Abstract:
A portable lubricant filtration system and method is provided for facile pre-filtering of used or new lubricant prior to pumping the lubricant into its intended machinery.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Lubrication is an important aspect of maintaining machinery in proper operating condition. Machine elements such as bearings, journals, shafts, and joints require proper lubrication between their moving surfaces to decrease friction, prevent contamination, reduce wear and dissipate heat. Improper lubrication is likely to lead to premature component wear and component or system failure. 
     When determining the optimal lubrication between moving machine elements, many factors should be considered. These factors include the mode of operation of the machine, the type of machine element to be lubricated, the environment of the machine, the operating speed of the machine, the lubricant&#39;s viscosity, the lubricant&#39;s temperature, the lubricant&#39;s ingredients, and the lubricant&#39;s condition. 
     Lubricators supply a constant level of lubricant within a lubricant reservoir to a machine element. The lubricant level is predetermined for the particular application and cannot be changed during the operating time of the machine to which the constant level lubricator is attached. Although most lubricators provide reasonable performance in many steady-state operations, multiple variables can create unacceptable operating conditions and lead to premature wear, or even failure, of machine elements. The variables include “on” and “off” operating modes (machine cycling), oil viscosity, machine speed, lubricant temperature, lubricant vessel pressure, and lubricant condition. 
     Certain devices serve to indicate the status of the equipment&#39;s lubrication such as lubricant condition within acceptable levels, lubricant condition at the upper limit of acceptable levels, and lubricant condition immediate action required. These devices signal an operator when the lubricant condition is at the upper limit of acceptable levels or if immediate action is required. This reduces maintenance costs and productivity is enhanced. 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for ensuring new and in service lubricants are applied in proper condition. The design criteria of target equipment by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM&#39;s) ordinarily outlines specific target cleanliness levels of lubricants to maximize the equipment life expectancy. Unfortunately, “new” lubricants may not meet the required target cleanliness code and therefore should be filtered prior to being put into service. The present apparatus and methods can be used to both filter new lubricants and to reduce contamination levels of lubricants in service. This increases equipment reliability and reduces overall maintenance costs. 
     Presently, there are very few devices adapted to filter lubricants having viscosities greater than 500 SUS @ 100° F. A problem with filtering a high viscosity lubricant with a lower viscosity system is that the pump and filters are not designed to work with the higher pressures required to push high viscosity fluids through the system. As a result, the known low viscosity units operate primarily in “bypass” mode where little if any of the high-viscosity lubricant gets filtered. The present portable filter cart system provides a solution, and is specifically designed for use with high-viscosity fluid lubricants, such as gear oils. Further, the present system is able to filter oils and hydraulic fluid up to 7500 SUS @ 100° F. (1600 cSt @ 40° C.). Alternatively, the present system may be used to filter oils or hydraulic fluid of medium to low viscosity of less than 2000 SUS. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a portable lubricant filtration system that is compact, self-contained, and able to remove both particulate and fluid contamination from lubricants efficiently and economically. The device may be utilized to filter lubricants in existing systems or may be used to pre-filter fluids during transfer between containers or systems, and is readily able to service multiple pieces of equipment. 
     Actively filtering lubricants from storage drums can prevent contamination related problems. The present system can prevent contamination or remove it when used in daily operations, including filtering lubricant directly from a storage drum to fill totes and transfer containers. The present system may supplement filtration systems and provides an inlet and outlet for continuous flow and metering of lubricants. The present system may also include inlet and outlet sampling ports for monitoring system efficacy and condition of the lubricant. The present system is capable of delivering a flow up to 4 GPM and is rated for use with lubricants up to a viscosity of 7,500 SUS, depending on motor selection. The present portable system is adapted for use with a FRL filter to remove moisture and debris from the air line and is further provided with a plurality of spin-on filter elements. Alternatively, the present system may be capable of delivering a flow up to 14 GPM when rated for use with lubricants up to a viscosity of 2,000 SUS, depending on motor selection. When pneumatic system is utilized, removal of moisture and debris from the air line is accomplished using a plurality of spin-on filter elements. Differential pressure gauges help specify the filter element condition and the need for replacement. The present invention ensures that equipment receives the cleanest lubricant possible, for increased equipment life, and therefore provides a plurality of filter elements for increased holding capacity. 
     Elements of the present system include:
         Bypass valve to allow transfer of lubricant without filtering.   Lubricant sampling ports to monitor condition of lubricant.   Multiple filter elements—ability to utilize multiple filter elements for increased holding capacity and to remove water contamination.   Differential pressure gauges to indicate when elements need to be changed.   Heavy duty cart frame with industrial tires built for use in industrial applications and transport over large grate gaps.   Hose and wand assembly for aid in lubricant input and discharge, may be preferably constructed of heavy steel wire reinforced clear PVC hoses with long metal wands.   Drip pan to keep work area safe and clean during filter element changing:
 
Illustrative Specification:
       

