Paper Machine Press Section | ReliaMAX™ Automatic Lubrication System Install

Keeping lubrication consistent across a large industrial press section can be a major challenge, especially when dozens of lubrication points must operate reliably in a continuous production environment. For this paper machine press section application, we designed and supplied a ReliaMAX™ automatic lubrication system to modernize the existing lubrication setup while maintaining the plant’s pre-existing lubrication lines and point locations. The result was a cleaner, more organized, and fully monitored centralized lubrication system capable of reliably servicing 55 lubrication points.

The system was designed around a ReliaMAX™ 4 kg high-pressure electric grease pump installed inside a stainless steel NEMA 4X enclosure with a clear viewing window. The enclosure protects critical lubrication components from moisture, contaminants, and demanding industrial conditions while still allowing operators to visually inspect the system during operation. A highly visible red strobe light alerts personnel to low-level or no-flow fault conditions, helping maintenance teams quickly identify issues before they become larger reliability problems.

To ensure accurate lubricant delivery throughout the system, we utilized a series progressive lubrication design incorporating multiple ILC DPX divider valves. The primary divider valve monitors grease flow through an electronic proximity switch that communicates directly with the integrated digital controller. If the system detects a loss of lubricant flow during a cycle, the controller immediately places the system into fault status to alert personnel. High-pressure indicator pins were also incorporated throughout the divider valve network to simplify troubleshooting and help quickly isolate downstream restrictions or blocked lubrication points.

One of the key advantages of this installation was the ability to transition from the plant’s previous lubrication pump while continuing to utilize the existing 55 lubrication lines already determined to be in good working condition. This allowed the system to be modernized without requiring a complete replacement of the existing lubrication infrastructure.

The system operates using Monolec® GP Grease (1498), a high-performance lubricant formulated for industrial applications requiring dependable protection against wear, friction, and heavy operating loads. In continuous-duty environments such as paper processing equipment, maintaining consistent lubricant delivery is critical for protecting bearings and moving components from premature wear and unexpected downtime.

By combining centralized lubrication, automated monitoring, and organized serviceability within a stainless steel enclosure, this ReliaMAX™ system provides dependable lubrication performance while improving reliability and simplifying maintenance across this critical press section application.