Norgren Lubricators User Manual

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ALE-14-A

Section 14

Contents

Lubricator Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALE-14-B

L07 Miniature Micro-Fog® Lubricator 1/8" and 1/4" Ports . . . . . . . ALE-14-2

L72 Excelon Micro-Fog and Oil-Fog Lubricator

1/4" and 3/8" Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALE-14-4

L73 Excelon Micro-Fog and Oil-Fog Lubricators

1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALE-14-6

L74 Excelon Micro-Fog and Oil-Fog Lubricators

3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALE-14-8

L64 Olympian Plus Micro-Fog and Oil-Fog Lubricators

1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4" Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALE-14-10

L68 Olympian Micro-Fog and Oil-Fog Lubricator

3/4", 1, 1-1/4", and 1-1/2" Ports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALE-14-12

L17 Micro-Fog and Oil-Fog Lubricators

3/4", 1", 1-1/4" and 1-1/2" Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALE-14-14

10-028 Oil-Fog Lubricator 1-1/2" Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALE-14-16

10-076 Oil-Fog Lubricator 2" Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALE-14-18

10-015 Micro-Fog Machine Bearing Lubricator,

8 to 32 Bearing Inch Ratings, 1/4" Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ALE-14-20

Lubricators

Compressed air tool lubricators are
available in modular or inline
models in port sizes from 1/8" to 2".
Machine bearing lubricators are
available in 8 to 32 inch ratings.

L07

L64M/C

L68

L17 10-028

10-076

10-015

L74M/C

L73M/C

L72M/C

Lubricator Overview

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ALE-14-B

1.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW

Norgren manufactures two main types of lubricators:
Oil-Fog and Micro-Fog. These units are mounted
directly into the pipe and add small amounts of oil
to the air flowing through them.

Oil Fog-Lubricators:

All the oil droplets seen in the sight dome are added
directly into the air flow. This results in relatively
large oil droplets passing downstream, suitable for
heavy lubrication applications eg single cylinders
and tools. Most competitive in line lubricators are
of the Oil-Fog type.

Micro-Fog Lubricators:

The oil droplets seen in the sight dome are atomized
and collected in the area above the oil in the bowl.
The smaller lighter particles are drawn into the air
flow and pass downstream.

As a result typically only 10% of the oil
seen as drops in the sight dome is passed
downstream. The remainder falls back into the oil
reservoir. Consequently, drip rate settings are
somewhat higher than their Oil-Fog equivalent. This
makes setting much easier, particularly in low flow
applications.

The fine Micro-Fog oil particles can travel
long distances through complex pipe work making
Micro-Fog lubricators suitable for multiple valve
and cylinder circuits.

1.2 WHAT ARE THE

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN

MICRO-FOG AND OIL-FOG?

1.2.1 Oil-Fog:

• Large oil particles not as fine as micro-fog.

• All oil drips seen in sight domes are

delivered downstream.

• For applications over short distances.

• Should be mounted at same level or higher

than device being lubricated.

• Standard bowls can be filled under

pressure. (Not on rapid cycle units).

• Suitable for heavy lubrication applications

eg single large cylinders and tools.

• Has a flow sensor which provides constant

oil output density for varying flows.

OIL-FOG LUBRICATOR

MICRO-FOG LUBRICATOR

1.2.2 Micro-Fog:

• Small oil particles; less than 2 micron.

• Only 10% of ‘drip rate’ is delivered

downstream as active lubricant (remainder
is returned to main oil reservoir).

• High drip rates make drip setting easier in
low flow applications.

• Can be mounted above or below the point
of application.

• Cannot be filled without shutting off
upstream air (unless a quick fill cap or
remote fill device is used).

• For use with lengthy air lines, multiple
valve and cylinder circuits.

• Has a flow sensor to provide an almost
constant oil output density for varying
flows.

1.2.3 Can Oil-Fog and Micro-Fog Units be

Converted?

Generally not, simply changing a green (Oil-Fog)
sight dome for a red (Micro-Fog) sight dome does
not change the function.

Some lubricators are designed around a

cartridge insert. In this case it may be possible to
swap the cartridge and sight domes to change the
function.

