More and more machines – whether stationary or mobile – use centralized lubrication. Centralized lubrication systems help to ensure that all lubrication points receive the exact required quantity of lubricant at the right time. If, however, a lubrication line breaks, the lack of lubrication could result in bearing damage that can be very expensive. Downtime, removal and installation of the affected parts, as well as the procurement of spare parts, cost valuable time and money. Furthermore, escaping lubricant can have a significant negative impact on the environment, and can also incur expensive clean-up and disposal costs.
As a result, SKF has developed a Lincoln Hose Connection Control (HCC). This unit shows immediately and reliably when damage occurs. Therefore, consequential damage to the lubrication point can reliably be avoided. The system works on a simple electrical principle that is fully independent of line lengths, ambient temperatures, and pressure differential or pressure losses. It can be used on metal and hose lines for the entire centralized lubrication system, and can be easily retrofitted to construction machines.
Simple concept
For mobile machinery, the negative terminal of the battery is used as ground with the chassis. The Lincoln HCC also uses this concept. The basic unit comprises an analyzer unit, a connector that acts as an electric isolator between the lubrication line and the lubrication metering device, and a connector cable to the analyzer. Of course, the lubrication hoses must be electrically conductible, which is achieved with a copper strand or a metal armor. The lubricant on the other hand, cannot be conductible.
The analyzer requires 12 or 24 Volt DC. At 24 VDC, a maximum of 20 hoses can be monitored, and at 12 VDC, it is half the amount. For multiple monitoring, the isolators are in series, whereby a connector module is required. From the last isolator, an electrical cable goes to the analyzer. This configuration enables the lubrication lines to act simultaneously as wires in an electrical circuit. If the electrical circuit is closed, a green LED indicates that no faults are present in the monitored lubrication hoses. If the circuit is interrupted, a red LED immediately lights.
The activated or no-fault signal can be relayed to a higher-level display that can be located on the dashboard or in the cabin of the earth moving machine. The operator then immediately knows if there is a fault and the cause can be investigated before serious damage occurs. Also, the monitoring of the lubrication lines is not limited from the lubricant metering device to the lubrication point. The mainline from the pump to the metering device can also reliably be monitored.
Cost-effective due to few components
The electrical hose connection control system is characterized not only by its reliability, but also by its simplicity. In comparison to other systems, no pressure rise or decline is necessary for the required sensors. Special pressure regulating valves or restrictors for checking the lines are eliminated. The comparative minimal number of components of the SKF Lincoln system results in low costs, even when retrofitting.
NLGI 2 Lubricant greases are used. The operating pressure is rated to 350 bar, and the HCC can be used at operating temperatures from -50 to +70 OC
Source:
SKF GmbH
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