Prelubrication distributor

Prelubrication distributor

On SKF MonoFlex single-line distributors designed as prelubrication distributors, the quantity of lubricant is fed to the lubrication point while pressure is being built up in the main line, i.e., during the lubrication unit’s run time. On prelubrication distributors, the expelling pressure can be set so it is approximately equal to the maximum permissible pressure of the pressure regulating valve on the lubrication unit. After the lubrication unit is switched on, the lubricant is drawn out of the lubricant reservoir by the lubricant pump and fed through the main line to the prelubrication distributor via the pressure relief valve and the pressure regulating valve. The pressure built up in the centralized lubrication system causes the metering piston to move toward the outlet (2), expelling the lubricant (1) that is upstream of the metering piston from the metering chamber and to the lubrication point through the lubrication point line. After the lubrication unit is turned off, pressure in the centralized lubrication system is relieved, which relieves pressure in the main line. In this process, spring tension causes the metering piston to return to its normal position. At the same time, the lubricant is moved from the metering chamber into the spring chamber (3). The prelubrication distributor is ready for the next lubrication cycle.

Area of application

Prelubrication distributors are used in applications where the lubricant needs to be delivered to the lubrication point immediately. Especially in the case of long lubrication point lines and high bearing
back pressures, increasing the pressure in the main line can provide reliable lubrication of the bearing, as the expelling pressure approximately equals the pressure in the main line. Fields where prelubrication distributors are widely used is with machine tool, textile, and packaging machine lubrication.