Effective oil/air ratio in industrial oil mist lubricating systems

Abstract

Purpose

To provide information on the distribution of oil deposition inside the pipe conducting oil mist used for lubricating purposes and to show resulting variations of oil/air ratio.

Design/methodology/approach

The model of an industrial pipeline has been assembled ranging more than 100 m away from the oil mist source, equipped with devices collecting oil deposited inside the pipes. Other tests were performed in stands constructed as parts of pipes coiled in helical form. Long time experiments with continuous oil mist flow enabled to achieve calculable results.

Findings

The quantitative results obtained in experimental investigation on the reduction of oil/air ratio in an oil mist header system show that considerable differences of the oil/air ratio may be observed in a typical long pipeline. Possible consequences of oil deficiency on lubrication of remote mechanisms are presented in the case study. Results of tests are shown in diagrams and tables. These results may be useful for correction of design calculations procedures.

Research limitations/implications

Tests have been made on the basis of one kind of the oil atomized in typical condition and conveyed with steady flow through the piping of rather simple geometry. However, there are other factors affecting oil droplets deposition and the most influencing are probably: the flow velocity/pipe diameter factor, oil atomization characteristics and the geometry of the oil mist piping.

Practical implications

The research has shown dramatic decrease of oil content in the long distance systems that may result in poor lubrication of remote mechanisms or over lubrication of those located close to the oil mist generator. It should be taken on account in calculation of oil mist demand to particular lubrication points.

Originality/value

Presented tests have been carried in the scale and flow parameters very close to those applied in industry. Thus, the results are reliable and could be very useful both for designers and the practitioners of centralized oil mist systems.

Citation

Szydlo, Z.A. (2007), "Effective oil/air ratio in industrial oil mist lubricating systems", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 59 No. 1, pp. 4-11. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368790710723089