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Constant-level Oilers
Carolyn Boldt, Oil-Rite Corporation

A constant-level oiler is used to maintain the uid level in a piece of equipment that naturally depletes
uid through use, wear, friction, misting or evaporation.

As oil is depleted in equipment, such as bearings, gearboxes, pillow blocks or pump housings due to
its natural operation and the generation of heat from friction, the level of uid changes. A constant-
level oiler can be used to maintain optimum performance.

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 Figure 1. Style CS

The operation is based on the liquid seal principle: as uid is depleted in the equipment, the liquid seal
on the spout inside the constant-level oiler is broken. When this occurs, air enters into the oil reservoir
from the air vent. This releases the uid from the reservoir and allows it to ow into the equipment
until the liquid seal reestablishes itself.

An automatic constant-level oiler can be used for antifriction, sleeve, roller, ball, tapered, spherical or
slinger bearings involving excessive backpressure. Applications include fans, motors, blowers,
gearboxes or other equipment where a constant level of uid needs to be maintained.

Constant-level oilers are most useful in paper mills, cement plants, coal handling mills or industries
with similarly dirty environments, because the sumps are opened less frequently.

Basic Design and Operation

In situations where pressure or a vacuum is generated in the sump, it is preferable to provide a vent
line back to the equipment housing above the oil level to equalize the pressure.

By equalizing the pressure between the oiler and the equipment (Figure 1), the level is more accurately
maintained, creating a closed-loop system. In the event that there is no place to pipe the air vent back
to the equipment, a ltered vent plug at the reservoir can be used to prevent environmental
contaminants from entering the system.

Figures 2 and 3 show the two uid connection points, of which either point can be used for installation
or drain. One is located on the side of the housing while the other one is on the bottom. These points
will vary by design.

The liquid We
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The reservoir is mounted airtight on the base to prevent contaminants from entering. The reservoir is
easily re lled through the cap on top port which will automatically shut off the ow while being re lled.

Operation will resume when the cap is returned and secured. It may be necessary to repeat the ll
process until the uid reaches the optimum level and no longer drains from the reservoir when the cap
is installed.

Constant level oilers may be installed remotely or directly to the reservoir. A liquid level line is marked
on the base of the constant-level oiler for ease in aligning to the proper oil level.

Figure 2. Style CS Adjustable

With certain equipment, high levels of oil can be carried to the upper portion of the housing during
operation. Upon shutdown, this oil surges back to the reservoir establishing a high oil level. Should this
amount of oil overtake the capacity of the reservoir, it will ow into the vent line (Style CS) and
dissipate or in the case of those piped to the sump through the vent line, will run back to the housing.

A constant level oiler is installed with the oil level mark at the exact height at which the uid in the
housing is to be maintained. It should be level with short, rigid connections to avoid vibration.

The air vent is sometimes equipped with a lter when vented to the atmosphere. The air vent can also
be connected back to the top of the gearbox or housing for a closed circuit.

Constant level oilers have been known to operate for years or even decades without maintenance.
Degraded seals are the most likely cause of an operating problem.

The oiler can be tested by plugging the uid outlets with pipe plugs, re lling the reservoir, tightening
the cap and observing for leakage. The oil should seek and stay at the oil level mark over the course of
several hours. If the seals are faulty, the oil will ll the viewing port and seep out the vent hole. In the
case of faulty seals, it is advisable to replace the entire unit.

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 Figure 3. Style C

Installation
Proper installation of the oiler will assure maximum long-term operation. Key issues that must be
addressed during installation include:

1. Verify that the oil level is clearly marked on the base of the oiler. Mount the oiler by using side or
bottom outlet at the desired level.

2. The correct oil level is the lowest level at which the bearing operates properly, which should be at
the middle of the element measured at the six o’clock position in the race.

3. Lubricator must be level in all directions to function properly.

4. All connecting pipes should be short, rigid and close to the housing to avoid vibration.

5. Assure that the housing is lled at initial installation. Fill the housing through the oiler. Repeated
lling may be necessary.

6. Verify that the ller cap is tightly fastened. Removing the ller cap will shut off oil supply. Loose
ller cap will cause leakage.

7. The sump should be tted with sight glass to con rm oiler operation.

Troubleshooting
A variety of table-top tests may be conducted to identify and resolve issues in the installation and
maintenance of constant level oilers. A simple preventive maintenance inspection can be conducted
as follows:

1. Secure oiler so it is level in all directions.

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2. Plug outlets with pipe plugs.
 3. Remove ll cap and ll reservoir completely.

4. Quickly screw ll cap back on the reservoir. Note: Closing the ll cap allows the check valve to
open, thus allowing oil to ll the sight glass.

5. When the ll cap is tightened securely, the oil in the sight glass should seek a level at or near the
level mark shown in the casting.

6. Leave oiler to sit for several hours. If it continues to hold oil at the initial level, the oiler is working
properly. If oil appears to be lling the sight glass completely, and is seeping out of the vent hole,
the seals in the unit are bad and the seals should be replaced.

About the Author

Carolyn Boldt

Read More

Machinery Lubrication (11/2005)

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