Supply of compressed air flows through a 5-micron filter / regulator assembly and is controlled by two integrated solenoid valves:-
INJECTOR AIR VALVE supplies "operating air" to cycle the oil injectors
NOZZLE AIR VALVE supplies "spray air" to the nozzle, via a pressure regulator
Each oil injector has a positive displacement / fixed volume of 0.015 cu. cm or 0.060 cu. cm. When pressurized, lubricant is dispensed out of the metering chamber, through a non-return valve to the spray nozzle via a 4 mm (3/16") OD oil supply line. Each precision oil spray nozzle also has an integral non-return valve which maintains pressure within the oil supply line between the system and the spray nozzle assembly.
The injector serves a multi-function purpose of dispensing and monitoring both air and oil to a spray nozzle. Due to the stackable modular design there has been a significant reduction in the amount of tubing and connectors necessary to assemble the unit.
Internal porting within the spray nozzle assembly allows the regulated air supply to mix with the oil supply in a precision mixing chamber downstream of the nozzle check valve. It is at this point the air acts as a transport media, shearing the oil into large droplet formations then “carrying” the oil from the nozzle outlet to the chain.
The injector valve is cycled on / off at a rate of up to 1 Hz. When the injectors are cycled at a fast rate, a thick film of oil is deposited on the inner walls of the mixing cavity and tip of the nozzle. When air is introduced, the oil migrates along the inner walls and the result is a thick continuous pattern of oil.
When the injectors are cycled at a slow rate the film thickness is reduced, resulting in a thinner pattern of oil.
General System Requirements
injector cycle rate signal
nozzle air solenoid signal
interface with low-level switch & system air pressure switch
a suitable supply of compressed air, 70 - 120 psig
