|
| Printer Friendly |
Preventing Water
Contamination of Lubricants in Oil Sump Applications
Environmental conditions including humidity, steam,
rain, and large temperature changes can all have an effect on the amount of
water in equipment lubrication. Water contamination of oil is a major concern
and can enter equipment in several ways. It is important to understand proper
application of Trico products to help reduce the chances of water infiltration
into equipment.
Although proper use of Trico products will help
reduce water contamination, seals, vents, steam quenching, breathers, and
exposure to extreme weather conditions can also allow water to enter the
equipment. Trico manufactures 3 major groups of constant level lubricators.
These groups include the Opto-Matic®, Closed System Opto-Matic®, and
WATCHDOG® product lines.
Opto-Matic® - These products are
adjustable and vented to the surrounding atmosphere. The cushion between the
glass bottle and casting in the reservoir assembly has been changed to
Viton® to improve its resistance to weather, chemicals, and water
infiltration (Fig 1).
Closed System Opto-Matic® - This product is
adjustable and non-vented. The unit comes with a level adjustment indicator for
quick and accurate level changes and viewing. It requires a vent tube be
connected from the lubricator to the equipment to ensure air pressure
equalization without venting to the surrounding environment (Fig. 2).
WATCHDOG® - This product is mounted directly on the level to be maintained
and is non-adjustable and non-vented. The unit requires no additional tubing or
adjustments, but does require a ¾" or 1" NPT port directly on the
centerline of the desired oil level (Fig. 3).
Trico recommends the
use of non-vented lubricators where environmental conditions make water
contamination in equipment lubricant a concern. Additional Trico products such
as expansion chambers, oil dryers, viewports, and sump bottles can help prevent
water contamination of lubricant.
|