More on Chains

GREASOMATIC®

Studies have shown that under ideal conditions which include proper lubrication, the useful life of a steel chain link averages 15,000 operating hours.  A chain's working life is generally considered over when chain elongation due to wear reaches 3%  or in some cases even less. A precise, continuous supply of oil using GREASOMATICS and a brush wide enough to apply it to call critical chain parts ensures protection against wear and corrosion. 

 
Installation of oil filled GREASOMATIC lubricators requires either a 4 psi non-return valve mounted on the brush or having the lubricator mounted with the outlet in an upright position.  Remote installations are possible using tubing with a minimum I.D. of 1/4 inch (3/8 inch recommended) and a maximum distance of 12 feet between the lubricator and the non-return valve.  Remote lines should always be pre-charged with lubricant.

This display  shows a GREASOMATIC installed on a chain with the outlet pointing downward.  (1) is a mounting clamp which holds the body of the  lubricator securely.  (2) is an alternative mounting clamp  which clamps onto the non-return valve instead of the GREASOMATIC.  In most installations only the most suitable clamp needs to be used.  (3) is a 4  psi  (0.3 bar) non-return valve. This prevents the oil from draining from the lubricator due to gravity.  In any installation, remote or direct, the non-return valve must be installed just ahead of the brush.  (4) is a brush appropriate for the width of the chain being lubricated.  If the GREASOMATIC is mounted with the outlet in an upright position the non-return valve is not required.

The correct GREASOMATIC dial setting to apply the proper volume of oil to any chain will vary according to the chain width, speed, operating schedule and ambient temperature.  Normally a lubrication schedule will be provided by the machine manufacturer or past experience will determine how often and how much lubrication is necessary.  If the ambient temperature varies from the high 60 to low 70 degree F. range, the Discharge Rate Chart is a useful guide to selecting the proper setting.

Here are recommended GREASOMATIC dial settings based on a typical chain installation :

 

                 Chain speed:

                 Chain type/width:

                 Operating schedule:

                 Ambient temperature:

                 Lubricant:

     1.5 ft/sec (0.5 m/sec)

     25/32 inch (20 mm) wide transport chain

     16 hours per day

     68 º F (20º C)

     ISO VG 110 chain oil

 

                 Chain Length:

                 up to 15 feet (5 m)

                 5 to 30 feet (5 to 10 m)

                 30 to 45 feet (10 to 15 m)

                 45 to 60 feet (15 to 20 m)

                  60 to 90 feet (20 to 30 m)

                  greater than 90 feet (30 m)

     GREASOMATICS / Dial Setting

     1 unit / 12 setting

     1 unit / 8 setting

     1 unit / 6 setting or 2 units / 12 setting

     1 unit / 4 setting or 2 units / 8 setting

     1 unit / 3 setting or 4 units / 12 setting

     1 unit / 2 setting or 4 units / 8 setting

 

As shown, it's possible to extend the periods between GREASOMATIC replacement dates by using multiple installations of longer running units at no increase in cost.  Caution:  One GREASOMATIC should never be used to supply lubricant to two fittings because it will result in an uneven distribution of lubricant.

                                           

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