Air-Oil Lubrication Systems/Pumps

Air-Oil Lubrication Systems Explained

Sure and economic, an innovative technology to lubricate with air/ oil high speed spindles. Main application of these systems is the lubrication and the cooling of spindle’s internal bearings. Micro pneumatic pumps systems are equipped with an inductive sensor. This allows to verify actually the coming of the lubricant towards the lubrication points. This check happens every single discharge.

System Structure

In oil+air lubrication, a quantity of oil metered volumetrically by a pump or distributor is pulled apart by a continuous air flow in a tube and carried along the tube wall in the direction of compressed-air flow. The quantity of oil is fed into the air flow in pulses at a mixing point (mixing valve). A nearly continuous flow of oil is produced that leaves the outlet nozzle as fine drops and is fed to the rolling bearing without contact. This means that the bearing housing is under a slight overpressure, which keeps dirt away from the sensitive bearings. The carrier air leaves the bearing nearly free of oil. This concept creates no oil mist or oil fog, making it environmentally friendly as well.

CME Electric Pump for Oil and Soft Grease Volumetric Lubrication Systems

The CME electric pumps have been developed for single line lubrication systems fitted with volumetric metering valves or air-oil mixers.

The unit consists of a gear pump, an electric motor, a low level switch, an electronic control card (upon request), a green LED (indicates power ON), a yellow LED (indicates pump working), a pressure gauge, a push button for intermediate lubrication and a pressure switch. Alternatively, the pressure switch can also be put at the end of the main line.

The plastic cover protects the electrical components from environmental conditions like dirt or dust. The transparent impact resistant reservoir has a capacity of 2 or 3 liters.

A set of valves which provides the decompression and bypass functions is connected to the gear pump.

The lubricants that can be used are oil with a viscosity range between 50 and 1000 cSt (CME-O) or soft grease with a NLGI consistency of 000-00 (CME-G). The two models have different sensors fitted for level control (see technical data sheet).

MPT Electric Pumps for Oil and Soft Grease

MPT electric pumps are designed to supply oil or soft grease lubrication systems where volumetric metering valves are installed. The pump motor unit is applied to a sheet-metal angle plate acting as a cover of the tank. A valve unit is applied to the gear pump, which performs the priming (automatic air purge during the start-up stage) – decompression (automatic pressure release in the circuit at the end of the working cycle) and safety (automatic lubricant discharge inside the tank when the maximum working pressure is reached) functions. Minimum level electrical warning and a pressure gauge are also installed, while the intake filter and the load filter are for the Oil version only.

Mixer X Mixing Valves for Air-Oil Lubrication Systems

MIXER-X valves are air-oil mixers complete with high precision volumetric metering devices. They are structured in individual elements that can be assembled up to a maximum of 8 elements (for blocks with a greater number of utilities, consult our technical office).

The head elements RH (right) and LH (left), which include the seats for air and oil supply, are located at the ends.

Metering can be selected for each lubrication point within a range between 10 and 160 mm³/cycle.
In addition to the metering unit, an air flow adjustment screw is provided in Mixer X.

The piping connections for the main and secondary line are available with quick fittings or with compression fittings and are used with pipes with a diameter of 6 or 8 mm (main line) and 4 or 6 mm (secondary line). The MIXER-X.C model combines the characteristics described above with real control of the lubricant flow, from the metering unit to the mixing chamber, and is available for flow rates from 10 to 30 mm³/cycle.

The cycle control consists of a PMM block installed directly in the mixer body. A proximity sensor and a control piston, driven directly by the lubricant flow, are housed inside it.

Each circuit operation corresponds to a movement of the piston which generates a change of state of the sensor. Any anomaly preventing piston movement triggers an alarm. The alarm will be present during start-up if there are air bubbles in the circuit and will continue to apply until complete de-aeration.

Applications

  • Lubrication of bearings, specifically electric spindle bearings.
  • Transmission system lubrication.
  • Sliding guide and rack lubrication.
  • Lubrication during assembly and processing.

Advantages

  • Higher performance of the bearings thanks to higher speed indexes.
  • Greater operational safety thanks to constant supply with pre-defined quantity of lubricant. The air protects the bearing against external impurities.
  • Less lubricant for greater protection of the environment.
  • Accurate and constant metering suitable to the requirements of individual lubrication points.
  • Approximately 70% reduction in lubricant consumption compared to traditional lubrication.

Lubricants - Small Cost, Huge Returns

Lubrication Management Programs Protect Your Assets and Save You Money:

Although lubricants make up a mere 3% of the typical maintenance budget; using ineffective products, techniques and applications can have a significant impact on the lubrication-related costs that make up 40% of that budget. A Lubrication Management Program designed by the Technical Consultants at Lubrication Technologies, Inc. can help you target those areas where you see red.

  • Your equipment and components will last longer, run more efficiently and more reliably, and you won’t replace equipment or components prematurely
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  • You’ll reduce over-all lubricant consumption as well as waste

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