Graco Maxi-Flo System User Manual

MASTER DIVIDER

VA LV E

LARGE BEARINGS

SECONDARY

DIVIDER VA LVES

MAXI-FLO

PUMP

Maxi-Flo® System

DESCRIPTION

The Graco® Maxi-Flo® System consists of the compact Maxi-Flo
pump/control package and Trabon MJ Divider Valves to provide
positive, automatic, centralized series lubrication for low pressure
applications. Designed for machinery requiring oil lubrication,
the self-contained, easy to install package includes a reservoir,
electrical motor driven positive displacement pump, and a choice
of three control modes.

The amount of lubricant supplied to the system is adjustable and
can be controlled by a timed cycle, a stroke count cycle (machine
operation), or wired directly to the machine control system.

The MJ Divider Valve, the heart of the Maxi-Flo system, contains
precision match honed pistons of different diameters to accurately
meter oil in various quantities. The series progressive design and
operation of the MJ Divider Valves provide positive displacement
of lubricant to all points at all times. Variations in viscosity due
to changes in temperature or types of lubricant will not affect the
positive delivery of oil to the lube points.

The system consists of a Maxi-Flo pump and MJ Series Divider
Valves. MJ Divider Valves are positive displacement, Series-Flo
type. Each valve piston must complete its stroke, dispensing a
measured amount of lubricant to the location it serves before the
inlet flow is ported to the next valve position.

The master divider valve, or first divider valve in the system,
receives the full flow of oil from the pump, and divides it to the
secondary divider valves. The secondary divider valves then
re-divide the oil to the bearing points. The actual amount of oil
necessary to satisfy each lubrication point determines the size
of the piston serving that outlet. The size of the pistons and the
number of intermediate sections determine the total flow as well
as the distribution of oil. A wide variety of arrangements are
possible by combining the output of one or more intermediate
sections (referred to as crossporting).

SYSTEM OPERATION

In a Maxi-Flo system the divider valves operate in a sequential
manner (See Figure 1). Figure 2 illustrates a typical system.
Refer to engineering slide card No. 412-C.

Figure 1

The divider valve is self-cycling and no reverser is required. It
is made up of 3 or more intermediate sections which contain
metering pistons. The pistons move progressively back and forth.

Figure 2 Typical Maxi-Flo System

There is a number and a letter stamped on each intermediate
section of the divider valve. The number is the output (for each
position stroke) of that intermediate section per cycle of the
divider valve in thousandths of a cubic inch., The S or T indicates
single or twin outlets. An S intermediate section is designed to
discharge oil to only one point. The T intermediate section, or
twin, discharges oil to two points.

Singling and crossporting can be accomplished internally
(intermediate sections can be ordered as singles or twins), or with
an external singling or crossporting bar.

Trabon® Maxi-Flo® System

Inlet

5T

10T
15S
10S

End

.005 .010 .020 .030 .010 .005

124

Ratio

1 Cycle

62 1

Actual Cu. In.

Relative
Amounts

1

2
3

4

5

6

7

8

.080

Lubricant

MJ Divider Valve

Si ze

Volum e ( in

3

)

Pe r Out let

5T .005

10T 5S .010

15T .015

10S .020

15S .030

A

B

3

2

A
B

3
2

1.5 to 1

=

=

T = Two Outlets S = One Outlet

Figure 3

L23110

Relative Size of A to B

Figure 4 The Basic Ratio

To obtain the basic ratios of a group of bearings, divide the lubricant
requirements of each bearing by the smallest oil requirements of the
group. (Refer to calculating lube requirements, Trabon Application
Engineering Lit. No. L20115.)

Example:

Bearing

A 2 1

B 3 1.5

C 4 2

A = 2/2 =1 B = 3/2 = 1.5 C = 4/2 = 2

Unit of Oil Required in a

Given Time Period

Basic Ratio

Crossporting joins two adjacent intermediate sections, thus
combining their capacities.

Example: 15 S & 15 S yields .060 cu.in./cycle
10 S & 10 S yields .040 cu.in./cycle

A wide range of ratios are available.

Example:

5T & 15S

10T & 15S

10T & 15T

15S Sections

0.030

0.005

0.030

0.010

0.015

0.010

0.060

0.005

= 1:6

= 1:3

= 1:1.5

= 1:12

SYSTEM DESIGN

Proportioning—

The proportioning of oil in a Maxi-Flo system depends on the
relative size of the pistons in a divider valve. Therefore, to size the
pistons correctly one need only know the relative size of the oil
requirements. This relative size is called "The Basic Ratio."

This illustration shows both the relative and actual quantity of oil
discharged during one complete cycle of the divider valve.

It can be seen in Figure 5 that the total oil discharged by the divider
valve during one cycle is .080 cubic inches. Conversely, if .080
cubic inches of oil is supplied to the inlet of this divider valve it will
complete one cycle.

(One cycle equals Ts x 2)
(Where Ts = total of intermediate section sizes)

Figure 5 Proportioning

Examples:

By multiplying the basic ration by the smallest intermediate section
capacity (5) the actual section size can be determined.

