Multi-point automatic lubricators boost uptime and productivity

Automatic lubrication systems help to eliminate failures related to excessive or insufficient lubrication, and help to significantly reduce overall operational costs, asserts bearing and lubrication specialists SKF.

“Automatic multi-point lubricators are increasingly becoming an essential component for maintenance programmes,” says SKF product manager: MaPro, Eddie Martens.

The company’s MultiPoint Automatic Lubricator TLMP series consists of a centralised, ready-to-use lubrication system that is designed to automatically lubricate multiple bearing lubrication points in rotating equipment, particularly suited for applications where there are multiple lubrication points. The system has been specially developed by SKF for industrial applications as well as agricultural and off-road vehicles.

Supplying from one to as many as 18 lubrication points, the cycle control sensor of the multipoint automatic lubricators is designed to ensure the delivery of the appropriate lubrication quantity to outlets at the required frequency. This aims to minimise friction and wear, which helps to optimise bearing life, boost bearing performance and equipment reliability, and increase uptime and production.  

Worker safety is highlighted as another benefit of the automated lubrication system. "Lubricant points are often in very hard-to-reach locations. With an automatic lubrication system in place, technicians or operators are no longer put in risky situations having to manually apply lubricant while machinery is operating,” explains Martens. A further safety feature is that the TLMP system is equipped with low-level and malfunction alarms which alert operators when the reservoir is empty or when an outlet is blocked. In addition, the system enables machine steering to temporarily disable lubrication by removing power.

The system features a metal housing, a one-litre reservoir capacity, and a stirring paddle to prevent grease separation, making it suitable for more lubricants. The pump element has a maximum operating pressure of 120 bar and the system also includes pluggable outlets available in various voltages.

The durable TLMP series features a IP67 protection rating and is engineered to resist vibration, withstand repeated equipment washdowns and prevent contaminant entry in the machinery environment.

The series is supplied in a complete kit fitted with a lubricator, required tubing, and connectors. The system is easy to install and program, using a keypad with an LED display.