Understanding Oil-Air Lubrication Systems: Precision Lubrication for Demanding Industrial Conditions
Release time:
2024-08-06

Oil-air lubrication systems are widely used in industrial equipment operating under heavy loads, high speeds, and high-temperature conditions. With their advantages of energy efficiency, precision lubrication, and long service life, these systems ensure accurate lubricant delivery while providing both lubrication and cooling effects for critical mechanical components.
How Oil-Air Flow Is Generated
The key transmission medium in an oil-air lubrication system is the oil-air flow. Its formation is based on a well-defined operating principle.
Inside the pipeline, compressed air flows at a high velocity of approximately 50–80 m/s, while the lubricating oil moves forward at a much slower speed of about 2–5 cm/s. The strong airflow generates shear force and driving force that push the lubricant along the inner wall of the pipeline.
Because the velocity difference between air and oil is extremely large—often exceeding a thousand times—the lubricant does not become atomized. Instead, it remains in the form of oil droplets or a thin oil film while traveling through the pipeline. Even when the mixture reaches the outlet, the oil and air remain essentially separate, ensuring that the lubricant reaches the lubrication point accurately and efficiently.
Intermittent Oil Supply with Continuous Airflow
Oil-air lubrication systems typically operate using a precise control strategy of intermittent oil supply combined with continuous air supply.
The oil supply is controlled by a PLC system, which delivers a measured quantity of lubricant into the pipeline at preset intervals. Both the supply interval and the amount of oil delivered can be adjusted according to the actual consumption of each lubrication point and the operating load of the equipment. This enables precise, on-demand lubrication while avoiding excessive oil consumption.
Meanwhile, compressed air is supplied continuously. The continuous airflow spreads the intermittently supplied oil along the inner wall of the pipeline, forming a stable and continuous oil film that moves steadily toward the lubrication points.
Dual Advantages for Reliable Equipment Operation
This design offers two key advantages. First, the continuous airflow ensures that lubrication points constantly receive fresh and clean lubricant, preventing the accumulation or degradation of old oil that could cause equipment wear.
Second, the precisely controlled intermittent oil supply guarantees that each lubrication point receives a uniform and accurately metered amount of lubricant over time. This ensures effective lubrication, cooling, and sealing while significantly reducing lubricant consumption.
By combining precision control, efficient lubrication, and reduced oil usage, oil-air lubrication systems provide a reliable solution for maintaining the long-term stability and performance of industrial equipment.
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