Using
the bottom fitting of the lubricator, and connecting
to the bottom of the equipment sump will eliminate
or minimize this problem (Fig. 2).
Viscosity of Oil
Higher viscosity lubricants feed differently
than lower viscosity lubricants. Use of synthetics
or mineral oils can also vary. Excessively high
or low operating temperatures can also cause
the lubricator to fill improperly. When equipment
vibration is a concern, check lubricator setting
against actual lubricant level in equipment.
If level is too high, adjust lubricator to a
lower setting. The excessive lubricant must
be drained. Simply lowering the level setting
will not lower the lubricant level in the equipment.
Equipment Operation
Equipment used in non-steady state, such as
irregular on/off use, can create lubricant turbulence
in the sump of the equipment. This can cause
the lubricator to overfill in side mount applications.
Mounting the lubricator through the bottom of
the equipment should eliminate this condition.
If this is not possible, mount the lubricator
on the side of the equipment facing the direction
of shaft rotation at the bottom (Fig. 1).
Excessive Refilling of Reservoir
When removing or replacing a filled reservoir
on the lower casting of the standard Opto-Matic®,
oil will feed. Although this amount is minimal,
frequent removal/replacement will result in
higher lubricant levels in equipment. For example,
with a sump capacity of 1 pint, removing and
replacing the reservoir may increase the volume
of 20W oil by 3%. Periodically verify proper
lubricant levels to avoid over filling.
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