Progressive lubrication system – An Overview

A progressive lubrication system channelizes the lubricant flow of a pump into distinct

progressive openings by using a progressive spool arrangement. The standard concept
allows a quick substitution of a damaged or blocked element.

The progressive system is convenient to control and monitor, can be fed with a pneumatic,
electric, or manual pump, and is configured to use modular and base dividers
simultaneously. Additionally, it delivers constant lubrication as long as the pump operates.
Once the pump stops functioning, the pistons of the progressive metering device will
also stop.

These lubrication devices comprise the progressive system, which is functional with oil
and grease.
This solution is suitable for large, medium, and small machinery with multiple aspects that
require complete control of machine lubrication operations (textile machines, presses,
woodworking machines, and machine tools.

When to use a progressive system?

A progressive lubrication system is appropriate in the following situations:

- Medium or small-sized total loss grease or oil lubrication systems.

- Cost-effective and convenient monitoring.
- Manual, electric, or pneumatic pumps
- Ability to work in marine environments and ATEX zones 

How does a progressive system work?

A progressive system supplies lubricant into a single opening of a progressive metering

device through a configured number of outlets. Since the metering valves are in sync,
each piston can distribute lubricant only when the previous piston has finished its delivery.
Therefore, a blocked outlet will cause the malfunction of every progressive divider.

Usage guidelines of a progressive system

It is crucial to know that each piston represents an element or segment. Additionally, a

divider must have a minimum of three working segments. A progressive divider is a
persistent system that supplies lubricant until no inlet force remains. Further, an ultrsensor
stops the pump after fulfilling the requirement of a predetermined volume of lubricant.

 A progressive lubrication solution involves a maximum of three levels of

progressive blocks. These three levels are tertiary, secondary, and master.
 If an element or segment is blocked or damaged, effectively bottlenecks the entire
system. Therefore, inspecting a single segment or element is sufficient to oversee
an entire lubrication solution.
 It is important to have a pressure of at least 20 to 25 Bars at the divider block inlet.
Moreover, it is vital to consider the pressure declination deriving from the length of
the channel employed to supply the system with lubricant.
 Applications of a progressive system

 Construction machines
 On-road trucks such as waste press and snow removal
 Agricultural machines such as sugarcane loaders, manure spreaders, balers, and
harvesters
 Wood recycling yards
 Asphalt mixing plants
 Wind turbine generators
 Food and beverage facilities such as washing machines and fillers
 The oil and gas industry reciprocating or rotary compressors

Conclusion

Progressive systems distribute lubricants to the moving machine components to prevent

friction, premature failure, and heat generation. Lubricants also avert thermal expansion,
which consequently deteriorates the effectiveness of machines. Therefore, you must
choose the most suitable lubrication system for your machinery.