Constant Level Lubricators automatically maintain a fixed liquid level in a bearing housing or gear box using the liquid seal principle. Constant level lubricators can be used on sleeve bearings, anti-friction bearings, gear boxes, pump housings, ventilating fans and blowers, moistening pads, and any other application demanding the maintenance of a constant liquid level.
This Constant Level Lubricator withstands temperatures up to 160°. It features a 1 gal shatterproof acrylic reservoir, aluminum alloy body, and Buna-N seals. There are (2) 1/4” female NPT outlets. One is located on the side of the unit and the other is located on the bottom of the unit and has a 3/4”-16 threaded shank for mounting. A pipe plug is installed in the bottom outlet. The diameter of the reservoir is 5 1/2”, the viewable height of the reservoir is 11 3/4”, and the total height of the unit is 18 3/16”. The distance between the center of the side outlet and the center of the air vent is 1 9/16”.
Liquid Seal Principle
When liquid consumption causes the liquid in the bearing to recede, the liquid seal on the inside of lubricator is temporarily broken, allowing air from the air vent to enter the lubricator’s reservoir. This causes oil to be released from the lubricator into the bearing until the proper liquid level is reached, at which time the liquid seal in the lubricator is reestablished. For optimum performance, it is recommended that the 1/8” female NPT air vent be piped back to the bearing housing or gear box to equalize any existing pressure or vacuum. Piping the air inlet also creates a closed circuit that prevents dust and dirt from contaminating fluids.
Oil-Rite Constant Level Lubricators feature a unique, mess-free design that allows the reservoir to be easily refilled through a top filler cap. A shutoff valve holds the liquid in the reservoir when the filler cap is removed. The lubricator resumes normal functioning after the cap is screwed down again. It is important that the filler cap is screwed down tightly to ensure proper operation.
Installation
For proper installation, a liquid level line is scribed on the base of the unit. Mount the lubricator using the side or bottom outlet at the exact and most desirable level. The correct level is the lowest level at which the bearing operates perfectly. The lubricator should be level in all directions. For optimum performance, pipe the 1/8” NPT air vent on the lubricator back to the bearing to ensure static balance of air pressure. Keep all connections short, rigid and close to the bearing to avoid vibration. Fill the bearing well by filling the lubricator, refill when necessary.