Norgren Lubricators - Manual (Page 2)

Lubricator Overview
Littleton, CO USA Phone 303-794-2611 Fax 303-795-9487 ALE-14-B
1.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW
Norgren manufactures two main types of lubricators:
Oil-Fog and Micro-Fog. These units are mounted
directly into the pipe and add small amounts of oil
to the air flowing through them.
Oil Fog-Lubricators:
All the oil droplets seen in the sight dome are added
directly into the air flow. This results in relatively
large oil droplets passing downstream, suitable for
heavy lubrication applications eg single cylinders
and tools. Most competitive in line lubricators are
of the Oil-Fog type.
Micro-Fog Lubricators:
The oil droplets seen in the sight dome are atomized
and collected in the area above the oil in the bowl.
The smaller lighter particles are drawn into the air
flow and pass downstream.
As a result typically only 10% of the oil
seen as drops in the sight dome is passed
downstream. The remainder falls back into the oil
reservoir. Consequently, drip rate settings are
somewhat higher than their Oil-Fog equivalent. This
makes setting much easier, particularly in low flow
applications.
The fine Micro-Fog oil particles can travel
long distances through complex pipe work making
Micro-Fog lubricators suitable for multiple valve
and cylinder circuits.
1.2 WHAT ARE THE
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
MICRO-FOG AND OIL-FOG?
1.2.1 Oil-Fog:
• Large oil particles not as fine as micro-fog.
• All oil drips seen in sight domes are
delivered downstream.
• For applications over short distances.
• Should be mounted at same level or higher
than device being lubricated.
• Standard bowls can be filled under
pressure. (Not on rapid cycle units).
• Suitable for heavy lubrication applications
eg single large cylinders and tools.
• Has a flow sensor which provides constant
oil output density for varying flows.
OIL-FOG LUBRICATOR
MICRO-FOG LUBRICATOR
Sight
dome
Body
Flow
sensor
Generator
assembly
Bowl
Syphon
tube
Oil
Drain
(optional)
Metal bowl
sight glass
Sight
dome
Body
Flow
sensor
Check
valve
Bowl
Syphon
tube
Oil
Drain
(optional)
Metal bowl
sight glass
1.2.2 Micro-Fog:
• Small oil particles; less than 2 micron.
• Only 10% of ‘drip rate’ is delivered
downstream as active lubricant (remainder
is returned to main oil reservoir).
• High drip rates make drip setting easier in
low flow applications.
• Can be mounted above or below the point
of application.
• Cannot be filled without shutting off
upstream air (unless a quick fill cap or
remote fill device is used).
• For use with lengthy air lines, multiple
valve and cylinder circuits.
• Has a flow sensor to provide an almost
constant oil output density for varying
flows.
1.2.3 Can Oil-Fog and Micro-Fog Units be
Converted?
Generally not, simply changing a green (Oil-Fog)
sight dome for a red (Micro-Fog) sight dome does
not change the function.
Some lubricators are designed around a
cartridge insert. In this case it may be possible to
swap the cartridge and sight domes to change the
function.