Pressure Lubricator & Lubricating Greases

Pressure Lubricator

In industries that heavily rely on steel wire ropes for industrial-scale and heavy-duty applications, regular lubrication is a crucial maintenance practice. This lubrication serves two primary purposes: enhancing safety and extending the lifespan of the wire rope by up to 300%.To ensure the correct application of high-performance lubricants, particularly for penetrating the greases into the wire rope and its core, the use of a pressure lubricator is the most effective method. pressure lubricators are specifically designed to ensure that the lubricant is evenly distributed throughout the wire rope, including its inner strands and core.
The advantages of using a pressure lubricator include:

Applications

Marine Industries and Vessel Maintenance
Maintenance of Cable-Operated Systems
Onshore and Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms
Cargo Handling and Shipping Operations
Use in Crane Cables and In-House Lifting Cords

Easy Installation

The Pressure Lubricator is easy to use. Split seals are fitted around the rope and clamped in place by the two halves of the lubricating chamber.
The unit is coupled to a high-pressure lubricating pump via flexible hose, and lubricant is forced into the lube chamber.
The unit is anchored by two chains to a convenient, stationary object. The pump is started and the wire rope is pulled through the Lubricator.

Key Features

Deep Penetration: Pressure Lubricators are capable of forcing the lubricant deep into the internal structure of the wire rope. This ensures that not only the external surfaces but also the internal strands and core receive adequate lubrication.
Even Distribution: These devices help in evenly distributing the lubricant along the length of the rope, avoiding over-lubrication in some areas and under-lubrication in others.
Efficiency and Effectiveness: Applying lubricant manually may not be as effective, especially for larger and more complex wire ropes. pressure lubricators ensure a more thorough and efficient application.

Safety and Consistency: Using a pressure lubricator minimizes the risk of uneven application, which can lead to premature wear and potential failure of the wire rope. It also ensures consistency in the maintenance routine.
Time-Saving: Compared to manual application, pressure lubricators save significant time, especially for long lengths of wire rope.
Cost-Effectiveness: In the long run, the correct application of lubricant can extend the life of the wire rope, reducing replacement costs and downtime.

Internal Corrosion Protection: By thoroughly lubricating the wire rope, a pressure lubricator helps protect against internal corrosion. This is especially important in harsh environments where the rope may be exposed to moisture and corrosive elements.
Effective Cleaning: Before re-lubrication, it is crucial to remove dirt and old grease from the rope. A pressure lubricator can effectively clean the rope, often using rotating wire brushes and air blast drying systems or a rope porcupine sleeve. This ensures that the lubricant can penetrate properly without being hindered by contaminants.

EAL / VGP Lubricating Greases for Mooring Wire Ropes

Katradis S.A. recommends using Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) that comply with the Vessel General Permit (VGP) due to their reduced environmental impact and adherence to rigorous standards. These lubricants must meet the following criteria:

Biodegradability: The rate at which a lubricant would break down into harmless components if released into the sea. This ensures minimal long-term environmental impact.
Eco-toxicity: How toxic a lubricant would be to marine life if it were released into the sea. Lower eco-toxicity means less harm to marine organisms.
Bioaccumulation: Evaluates the potential for chemicals to accumulate in the tissues of living organisms. Lubricants with low bioaccumulation are less likely to pose a threat to the food chain and the broader ecosystem.
Resistance to Washing Off: Good resistance to the washing off action of rain and seawater, as per ASTM D1264, indicates that the lubricant remains effective even in wet conditions.

Adhesion and Fling-Off: Excellent adhesion to surfaces ensures that the lubricant stays where it's applied, with a low propensity for fling-off, especially important in high-speed or high-motion applications.
Working Temperature Range: A wide working temperature range, from -25°C to +140°C, suggests the lubricant can perform effectively in a variety of environmental conditions, from very cold to very hot temperatures.
Resistance to Oxidation: As per ASTM D942, resistance to oxidation indicates that the lubricant can withstand degradation due to exposure to oxygen over time, maintaining its effectiveness and prolonging its life.

Katradis S.A. is capable of supplying lubricants that meet these criteria and are fully compliant with the VGP. For specific applications and more detailed recommendations, it is advisable to contact the company directly.

The combination of these properties makes such lubricants ideal for harsh maritime or industrial applications, ensuring reliable performance, environmental safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.