What is Oil circulation system?

Oil circulation system, or lube skids, provide continuous flow of fluid lubricant for bearings, gearboxes, and blowers. They are used to lubricate machinery that is used for pumping storm water, powering ships, making paper, chemicals and testing military equipment.

Sometimes, the bearing manufacturer provides the lube skid in a single-source solution. Sometimes, an existing bearing may need a more dynamic oil system because it is overheating or showing wear. The party with firsthand knowledge of the bearing is responsible for inspecting the oil system. You may not be familiar with the circulating oil system.

There are three ways to purchase a oil circulation system. First, you can build it using in-house resources. This is both an art and science. Many skilled maintenance workers are able to connect the pipes, assemble them and put all the controls together. You should be prepared to spend some time researching suppliers and components. You can expect to do on-the-spot engineering or re-engineering if you don't have a drawing.

A prefabricated unit is another option. Many manufacturers make prefabricated units for oil circulation system. These units can be assembled completely or made quickly from readily available components. This can help with bearings that are overheating during summer temperatures. You will have fewer options, which can lead to a system that is not properly equipped or a system that is less efficient.

A third option is to work with a manufacturer who is specialized in designing systems. Experience and planning have their advantages. Good manufacturers will have the ability to provide drafting/engineering services, reliable suppliers, and expert troubleshooting. Because circulating oil systems can last for decades, it is important to design them with adequate controls, easy maintenance, and efficient power consumption.

Whatever the approach, it is important to think about what the system must do and how many parts will work together to achieve that goal.

Oil Flow: The Essential Function

A circulating system's primary function is to provide the required flow of oil to the bearing. As suggested by the term "circulating oil system", the oil is collected from the bearing and is then filtered through the lubrication systems. Figure 2 shows the path that oil takes. The oil enters the reservoir via piping that connects to an overflow port located at the bearing.

Because the bearing is at a higher altitude than the system, oil flows by gravity. Fluid can seep into the reservoir through the baffle. Larger contaminants settle on the baffle, where oil enters. The pump creates suction which draws the fluid into the pipe. The strainer captures large particles and prevents oil from entering the pump. To create pressure and flow, the motor drives the pump. The oil is then filtered to remove any fine particles that could damage the bearing. The oil flows to the bearing. The bypass valve allows excess fluid to be directed back into the reservoir.

A circulating oil system, in its most basic form, may not need any control beyond its power supply. The system functions in a loop until it needs to be replaced by a filter.

How to determine system requirements

Every application of a circulatory system is different. For details on flow rate, fluid type, pressure and operating temperature, consult the bearing manufacturer. The user must specify the size of the connecting pipe, the line distance, the elevation to the bearing, the surrounding temperature, power availability, and safety considerations.

Electronic controls and instruments can be used to provide feedback to the operator or to deal with difficult environments. Warnings and fail-safes, for example, can be used to ensure that deviations are identified and taken action before bearing lubrication is compromised.

These precautions might be necessary if the bearing is being started or stopped in its normal operation, if the load or rotation speed changes, if temperature fluctuates or a particular dirty environment.

Some bearings need to operate continuously, so it is important that the oil circulation system does the same. The system can have redundancy. Dual filters can be used with separate piping and control vas to change the filter while oil flows. The system can be protected from major components replacement or service by having a second pump and motor.