Streamliner M Backpressure Sensing Capability

The Streamliner M unit includes an innovative new function. This function is the backpressure sensing capability mode, which protects your M unit as well as your equipment from conditions such as an obstructed grease line and or high backpressure buildup. If your unit should encounter any such condition, it will automatically go into “Excess Backpressure Mode”. The M unit will immediately go into standby mode to protect your equipment. When the Streamliner M unit encounters excessive backpressure, this icon ? will be clearly displayed on the unit's LCD screen, thereby immediately notifying maintenance personnel of the condition.

The LCD screen also displays the number of days since the unit has been in standby mode, giving you a precise idea of your equipments' lubrication status. This function will tell you exactly how many days it has been since your equipment was last lubricated. The “days since proper function” icon appears as follows: E-XXX Days. i.e. E-10 Days means 10 days since the lubricator has functioned.

The backpressure sensing capability function was placed to protect your equipment if your M unit should encounter any type of extreme resistance (backpressure) that will compromise the unit's proper operation. By no means does this mean that your M unit is malfunctioning. Quite the contrary, it is simply telling you that there is a backpressure condition that needs to be addressed.

In the practice of lubrication, backpressure buildup is an issue that can be easily resolved by understanding a few simple rules of lubrication. There are several conditions that will cause the backpressure sensing capability function to activate in the M unit. These conditions need to be addressed before you install and or reset your unit back to the normal operation once having detected excessive backpressure.

The following is a guideline of things to check when troubleshooting for backpressure.

History and Status of bearing:
It is imperative to know the history/status of the bearing that is going to be lubricated.

1) Bearing may already have layers of hardened grease due to high temperatures at the bearing zerk, due to manual lubrication. This can cause backpressure buildup.

2) Bearing may have been manually lubricated prior to the installation of your automatic lubricator. This can mean that the bearing compartment is already fully packed. Attempting to lubricate at this point will create backpressure.

3) Make sure to check lube line for kinks after installation. Please check back pressure on lube point using a grease gun with a pressure gauge attached if excess backpressure mode reoccurs on the same lube point.

Physical Limitations:
It is Vital to understand the physical limitations of your unit, both maximum as well as minimum. The Maximum distance between the M unit and the point of lubrication is 30ft. This is the maximum distance/backpressure that the M unit can withstand, single point or otherwise. At this maximum distance, we recommend grease with an NLGI # 1 grade. The 30ft line creates backpressure. The Streamliner M unit is able to pump grease with an NLGI # 1 grade without a problem at normal ambient temperatures.

Note: Lube line lengths refer to individual lube points, not a combination. i.e. 20ft per point.

Bearing zerk must be checked to see if it has any hardened grease in it or any other type of obstruction, before installing the M unit.

Certain applications may utilize copper tubing. i.e. Areas with high temps. A possible issue while utilizing copper tubing is kinking. Make sure that there are no kinks between the M unit and the lubrication point. Another possible disadvantage is that you cannot see through the copper tube and look for any obstructions.

Backpressure Sensing Capability function Summary:
If you should encounter an overload status on your M unit, it is very important to go over the history/status of the bearing and check and see if you are within the physical limitations of the M unit mentioned above. After you have checked/corrected all discrepancies, then you can re-install and re-set the M unit. The Backpressure Sensing Capability function has been installed for the protection of your unit, the protection of your equipment, and most of all for the protection of our customers. It is our way of guaranteeing our customers optimum reliability.