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centrifugal pumps

centrifugal pumps

centrifugal pumps

(OP)
with regards to a mission magnum centrifugal pump. can any one explain the purpose of the oiler on the side of the pumps shaft housing. any help would be appreaceated

RE: centrifugal pumps

Without seeing the pump and not having any literature on it, what does the "oiler "look like? Is it an inverted glass container? -  if it is, I would suggest it is a means of assertaining the oil level in the bearing housing.

RE: centrifugal pumps

It is most likely a constant level oiler.  They come in many different styles.  But they all serve one purpose.  If the oil level in the bearing housing drops below the recommended level, the oiler automatically adds oil to restore the level.  They have been very common for many years.  At first glance, an oiler seems like a good idea.  Back in the days when we would commonly ignore oil leaks, they were almost a necessity.  However, with today’s focus on environmental protection and safety, an oil leak would not normally be allowed to continue.  If the bearing housing is tight and no oil leaks out, no oil should need to be added.  There are a couple of major problems with oilers that can actually cause failures.

First, most common oilers are not sealed air tight.  In order for the oiler to work, there must be the same static pressure above the oil in the oiler cup and in the bearing housing.  This can be done with an equalizing line.  But it is more common to vent both locations to atmosphere.  With a vented oiler, it can become a source for introducing dirt, water or other contaminants to the oil.  We have started eliminating the standard inverted glass bulb type of oiler for this reason.  We considered eliminating oilers entirely.  Instead, we are converted to pressure equalized oilers that do not require an atmospheric vent.  

As already noted, oiler performance depends on equal pressure in the housing and the oiler cup.  But, if the bearing housing is fan cooled, or if the bearing housing vent plugs up, the pressures can become imbalanced and the oiler can malfunction.  If the pressure in the housing goes higher, the oil can be forced out through the oiler and the level in the housing can drop.  If the pressure in the housing goes lower, the oiler can dump it full content into the housing, overfilling it resulting in oil leaks through the bearing housing seals and hot bearings from over-lubrication.  

There are other potential problems with oilers related to gasket degradation in the oiler, oiler installation position relative to shaft rotation, piping between the oiler and the housing, etc.  If you have any specific concerns, a better description of the exact oiler in question would be helpful.

Johnny Pellin

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