Metal bowl
sight glass

Sight
dome

Body

Flow
sensor

Check
valve

Bowl

Syphon
tube

Oil

Drain
(optional)

Sight
dome

Metal bowl
sight glass

Body

Flow
sensor

Generator
assembly

Bowl

Syphon
tube

Oil

Drain
(optional)

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ALE-14-C

1.4 SETTING LUBRICATOR
DRIP RATES

1.4.1 What is the Correct Drip Rate Setting?

The drip rate will depend on the application, the
amount of lubrication required, the flow through the
lubricator and the lubricator type. In Micro-Fog
lubricators only 10% of the droplets in the sight
dome are carried downstream. The drip rate in
Micro-Fog lubricators therefore tends to be much
higher.

The following table can be used to estimate
drip rate for required flow. This is very much a rule
of thumb. In practice it is necessary to fine tune the
oil drip rate in each application.

Typical Drip Rate Typical Drip Rate Approx
per Minute per Minute Flow
Micro-Fog Oil-Fog scfm

(dm3/s)

20 2 10 (5)
40 4 20 (10)
60 6 30 (15)
80 8 40 (20)
100 10 50 (25)
120 12 60 (30)

1.3.2 Can the Drip Rate be Shut Off?

In lubricators with needle valve type sight dome,
yes.

Some Norgren sight domes use a felt pad
which is soaked in oil at the point where the drops
are formed. With this type of sight dome the oil
droplets cease once the felt pad dries out.

With the new style dome (L72/73/74 and
L07) complete shut off is not possible. Minimum
adjustment for the drip rate is around 1 drop per
minute.

1.5 FILLING METHODS

1.5.1 Oil-Fog and Micro-Fog Lubricators:

The standard Oil-Fog lubricators can be filled under
pressure ie without switching off the upstream air.
When a fill plug is removed a check valve in the
lubricator body isolates the inlet pressure from the
bowl and the reservoir will depressurize. The
lubricator can then be filled with oil. When the fill
plug is replaced, the reservoir will re-pressurize.

The standard Micro-Fog unit can only be
filled without isolating the upstream pressure if a
remote fill or quick fill nipple accessory is fitted. To
remove the fill plug of a Micro-Fog lubricator whilse
under pressure can be dangerous. If in doubt shut
off the upstream air!

1.5.2 Remote Fill Devices:

The remote oil fill system provides a means of filling
from a remote fill point, a single lubricator or a bank
of lubricators manifolded together. The remote fill
point may be connected to a portable reservoir or to
a centralized, permanent reservoir. A portable
reservoir permits the use of different lubricants in
different groups of lubricators to suit the
requirements of the machinery being lubricated. The
lubrication oil must be fed in at a higher pressure
than exists in the bowl.

The devices are NOT intended for
connection to an oil feed line which is under
constant pressure from a pump or pressurized
reservoir. The device cannot reset until the pressure
is removed. Such lines are a potential safety hazard
if they should leak or become broken.

1.5.3 Quick Fill Nipples:

The quick fill system is an alternative which allows
ease of filling a single Micro-Fog or Oil-Fog
lubricator without switching off the mains air (on
some units the quick fill nipple replaces the filler
plug).

To fill the lubricator, a quick fill connector
piped to a portable oil reservoir is snapped in place
over the quick fill nipple. The main oil reservoir can
now be pumped (or pressurized) to a pressure
greater than the lubricator bowl and the lubricator
filled.

1.3 LUBRICATOR SIZING

Lubricators are sized by downstream flow
requirements. An analysis of air flow use must be
made. After determining how much air flow is
needed, a lubricator can be chosen. Manufacturers’
curves will be like the one shown. For example, 50
scfm of 90 psig lubricated air is required. Enter the
curve on the horizontal axis at the required flow.
Read up to intersect the 90 psig line. Read the
pressure drop on left, vertical axis as approximately

2.3 psid. Pressure drop should be less than 5 psid.
If pressure drop is more than 5 psid, choose a larger
lubricator.

Always be sure that the lubricants in your system are
compatible with the materials in the lubricator you
choose. This is especially important for plastic
lubricator reservoirs. If in doubt, check with the
factory or use a metal reservoir.

Flow Characteristics

bar

psig

.5

7
6

.4

5

.3

4
3

.2

Pressure Drop

2

.1

1
0

0

0
01020304050

20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 scfm

35 60 90 120 160 180 psig

60 70 80 90 100

Air Flow

dm 3/s

Lubricator Overview

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ALE-14-D

1.6 OPTIONS AND
ACCESSORIES

1.6.1 Where can Liquid Level Switches be
Fitted?

Liquid level detection methods can be attached to
the 1 quart bowl and 2 & 5 gallon tanks.