Page 2

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Typical Machine

Letter-Bearing Location

A

B

C

D

JK

LM

N

P

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Q

R

S

T

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X

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Typical Machine

5S

5T

10S

15S

5T
5S

15T 5S

15S

10S

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15T

5S

5T

10S

1

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2

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5

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Letter-Bearing Location

5T

5S

10S

5S

Group

Design Volume

Cu.In./Hr.

L23110

The design procedure for a Maxi-Flo centralized lubrication system
is as follows:

Survey machine (See Figure 6 machine survey) and group 1.
bearings

Determine type of Maxi-Flo pump best suited for the 2.
application

Time Controlled •
Stroke Controlled •
Remote Controlled (Refer to Graco Product Specs •

and Ordering Lit.)

Calculate bearing requirements (Refer to Lit No. L20115)3.

Note: In systems where central pressure signaling is
desired the following is recommended:

If the oil to be used in the system is less than 2000 SUS
(actual), substitute .010 cubic inches per hour (design
volume) for all bearings where the calculated volume is less
than .010 cubic inches per hour. If using oil above 2000
SUS (actual), substitute .005 cubic inches per hour (design
volume) for all bearings where the calculated volume is less
than .005 cubic inches per hour. Oils with viscosities less
than 300 SUS (actual) are not recommended.

When a whole number cannot be obtained, use the next higher
whole number. In this case the 18.5 ratio requirement will be a
10 S size intermediate section, thus providing .020 cubic inches
per cycle.

DESIGNING A MAXI-FLO SYSTEM

Design secondary divider valve assemblies4.

Design master divider valve assembly5.

Determine total system oil requirement in cubic inches per 6.
hour

DESIGN PROBLEM

MJ Divider Valves are to be used with a .001 cu.in/hour oil film
replacement rate. A SAE 30wt oil is to be used in the system, and
a central pressure signal is desired. The Maxi-Flo time control unit
has been selected to supply the system.

The machine contains 25 lubrication points which have been
grouped. Lube volumes have been assigned to groups 3—6.
(See Figure 6 machine survey). Groups 1 and 2 are contained on
machine bearing list Figure 6, and will be used as the example for
designing the divider valves.

Page 3

Figure 6 Machine Survey

Trabon® Maxi-Flo® System

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Brg. Dia.2 x Rows = Area A x T* = Vol./Hr

A (4) X 1 = 16 In

2

16 X .001 = .016 Cu. In./Hr.

B (4) x 1 = 16 In

2

16 x .001 = .016 Cu. In./Hr.

C (3) x 1 = 9 In

2

9 x .001 = .009 Cu. In./Hr.

D (3) x 1 = 9 In

2

9 x .001 = .009 Cu. In./Hr.

*T = .001 cubic inches/hour oil film replacement rate.

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B

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Brg. Dia. x L x = Area A x T* = Vol./Hr

E 3 X 4 X 3.14 = 38.0 In. 38.0 x .001 = .038 Cu. In./Hr.

F 3 x 4 x 3.14 = 38.0 In. 38.0 x .001 = .038 Cu. In./Hr.

G 2 x 2.5 x 3.14 = 16.0 In. 16.0 x .001 = .016 Cu. In./Hr.

H 1 x 2 x 3.14 = 6.0 In. 6.0 x .001 = .006 Cu. In./Hr.

I 1 x 2 x 3.14 = 6.0 In. 6.0 x .001 = .006 Cu. In./Hr.

*T = .001 cubic inches/hour oil film replacement rate.

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1

6

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3

4

10T

Master

“MJ” Divider

2

Pump

5T
10T
10S

5S

5S
5S
5T

15S

5T

5S

15T
10S

10S

5S

5S

Group #1

#2

#3 #6 #4 #5

.052

.100.104

.208

.112

.052

Cu. in./hr.

.63 cu. in./hr.

5T

10S

5S

10S

15S

15T

5T

5S

L23110

DESIGN PROBLEM (Continued)

Figure 7 Machine Bearing List

Given the above information, the next step is to design the secondary
divider valves.

Design Secondary Divider Valves —

Group 1 illustrates four single roller bearings (See Figure 7).1.

Group 2 —
Plain Bearings — Vol = π DL x T*

Design Master Divider Valve —

List design volume for groups1.

Group 2 illustrates five plain bearings (See Figure 7).2.

Group 3 thru 6 are not detailed; however total design volumes 3.
(cu.in./hr.) and MJ divider valves are shown.

Group 1 —
Single row roller bearings — Vol = D2R x T*

Design master divider valve — consider each secondary 2.
divider valve as a point, with the total design volume required
equal to the total of all points served by the secondary divider
valves.

Note: Do not third state Maxi-Flo systems

Page 4

Trabon® Maxi-Flo® System

L23110

DESIGN PROBLEM (Continued)

Maxi-Flo Pump Settings —

(For units having 115 V 60 Hz service only)

Time Control —
The time control unit Part No. 563379 (521-500-910) was selected
to supply the example system, therefore set the Solid State Timer
for "on" time required. See Lit. No. L13110.

