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Air Lubricators

Air Lubricators

The lubricator is a key pneumatic component, providing precise lubrication to prevent wear and sticking of cylinders and valves, extending equipment life, and ensuring smooth operation. Fokca lubricators use Venturi micro-mist technology, atomizing oil into micron-sized droplets evenly carried in the airflow. Oil feed is fully adjustable with stepless drip control, and a high-visibility PC window allows real-time monitoring. Ports range from G1/8" to G1", compatible with various systems. Bowl options include transparent PC plastic, PC with metal guard, and full metal .


What is an Air Lubricator?

An air lubricator is a key component in pneumatic systems responsible for lubrication. Its function is to atomize lubricating oil into fine mist particles and evenly introduce them into the compressed air stream, providing continuous, uniform, and controlled lubrication to downstream components such as cylinders, valves, pneumatic motors, and air tools.


In pneumatic systems, although compressed air can drive components, it does not provide the necessary lubrication. Lack of lubrication can lead to dry friction of seals, piston sticking, and valve spool wear, significantly reducing the service life of components.


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The lubricator utilizes the Venturi principle to atomize oil into micron-sized particles, which are carried by the airflow to various lubrication points. These particles form an oil film on moving surfaces, reducing friction, minimizing wear, and preventing corrosion.




Why is an Air Lubricator Needed?


IssueConsequenceHow the Lubricator Solves It
Dry seal wearPremature wear of seals in cylinders and valves, leading to air leakageProvides continuous oil supply to form a lubricating film on seals
Piston stickingIncreased resistance; unstable motion due to lack of lubricationAtomized oil evenly coats the cylinder wall for smooth movement
Valve spool wearSlow response or sticking due to poor lubricationOil mist lubricates internal parts, extending service life
Rusting of metal partsMoisture causes internal corrosionOil film isolates moisture from metal surfaces
Reduced tool performanceEnergy loss due to insufficient lubrication in mechanismsPrecise lubrication ensures efficient operation




Core Value of Air Lubricators


· Extends component lifespan: Proper lubrication can increase the lifespan of cylinders and valves by 3–5 times

· Reduces failure rate: Minimizes downtime caused by wear and sticking

· Improves efficiency: Reduces friction and energy loss

· Ensures reliability: Maintains smooth and responsive operation




Key Advantages of Fokca Air Lubricators


Precision Adjustable Oil Feed


Equipped with a precision needle valve for stepless adjustment of oil feed rate (from a few drops to dozens of drops per minute), allowing accurate matching with downstream consumption and avoiding under- or over-lubrication.


High-Visibility PC Sight Dome


A high-transparency polycarbonate (PC) sight window allows clear monitoring of oil drip rate (drops/min) and oil level, enabling timely maintenance.


Multiple Bowl Types and Capacities


· Transparent PC bowl: Standard, easy to monitor oil level

· Full metal bowl: Suitable for high-pressure and low-temperature environments

· Capacity options: From mini (25 ml) to large (500 ml+)


Various Port and Thread Options


Available in thread sizes from G1/8" to G1", supporting BSPP (G), BSPT (R), NPT, and other standards.


One-Stop Coverage of Major Brands


Compatible with mainstream brands such as SMC, FESTO, and Airtac for easy selection and reliable supply.

· FESTO OFR Series: German precision, sensitive adjustment, excellent atomization, ideal for high-end automation

· SMC AL Series: Large flow capacity, widely used, stable and reliable adjustment

· Airtac AFC/BFC Series: Compact (AL) for limited space, standard (BL) for higher flow, cost-effective



FAQ


Q1: How often should oil be refilled?
A: It depends on bowl capacity, drip rate, and downstream consumption. General recommendations:

· Check oil level daily

· Refill when below 1/3

· For continuous operation, inspect 2–3 times per week

· Models with refill-under-pressure allow refilling without stopping


Q2: How to adjust the oil drip rate?
A:

1. Start the system and allow air to flow

2. Observe oil dripping in the sight window

3. Adjust the needle valve: clockwise to decrease, counterclockwise to increase

4. Set an appropriate rate (typically 3–10 drops/min)

5. Monitor for stability after adjustment


Q3: Why is there no visible oil dripping?
A: Possible causes:

· Low oil level → refill

· Needle valve closed → open it

· Insufficient airflow → check upstream supply

· Blocked suction tube → clean or replace


Q4: Must the lubricator be installed after the regulator?
A: Yes. The lubricator should be installed downstream of the filter and regulator because:

· The filter removes contaminants to prevent blockage

· The regulator stabilizes pressure for consistent atomization

· Proper sequence (Filter → Regulator → Lubricator) prevents oil from entering the regulator 


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