The SKF SYSTEM 24 is a single point automatic lubricator. It consists of a transparent container filled with a specified lubricant and a cartridge containing an electrochemical gas cell that produces hydrogen. Once activated, the internal batteries are electrically connected and gas production begins. The gas production rate is proportional to the electrical current, and can be varied by selecting the appropriate dispense period on the time dial on top of the lubricator. The dispense period can be between 1 and 12 months. In the event that a machine, to which the unit is fitted, is at a prolonged standstill, then the unit can be temporarily deactivated.
Once activated, the gas pressure builds up, until the piston moves and then the lubricator will start to dispense lubricant. There is a initial delay in gas build up before lubricant is dispensed. This delay is relative to the selected emptying time, for instance a 12 month setting has a longer delay than a 3 month setting.
In practice this is not a problem, as the bearing is already pre lubricated and therefore has a grease buffer. The values on the time set dial are an indication of the real emptying time based on an operating ambient temperature of 20 °C (68 °F) and a back pressure of 0,5 bars (7.25 psi). The dispensing rates can vary due to changes in the operating ambient temperature. This is due to the contraction or expansion of the gas in relation to the ambient temperature and the subsequent influence of back pressure on the dispense rate. Above 40 °C (105 °F) or so, the unit runs twice as fast (eg. 12 month setting will only last 6months) and at around -10 ° C (15 °F) the unit runs half as fast (eg. 6 month setting will last 12 months).The standard SYSTEM 24 product (LAGD 125) contains 125 ml (4.25 fl.oz US) of grease and is suitable for many applications. However certain applications have a limited space in which to fit the standard unit and in these instances a 60 ml (2 fl oz US) unit (LAGD 60) is available which is 35% shorter. The 60 ml unit can also be used when a lower grease purge is required.
Oil filled SYSTEM 24 units are also available, as are empty units (LAGD 125/U) which can be filled by the user with their own choice of oil. Oil filled and empty units are supplied with a plastic non-return valve, which stops the oil from flowing out on units that have not been activated. For applications where there is insufficient space to install SYSTEM 24 or where there are excessive vibrations, the unit can be remotely mounted. In this instance, a female tube connection (LAPF F1/4), tubing (LAPT 1000) and a male connector to the application (LAPF M1/4) are required. For oil filled lubricators, a non return valve (LAPV 1/4 or LAPV 1/8) at the application end of the tubing is also required.
For hazardous environments, such as petrochemical installations, SYSTEM 24 is considered intrinsically safe. TÜV Product Service has certified the SKF SYSTEM 24 LAGD 125 and LAGD 60 to a rating of II 2 G EEx ib IIC T6.
APPLICATION
The SKF SYSTEM 24 is a single point automatic lubricator, which can be used to supply grease to single lubrication points that are usually lubricated by means of a grease gun. Lubrication points which are designed to be re-lubricated by means of a grease gun, replenish the grease buffer at the lubrication point.
SKF SYSTEM 24 lubricators can be set to ensure that the correct quantity of lubricant is delivered over a set time period. This allows a more accurate control of the amount of lubricant supplied compared to traditional manual re-lubrication techniques. The SKF SYSTEM 24 is ideal for applications which are difficult to reach with a grease gun, or where a large number of greasing points mean that manual greasing techniques would be less effective.
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Typical applications include, amongst others;
- Pumps
- Fans & Blowers
- Conveyors
- Elevators and escalators
- Cranes
- Food Processing machinery
- Petrochemical industry
- Oil filled units are also available, the typical applications for these include, chains, elevator slides and escalator guidance rails
Benefits of automatic lubricators
Improve cleanliness, accuracy, safety and reliability
Improved performance: Unlike manual lubrication, a continuous and accurate supply of small quantities of fresh and clean lubricant prevents overheating, waste and seal damage due to over-lubrication and excessive wear due to under-lubrication. Moreover, a continuous supply prevents the ingress of contaminants.
Reliability: Compared to manual lubrication, automatic lubricators minimise risks like cross contamination, inadequate quantities or frequencies, or simply overlooking a lubrication point. Labour saving: Human resources can be dedicated to more value-added activities like oil analysis or contamination control.
Safety: Some relubrication tasks can imply safety risks, or a machine has to be stopped to be lubricated. Likewise, preventing overlubrication keeps the application clean and tidy thereby minimising the risk of accidents.
Environmental: Optimising lubricant consumption also minimises the impact on the environment.
Total Cost Of Ownership: After considering all the previously described benefits, it is clear what a large impact automatic lubrication can have on the TCO. Biggest savings are normally related to reducing downtime, machine repair costs, labour and lubricant consumption.