Control units for central lubrication systems
Central lubrication systems supply a large number of different lubrication points and are correspondingly complex. Progressive lubrication systems, for example, are able to supply up to 150 different lubrication points in succession with a precisely defined amount of lubricant. Single-line systems also serve the simultaneous supply of many lubrication points and are switched at intervals depending on the time or the machine cycle in order to compensate for the loss of lubricant due to evaporation and aging. In order to implement the complex switching sequences in central lubrication systems, control units such as the models IG36, IG38 or IG502 from SKF are used.
The control units have the primary task of triggering the lubrication cycle. This means that the devices trigger a signal depending on a parameter such as time and ensure that one or more points are supplied with fresh lubricant. The control units also regulate the pause duration, i.e. the time between two lubrication cycles. In addition, the devices are able to record thermodynamic variables such as pressure, volume flow, fill level of the lubricant reservoir or the number of strokes or cycles. In this way, it is possible to monitor the complex central lubrication system holistically and to take appropriate countermeasures in the event of malfunctions.
In the control units, a distinction is made primarily between models for single-line lubrication systems and progressive lubrication systems.
Control devices for single-line lubrication systems
Control units in single-line systems have the task of specifying the lubrication cycles. The device therefore acts as a pulse generator and counter and specifies the frequency with which the lubrication points are supplied with grease or oil. The IGZ36 model allows the user to set both the interval time and the delay time. In addition, the pressure build-up and the subsequent pressure relief are monitored using the control unit.
The IGZ36 and IG36 control units work either with direct voltage or alternating voltage with a nominal frequency of 50 to 60 Hz. The device can be used at operating temperatures from 0 to 60 ° C and is able to monitor the lubricant reservoir using an NC contact. The control units have various operating modes that can be used to regulate the single-line lubrication system. For example, the user can choose between the modes pulse generator, pulse counter, pulse monitoring, pressure build-up monitoring, pump run-on time or level monitoring.
The comparable control units with the type designations IG38 and IGZ38 are able to individually set the pause time and limit the pump running time. The devices are also used in single-line lubrication systems and monitor the fill level of the lubricant reservoir with either an opener (NC) or a closer (NO).
Control units for progressive lubrication systems
Progressive lubrication systems are characterized by the fact that the lubrication points are successively supplied with lubricant. The functionality of the control units is adapted accordingly to this operation. The model of type IG 502 can be used, for example, in progressive systems of commercial vehicles and industrial plants and works as a pulse generator or counter as required. The IG502 control unit is characterized by the fact that it can also be used in single-line lubrication systems and can therefore be used universally.