Note: In systems where central pressure signaling is required
the pump should not be set for less than .120 cubic inches per
hour.

Stroke Control —

If stroke control unit Part No. – (521-500-420) is selected to supply
system, first determine electrical connections to machine cycle
control. Second, determine the average machine cycles per min.
(SPM). Third, determine the system design volume per hr. (Dv).
Fourth, using the following formula, calculate the pump stroke
setting (Ssc).

Formula #1 (*0.06) x (SPM) x (B)

Ssc = Dv

Where: Ssc =

SPM =

Should the calculated stroke setting fall between stroke increments
of the pump counter, it is necessary to calculate the actual output
delivered at both the higher and lower stroke settings and choose
the appropriate setting. Use the following formula to determine the
outputs at both settings.

Formula #1 (*3.6) x (SPM)

Output (cu.in) = Ssa + C

Where: Output =

Example:

A machine requires 2.77 cu.in. of lubricant per hr. to satisfy the
lube system. The machine averages 30 strokes per min. when in

Calculated stroke setting for
pump counter

Average machine strokes per
minute

System design volume, cubic

Dv =

inches per hour

A = *8.33 x Dv

B = *60 - A

Actual pump output, cubic
inches per hour

SPM =

Average machine strokes per
minute

Actual stroke setting for pump

Ssa =

counter

C = (*0.5) x (SPM)

*Constants

*Constants

operation. To determine the proper stroke setting, use Formula #1,
as above and proceed as follows:

(0.06) x (SPM) x (B)

Dv

Solve for B A = 8.33 x Dv

= 8.33 x 2.77

= 23.07

B = 60 - A

= 60 - 23.07

= 36.93

(0.06) x (30) x (36.93)

Ssc = 2.77

24 Required stroke setting to

Ssc =

satisfy system requirements

The calculated stroke setting of 24 is between the 16 and 32
settings on the stroke counter. Therefore, outputs at the 16 and 32
stroke settings must be calculated to determine which setting would
be more appropriate to use. Outputs can be determined by using
Formula #2, as follows:

Output (cu.in.) =

Solve for C C = 0.5 x SPM

32 Stroke Setting

Output (cu.in.) =

Output (cu.in.) =

Output =

16 Stroke Setting

Output (cu.in.) =

Output (cu.in.) =

Output = 3.484 cu.in./hr @ 16 stroke setting

The lube system requirement was 2.77 Cu.In./Hr. If the 32 stroke
setting were selected (2.298 Cu.In./Hr.), the system would receive
17% less lubrication than required. If the 16 stroke setting was
selected (3.484 Cu.In./Hr.). the system would receive 26% more
lubrication than required. A decision can now be made s to
which stroke setting would be more appropriate for the particular
application.

Note:
The pump volume can be increased by lowering stroke settings
and decreased by increasing stroke setting.

3.6 x SPM
Ssa + C

= 0.5 x 30

= 15

3.6 x 30

32 + 15

180

47

2.298 cu.in./hr @ 32 strokes

setting

3.6 x 30

16 + 15

180
31

Page 5

REMOTE CONTROL

INSTALLATION

If remote control pump unit, Part No. 563376 (521-500-430) is
selected the following recommendations for pump setting should
be followed:

To determine total pump run time per hour, divide the total system
design volume (cu.in. pr hr.) by the pump delivery rate per minute
(.120 cu.in./min.).

In the example, the total design volume is .628 cu.in./hr. thus,
.628 ÷ .120 = 5.22 minutes/hour. It is recommended that one
quarter of the total design volume be supplied to the system every
15 minutes therefore, the remote control should provide 1.3 min.
(78 sec.) of "on" time every 15 minutes.

Note:
In systems where central pressure signaling is desired the
pump "on" time should not be less than .5 min. (30 sec.) per
each cycle time.

Because of the low volume capabilities of the Maxi-Flo system, it
is recommended that 1/8" O.D. (.020 wall) copper/nylon tubing
be used throughout the system, from the pump to master divider
valves, master divider valves to secondary divider valves, and
secondary divider valves to lube points.

Hose should be used only when absolutely necessary. A 3/16"
inside diameter L.V.E. (low volumetric expansion) hose is
recommended.

All divider valve assemblies should be centrally located to the lube
points they serve to provide the shortest feed lines possible.

As in any lube system all air should be removed from the Maxi­Flo system for effective oil delivery to lube points (see Lit. No.
L30103). Installation of Graco manual reset indicators Part No. –
(509-931-000) in working outlet of divider valves is recommended
in order to facilitate system troubleshooting.

All written and visual data contained in this document are based on the latest product information available at the time of publication. Graco reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Contact us today!

To receive product information or talk with a Graco representative,
call 800-533-9655 or visit us online at www.graco.com.

©2006-2009 Graco Inc. Form No. L23110 Rev. B 3/09 Printed in U.S.A. All other brand names or marks are used for identification purposes and are trademarks of their respective owners. All written and
visual data contained in this document are based on the latest product information available at the time of publication. Graco reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.