Locating Blockage in Series-Flo
®
Systems
Page 2
30101
R
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Trabon
®
Performance Indicators are pressure-sensitive devices
that pinpoint excessive pressure in Trabon series progressive
lubricating systems. These devices, which are installed in the
indicator ports of divider valves, signal a fault either by causing
an indicator pin to protrude or by releasing lubricant to the
atmosphere.
All Performance Indicators respond quickly to protect the lube
system and locate lube line blockage. Two of these devices - the
Reset Indicator with Memory and the Rupture Indicator - will stop
lube system operation when a fault occurs. If, however, lube
system operation must continue in spite of a single line being
blocked, the Automatic Relief Indicator should be used. Rupture-
to-Atmosphere Indicators for Trabon pumps are also included.
It is recommended that some type of Performance Indicator be
used to monitor every working outlet of a Trabon Centralized
Lubrication System.
Reset Indicator with Memory —
Reset Indicators stop lube system operation when a fault occurs.
These devices can be used in either master or secondary divider
valves. When a lube line becomes blocked, the resultant high
pressure pushes the indicator pin through the opening in the cap.
The high pressure prevents the affected divider valve piston from
completing its cycle, causing a pressure backup through the
divider valve which trips a pressure switch upstream from the
valve and shuts off the pump. The indicator pin remains extended
until it is reset manually. This helps locate the lube line that is
blocked.
Rupture Indicator —
Rupture Indicators are used on MSH divider valve applications
where lube system pressures exceed 2500 psi. The high
pressure from lube line blockage causes a disc to rupture. The
lubricant then forces an indicator pin to protrude, locating the
blockage. The high pressure backs up through the system and
trips a switch to shut the system off. When the fault is corrected,
the disc must be replaced and the pin reset manually.
Automatic Relief Indicator —
These Performance Indicators pinpoint lube line blockage but
allow the lube system to continue to supply lubrication to points
that are not blocked. They are used primarily in secondary
divider valves. The excessive pressure created by line blockage
moves a piston, enabling the lubricant to escape through a vent.
When the pressure is relieved, the spring resets the piston.
Because these devices permit the lube system to keep operating
when a lube point is blocked, a separate pressure switch
connected to an audible or visual alarm should be used to warn
of high pressure.
Rupture-to-Atmosphere Indicator —
These indicators, which are standard on all Lubriquip pumps,
provide pump protection and give visual indication of excessive
system pressure. The pressure disc ruptures at a predetermined
pressure setting, venting lubricant to the atmosphere and
relieving the high pressure. A spud assembly is available to
return vented lubricant to the reservoir by way of a tube. A high
pressure switch is recommended to provide an audible or visual
warning alarm that high system pressure has occurred.
LOCATING BLOCKAGE
If a blockage exists in a Trabon Series-Flo system it is caused
by one of the following reasons:
(1) Crushed transmission line in the System.
(2) Blocked bearing in the system.
(3) Improperly drilled fitting in the system.
(4) Blocked divider valve in the system.
All servicing and disassembling should be carried out under
the cleanest conditions possible. A blockage in a Trabon
Series-Flo system will be centrally signalled by a pressure
gauge, pressure switch, controller or by the pump relief
indicator, exhausting lubricant. Before proceeding as outlined,
make a visual inspection of the system and check for crushed
lines or improper divider valve installation. Verify that each
divider valve outlet required to discharge lubricant can do so
and that no pipe plugs have been installed in an outlet
designed to serve a bearing or another divider valve.
Use Filtered Lubricant Only.
Note:
Dirt and foreign material are the worst enemies of any
lubricating system.
Procedure —
Step No. 1 —
Use a manual pump with a gauge. Fill the pump with clean,
filtered lubricant common to the system. Connect the manual
pump into the inlet of the master divider valve and slowly
operate pump. If system will not cycle freely below 1,500 PSI,
see Step 2.
Step No. 2 —
2-1. Master Divider Valve Equipped With Performance
Indicator:
With manual pump connected to the master divider valve as
outlined in Step 1, raise pressure to 2,000 PSI, the indicators
in the indicator ports will signal the location of the blockage.
An indicator in the up position indicates pressure is in that
outgoing line and signals the blockage is in the area being
served from this outlet, as shown in Figure C. See Step 3.
If no indicator pins are protruding, the blockage is in the
master divider valve.
2-2. Master Divider Valve Without Performance
Indicators:
With pressure on the master as outlined in step 2-1, remove
one at a time each indicator port plug and attempt to operate
manual pump after each plug is removed. Do not exceed
2,000 PSI. If pressure drops and master cycles freely after an
indicator port plug is removed then blockage is downstream in
the area that is being served from that outlet. See Step 3.
If all indicator port plugs are removed and master will not
cycle, blockage is in this divider valve.
Note: When indicator port plug of a blocked area is removed
a small shot of trapped lubricant will usually surge out of this
outlet as the inlet pressure on the divider valve drops.
If testing in Step 2 (1 or 2) indicates a blockage in the master
divider valve, this divider valve must be disassembled and
cleaned. See Step 5 for instructions on correct procedure.
