Chain Oiler
A chain oiler is a type of lubrication equipment that travels the length of either a chain or rail and functions to disperse desired amounts of lubricants, typically oil, across the length of the system. Able to be automatic or gravity-fed, chain oilers significantly reduce the effect of wear and tear on the chain and sprocket as well as protecting against losses in power transmission and bad fuel.
Quick links to Chain Oiler Information
Chain Oiler Applications
Chain oilers are most often utilized in power transmission applications in the marine, aviation and automotive industries. Motorcycles, cars, ships, airplanes and trucks are just a few examples of products that benefit from chain oiler use. Additional industries that benefit from the use of this sometimes automated lubricator include: construction, for the lubrication of portable power tools such as chainsaws; industrial manufacturing, for the lubrication of material handling equipment such as chain conveyors; agriculture, for the lubrication of chains in farming machinery and equipment; and residential, for the lubrication of appliances and outdoor equipment such as power gardening equipment. Proper lubrication is vital to the operation of equipment, and chain oilers can help to both optimize the performance of chain-operated machinery and enhance longevity. In addition, chain oilers are typically encased in a metallic body, an oil dispenser, to decrease contamination of the lubricant.
Design of Chain Oilers
Chain oilers consist of a lubricant reservoir, a valve, a valve body and, at times, a brush to ensure even distribution of the lubricant. The lubricant reservoir is mounted atop the valve body and is often constructed from a combination of glass and metal such as aluminum or steel; however, the reservoirs can also be made of plastic. The lubricant reservoir functions to store lubricants that are about to be dispersed to the area of the required lubrication. In chain oilers, the most common lubricants are synthetic oils, although mineral oils may also be used. There are a couple different types of valves that may be utilized in chain oilers, although needle valves are common for gravity-fed chain oilers, while solenoid valves are common for automatic chain oilers. Needle valves are small valves with a slender point that enables precise regulation of lubricant flow, while solenoid valves are electromechanical valves that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy in order to distribute the lubricants. The valve body is typically small slender cylindrical tubes that contain the valve and protect both the valve and the lubricants being distributed from any harm. Valve bodies are often constructed from metals such as aluminum alloys and steel, and can have brushes attached at the bottom to aid in lubricant distribution.