1.6.2 Where can Remote Fill and Liquid Level
Switches be Fitted?

The smaller bowls, L73 and up, are all capable of
either remote fill or liquid level detection (but not
both at the same time!). The 2 quart and 2 & 5
gallon tanks only can have the liquid level switches
fitted.

1.6.3 How do Liquid Level Switches Work?

Liquid level switches are bipolar reed switches
which change state when the float rises and falls.

Liquid level switches are normally

connected to give an electrical signal when the float
falls (ie when the liquid level is too low). In critical
applications the logic could be reversed. Maximum
and minimum settings are possible too.

1.7 LARGE TANKS/RESERVOIRS

1.7.1 Which Units have Large Tanks/Reservoirs?

All units in basic 1/2” and above have optional
larger bowls/tanks.

Olympian Plus and Excelon 74 are limited
to 1 quart as standard. For 2 and 5 gallon capacity
use 15/17 Series, or the 10-028/-076 (2”)
lubricators.

1.8 APPLICATION SPECIFIC

UNITS

1.8.1 Do we Make Bearing Lubricators?

These are aerosol type lubricators. These
lubricators use air to get the oil to the point of
lubrication, however the tool or application is not
powered by the air. Although produced by Norgren,
systems for their application are designed and sold
by Engineering and General Lubrication Systems.

1.8.2 What is a Fixed Venturi (Bi-Directional)
Lubricator?

Standard Norgren lubricators use a flow sensor to
achieve constant oil density with varying flows. In
some applications high flow is more important than
constant density and a fixed venturi can be used
instead of a flow sensor. It may also be useful in
systems with rapid cycling. Consult Air Line for
more details.

1.9 OILS

1.9.1 What Oils are Recommended?

Recommended oils fall into 2 categories:­1 Oils recommended for use with all Norgren

units (valves, cylinders, fittings and FRL’s).

2 Oils which can be used with Norgren

lubricators but not necessarily with other
Norgren equipment.

Refer to ALE-29-2 for recommended lubricants.

1.9.2 Can Non-Recommended Oils be Used?

Some oils can be tested for suitability, but Norgren
cannot be responsible for use of non-recommended
lubricants.

Lubricators Overview

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ALE-14-E

Problem

No Drip Rate

Oil Foaming

Oil Emulsified

Drip Rate changes after setting

Possible Cause

Oil adjustment knob fully clockwise.

Low oil level.

Airflow through lubricator too low.

Blocked oil filter screen.

Air leaks.

Over aeration.

Water in lubricator.

Fade.

Remedy

Readjust knob.

Check oil level.

Use smaller size lubricator.

Remove bowl and sight feed adjustment dome and
clear syphon tube.

Remove sight feed adjustment dome and clean or
replace screen located in dome assembly.

Check bowl, filler plug and sight dome seals.
Tighten if necessary.

Check bowl seals for slight leaks.

Fit filter immediately upstream.

Readjust drip rate.

1.10 SIMPLE LUBRICATOR TROUBLESHOOTING

See Section ALE-25 for Accessories

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L07

● Compact design

● Provides air line lubrication to one or more air driven

tools or other devices

● Nearly constant oil density output with varying air

flow

● All around (360°) visibility of the sight-feed dome

simplifies installation and adjustment

● Screw-on bowl reduces maintenance time

● Can be disassembled without the use of tools or

removal from the air line

Miniature Series 07 Micro-Fog

Lubricator 1/8" and 1/4" Port Sizes

ALE-14-2

ISO Symbols

No drain Manual drain

Port Size Model Numbers Flow scfm (dm3/s)* Weight lbs (kg)
1/8" L07-100-MPAA 10 (5.0 dm3/s) 0.28 (0.13)
1/4" L07-200-MPAA 14 (6.7 dm3/s) 0.28 (0.13)

Ordering Information. Models listed include PTF threads and transparent bowl with manual drain.

* Approximate flow at 90 psig (6.3 bar) inlet pressure and 7 psig (0.5 bar) pressure drop.

