Automatic lubrication Systems

An Automatic Lubrication System is a device or network of components that delivers controlled quantities of grease or oil to machinery at predetermined intervals.

Systems can range from compact single-point lubricators fitted directly to an individual bearing to complete centralised systems supplying hundreds of lubrication points. They are commonly used on bearings, chains, conveyors, electric motors, pumps and heavy industrial machinery.

An Automatic Lubrication System stores grease or oil within a reservoir and dispenses it to the required lubrication points at controlled intervals.

Depending on the type of system, the lubricant may be delivered using an electromechanical drive, an electrochemical gas generator, a spring mechanism, or a central pump connected to pipes and metering devices.

The dispensing rate can normally be adjusted according to time, machinery operating cycles or the individual requirements of each lubrication point. More advanced systems may also monitor lubricant levels, pressure and completed lubrication cycles, alerting operators if a fault or blockage occurs.

Automatic Lubrication can help extend equipment lifespan by maintaining a consistent lubricant film between moving components. This reduces friction, heat, and direct metal-to-metal contact, helping to prevent premature wear.

Delivering smaller, measured quantities at frequent intervals also reduces the risk of machinery being damaged by missed lubrication, under-lubrication, or excessive quantities of grease.

Regular lubricant delivery may also help prevent water, dust and other contaminants from entering bearings and fittings. However, the correct lubricant, output rate and dispensing interval must be selected for the machinery and its operating environment.

Automatic Lubrication may be worth considering where machinery has a large number of lubrication points, requires frequent lubrication, or is difficult to stop for routine maintenance.

It can be particularly useful when:

• Lubrication points are difficult or unsafe to access
• Machinery runs continuously
• Manual lubrication is frequently missed
• Small quantities must be delivered at regular intervals
• Different points require consistent measured outputs
• Contamination regularly enters bearings or fittings
• Equipment downtime is particularly expensive
• A fleet or production site contains many similar machines

An automatic system can reduce under-lubrication, over-lubrication, and unnecessary lubricant use while also limiting the need for engineers to access hazardous areas.

On the other hand, Manual Lubrication may remain more economical for small machines with only a few accessible points. A lubrication survey can help establish whether a single-point lubricator, multi-point unit or complete centralised system offers the most practical return.

The most suitable Automatic Lubrication System depends on the machinery, number of lubrication points, required lubricant output and operating environment. Rather than relying on a general rating, businesses should select a system that matches the application.

Notable options available from Lubricants SW include:

• BEKA-MAX Automatic Progressive Systems: Progressive system, designed to use grease up to NLGI 2 and suitable for industrial machinery, conveyors, plant, and quarry equipment.
• Pulsarlube M: A reusable electromechanical lubricator suitable where precise delivery or higher line pressure is required. It can support remote installation and multi-point lubrication for up to eight points.
• Pulsarlube M500: Designed for larger bearings and demanding industries such as mining, cement production, and steel manufacturing.
• Pulsarlube EX: An ATEX-certified option for electric motors and other equipment operating in certain hazardous environments.
• Pulsarlube OL500: An automatic oil lubricator with an adjustable output and a 500cc refillable reservoir.

Lubricants SW can also survey, design, install and maintain Automatic Lubrication Systems for industrial applications throughout the UK & Ireland.

Yes, Automatic Lubrication Systems can often be retrofitted to existing machinery without replacing the equipment.

A single-point lubricator may be installed directly onto an existing lubrication point or mounted remotely using suitable pipework. Larger machines can be fitted with a centralised system consisting of a reservoir, pump, controller, distributor blocks, and delivery lines.

Before installation, the machinery should be surveyed to identify its lubrication points, operating conditions, lubricant requirements and suitable installation locations.

Automatic Lubrication Systems are available for both oil and grease, although individual systems are generally designed for a particular type and grade of lubricant.

The correct choice will depend on factors such as the machinery manufacturer’s recommendations, bearing type, operating speed, temperature, load, and environmental conditions.

Oil and grease should not be treated as interchangeable. The lubricant must be compatible with the system’s pump, seals, pipework, and metering equipment.

Lubricants SW can help identify a suitable system for each lubrication and fill it with the grease or oil of your choice.

The refill interval depends on the reservoir capacity, dispensing rate, number of lubrication points, and the number of hours the machinery operates.

Some single-point lubricators, such as Simalube, are designed to dispense over a period of up to 12 months, while larger refillable systems may supply machinery for extended periods before requiring attention.

Reservoir levels should still be inspected regularly and refilled or replaced before the lubricant runs out. Delivery lines, fittings, warning indicators, and lubrication points should also be checked as part of routine maintenance.

No. Automatic Lubrication reduces the need for routine manual greasing, but it does not remove the need to inspect and maintain the machinery or lubrication system.

Operators should continue to check lubricant levels, pipework, fittings, pumps, and lubrication points for leaks, damage, or blockages. Any alarms or monitoring information provided by the system should also be reviewed.

Regular inspections help confirm that the correct lubricant is reaching every point at the intended rate.

Yes, specialist Automatic Lubrication Systems are available for demanding environments, including wet, dusty, high-vibration, and heavy industrial applications.

Equipment used in potentially explosive environments must have the appropriate certification for the particular area and operating conditions. For example, the Pulsarlube EX is designed for certain ATEX-classified applications.

The lubricant must also be suitable for the surrounding temperature, moisture, contamination, and operating load. Food manufacturing environments may require an appropriate Food Grade Lubricant and suitably designed equipment.