Air lubricators, also known as pneumatic lubricators, are a type of lubrication equipment that specifically provides proper lubrication and filtration through air lines to machinery that operates by means of compressed air and requires an outside source of pneumatic oil.
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Air lubricators are a type of lubrication equipment that provides continuous lubrication and can be incorporated into pre-existing pneumatic systems. As an essential component of many pneumatic systems, air lubricators provide reduced friction between moving machine parts, improved production efficiency and decreased maintenance resulting in increased machine life. Air operated lubricators are used in many industries including: construction, for the lubrication of power tools and other air-operated machinery; industrial manufacturing, to lubricate air compressors, pneumatic conveyors, air conditioners and more; mining, for the lubrication of portable and stationary mining equipment and supplies; pulp and paper, to lubricate printing and publishing machine parts; and automotive, for the lubrication of motor parts in numerous vehicles, typically those using oil or grease. Air lubricators may also be referred to as air line lubricators or air tool lubricators and are also used in agriculture, aviation, foundry, wastewater and timber industries.
Air lubricators are constructed from three main parts: a head, an adjusting screw and a lubricator bowl. In the head of the air lubricator there are ports that allow the in and out air lines to attach to the lubricator. On the top of the head, there is a small and typically transparent housing containing the adjusting screw. The adjusting screw is used to increase or decrease the amount of lubricant being drawn into the air stream as a result of the compressed air passing through the air lubricator's head. The lubricator bowl contains the oil until it is dispersed for lubrication as well as holding it after it has returned to the air lubricator. Often, a bowl drain is required for the bowl in order to remove excess lubricating oil when necessary. There are three main kinds of flow for air lubricators: direct flow, recirculating flow and pulse. Direct-flow air lubricators function by dispersing lubricants directly into the air line and work best for pneumatic systems with reasonably straight air lines. Recirculating flow air lubricators recirculate the lubricant past a baffle and into the lubricator bowl, capturing large particles and only allowing smaller particles to go through. Pulse air lubricators do not simply spray lubricant into the air line, but inject a carefully measured amount of lubricant directly into the pneumatic actuator within the machine or system.