Alternative Models

Port Size Substitute
1/8" 1
1/4" 2

Threads Substitute
PTF A
ISO Rc taper B
ISO G parallel G

Option Substitute
Not applicable 0

Bowl and Drain Substitute
Transparent without drain Q
Metal with drain M
Transparent with drain A

Option Substitute
Not applicable 0

Flow Substitute

Unidirection P
Lubricator Type Substitute

Micro-Fog M

-

★PM★★

★

-

0★L 7

L07 Lubricators

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ALE-14-3

All Dimensions in Inches (mm)

Technical Data

Fluid: Compressed air
Maximum pressure

Transparent bowl: 150 psig (10 bar)
Metal bowl: 250 psig (17 bar)

Operating temperature*

Transparent bowl: 0° to 125°F (-20° to 50°C)
Metal bowl: 0° to 175°F (-20° to 80°C)

* Air supply must be dry enough to avoid ice formation at temperatures below

35°F (2°C)

Start point (i.e. minimum flow required for lubricator operation): 0.5 scfm

(0.24 dm3/s) at 90 psig (6.3 bar) inlet pressure

Typical flow at 90 psig (6.3 bar) inlet pressure at 7 psig (0.5 bar) pressure drop:

1/8" ports: 10 scfm (5 dm

3

/s)

1/4" ports: 14 scfm (6.7 dm

3

/s)
Nominal bowl size: 1 fluid ounce (31 ml)
Drain connection:Will fit 1/8-27 and 1/8-28 pipe thread
Recommended lubricants: See Section ALE-29.
Materials

Body: Zinc
Bowl

Transparent: Polycarbonate

Metal: Zinc
Sight-feed dome:Transparent nylon
Elastomers: Neoprene & nitr ile

Typical Performance Characteristics

1.63 (41)

1.45 (37)

7.21 (183)†

0.38 (10)

1.65 (42)

4.72 (120)

Manua Drai

Without Drai

7.60 (193)†

0.38 (10)

1.65 (42)

5.12 (130)

† Minimum clearance to remove bowl.

Service Kits

Item Type Part number
Service kit Seal and o-ring 3795-03
Replacement drain Manual 773-03

Service kit includes o-ring, seal, and bowl o-ring.

Panel mounting hole diameter: 1.9" (30 mm)
Maximum panel thickness:0.25” (6 mm)

PORT SIZE: 1/4"

psid

bar d

0.8

10

0.6
8

6

0.4

PRESSURE DROOP

4

0.2
2

0

0

0 4 8 12 16 20 24 scfm
0 2 4 6 8 10 dm3/s

FLOW CHARACTERISTICS

INLET PRESSURE: psig (bar g)

36

23

(1.6)

(2.5)

AIR FLOW

(4.0)

58

91

(6.3)

116

150
(10)

(8)

n

n

See Section ALE-25 for Accessories

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L72M, L72C

● Excelon design allows in-line or modular installation

● Quick release bayonet bowl

● Flow sensor provides a consistent oil/air ratio over a

wide range of flows

● Highly visible, prismatic liquid level indicator lens on

metal bowls

● All round (360°) visibility of sight-feed dome for ease

of drip rate setting

● Modular installations with Excelon 72, 73, and 74

series can be made to suit particular applications

Use Micro-Fog models in applications with one or more points of
lubrication.

Use Oil-Fog models to lubricate a single tool, cylinder or other air
driven device.

Excelon 72 Micro-Fog and Oil-Fog

Lubricator 1/4",3/8" Port S iz es

ALE-14-4

Alternative Models

L 7 2

-

★ ★ ★

-

★

P

★ ★

Type Substitute
Oil-Fog C
Micro-Fog M

Threads Substitute
PTF A
ISO Rc taper B
ISO G parallel G

Port Size Substitute
1/4" 2
3/8" 3

Options Substitute
None N
Pyrex dome P†

Drain Substitute
Closed bottom bowl E
1/4 turn manual Q

† For use with metal bowl with Pyrex sight glass

Bowl Substitute
Short metal with plastic liquid level indicator D
Short metal with Pyrex liquid level indicator R
Long metal with plastic liquid level indicator E
Long metal with Pyrex liquid level indicator U
Short transparent without guard T
Long transparent without guard L
Long transparent with guard W

Ordering Information. Models listed include PTF threads, manual drain, and long transparent bowl without guard.

* Typical flow with 90 psig (6.3 bar) inlet pressure and a pressure drop of 7 psig (0.5 bar).

Type Main Port Size Model Number Flow* scfm (dm3/s) Weight lb (kg)

†

Micro-Fog 1/4" L72M-2AP-QLN 51 (24) 1.1 (0.49)

3/8" L72M-3AP-QLN 51 (24) 1.1 (0.49)

Oil-Fog 1/4" L72C-2AP-QLN 51 (24) 1.1 (0.49)

3/8" L72C-3AP-QLN 51 (24) 1.1 (0.49)