Automatic lubricators are devices that can be programmed to deliver lubricant (grease or oil) on a timed basis. In most cases, the equipment can continue running during lubrication, reducing downtime.
As a concept, automatic lubrication isn’t new. But the technology to deliver precise amounts of lubricant in a predictable and deliberate manner has evolved considerably over the years. Where first-generation lubricators relied on gravity and backpressure to regulate the lubrication process, today’s lubricators are sophisticated and come packed with microprocessors and other self-regulating componentry to ensure that just the right amount of lubricant is applied to the bearings at an optimal interval.
These lubricators can be direct-mounted to a single bearing, or remote-mounted for more convenient servicing of bearings in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas.
Several automatic lubricators on the market today are capable of generating output pressures in excess of 300 psi, making them suitable for lubricating multiple points… in essence serving as low-cost, centralized lube systems.