                                             Pump Type   Preferably, Industrial Grade Gear Pump               or Pneumatic Motor           Flow Capacity   4 GPM—Electric; 3 GPM—Pneumatic           Pump Speed   1725 RPM—Electric Variable               Up to 3000 RPM—Pneumatic           Maximum Inlet   8″ of Mercury           Vacuum               Preferred Hose   1.25″ Diameter @ 6 ft Long           Sizing @ 2 ft/sec               Operating   110° F. Continuous (150° F. Limited Use)           Temperature               Pump By-Pass   Approximately 105 PSI           Filter By-Pass   Approximately 43 PSI           Maximum Viscosity   1600 cSt @ 40° C./7500 SUS           Suitable Seal and   Viton ®           Gasket Material               Electrical Service   120 Volts, 20 Amps, Single Phase, 60 Hz               (electric version only)           Air Inlet   ¼″ NPT Female (pneumatic version           Connection   only)           Max. Operating   100 PSI (pneumatic version only)           Pressure                    
Alternative Specification:
 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Pump Type 
                 Preferably, Industrial Grade Gear Pump 
               
               
                   
                 Flow Capacity 
                 14 GPM—Electric 
               
               
                   
                 Pump Speed 
                 1725 RPM—Electric Variable 
               
               
                   
                 Maximum Inlet 
                 8″ of Mercury 
               
               
                   
                 Vacuum 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Preferred Hose 
                 1.00″ Diameter @ 6 ft Long 
               
               
                   
                 Sizing @ 2 ft/sec 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Operating 
                 110° F. Continuous (150° F. Limited Use) 
               
               
                   
                 Temperature 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Pump By-Pass 
                 Approximately 100 PSI 
               
               
                   
                 Maximum Viscosity 
                 2000 SUS 
               
               
                   
                 Suitable Seal and 
                 Viton ® 
               
               
                   
                 Gasket Material 
                   
               
               
                   
                 Electrical Service 
                 120 Volts, 15.2 Amps, Single Phase, 60 Hz 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (electric version only) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Perceived advantages of the present invention include increased lubrication life; possibility to run at higher speeds; reduction in required oil level; maintain bearing life while consuming less oil; portability. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side plan view of the portable system illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear plan view of the portable system illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of a manifold unit for use in conjunction with the present lubricant filtration system; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of a manifold unit for use with a lubricant filtration system as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view illustrating fluid flow through a manifold according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
     As may be seen in the Figures, the present portable lubricant filtration system  10  generally includes a lubricant inlet  12 , through which lubricant is received into the system  10 , at least one filter element  14 , a distribution and control manifold  16 , and either an electrical pump  18 , preferably a internal gear pump, or pneumatic unit (not shown) if air driven pumps are available, or any other operable type of pumping mechanism. The lubricant inlet  12 , may be coupled externally to a conventional retrieval wand system (not shown) to facilitate the intake of lubricant from various sources. 
     From the lubricant intake inlet  12 , the lubricant is transferred into a filter element  14  by way of pump head  18  via manifold  16 . The filter element  14  is preferably a spin-on type filter and is coupled to the manifold  16  by way of a threaded connection. Lubricant is forced through one or more filter elements  14  where impurities including water are removed, into outlet  20 , and ultimately through a wand element (not shown) for dispensing of the filtered lubricant. 
     In a preferred embodiment, filter element(s)  14  and manifold  16  are coupled to an industrial grade electric gear pump, although, any-pump type, such as pneumatic, or direct motor driven pumps may be employed. 
     With particular attention to  FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  6  the distribution and control manifold  16  may be seen. As shown, the manifold  16  preferably includes an inlet  12 , an output  20 , bypass needle valve  22 , conventional relief valve  24 , check valve  26  for insuring direction of lubricant flow, and at least one sample port  28 . The manifold  16 , is further provided with at least one pressure gauge  30  at the upstream and downstream of each filter element  14 . The gauges  30  are provided to detect pressure differential in the system  10  which may indicate deterioration of the filter element(s)  14 . Deterioration of the filter element(s)  14  may indicate the need to replace the filter element(s)  14  to maintain filtration efficacy and reduce system downtime. 
     The manifold  16  is adapted to receive threaded or other easily detachable filter, elements  14 , such that each filter element  14  is easily detachable from the manifold  16 . This arrangement ensures that changing filter elements  14  after contamination can be readily and facilely be accomplished. With specific reference now to  FIG. 6 , fluid flow through the manifold  16  may be seen. Lubricant (not shown) enters the manifold  16  via intake  12  and, in usual operation, travels in the direction of arrows A to filter elements  14  and outlet  20 . In bypass operation, the lubricant may, after entering the manifold  16  and intake  12 , travel in the direction of arrows B through needle bypass valve  22  or relief valve  24  to outlet  20 . 
     As may be observed, sample ports  28  may be positioned to allow lubricant sampling at various points along the filtration process. For example, and as seen in  FIG. 6 , a sample port  28  may be positioned proximate the intake for baseline sampling of incoming lubricant, with an additional sample port  28  located along the stream path after the lubricant has passed through the filters  14  to monitor filtration effectiveness. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the rear view of components of the lubricant filtration system  10  of the present invention is shown. Brackets  32  serve as convenient hangers for carrying tubular wands (not shown) for use with the system  10 . As may be further seen, the present system is provided with a frame  34  to support the various system elements, and wheels  36  for ease in portability. 
     A method of filtration using the present system may include the steps of: 
     providing a filtration system having an inlet, an outlet, and at least one filter; 
     introducing a lubricant to be filtered into the inlet; 
     moving the lubricant along a fluid path toward the at least one filter; 
     filtering the lubricant in the at least one filter; 
     providing the system with at least one sample port; 
     removing the lubricant from the system through the outlet. 
     The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.