Centralized Lubrication Operated by Gravity
Page 57
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
WE need not go into full details of the usefulness of centralized lubrication, as the fact that several large commercial chassis have over 80 nipples which require attention from the grease gun sufficiently emphasizes the value of such a method. The system which is designed by Ripaults, Ltd., of 1, _King's Road, London, N.W.1, is operated by gravity, oil being carried in a container which, in the case of commercial vehicles+, is divided into five parts, whence it percolates through tubing to various parts of the chassis. The object of dividing the tank into five parts is to allow each portion to, serve one-fifth of the chassis, so that, in the case of leakage occurring, it may le quickly detected owing to localization of the, lubricating system. Ordinary engine oil may be employed
in the device.
The oil is conducted down leads to the various components, the former being encased in varnished cotton tubes, which, in turn, are covered by flexible metal tubes. The outer covering is so designed as to prevent the pipes becoming twisted or stretched.
The oil is supplied to parts of the chassis in proportion to the amount required. If the components be moving freely, they receive an ample supply of oil, whilst if they are practically stationary the supply of lubricant is limited. At the end of each lead a bolt is situated, which has a wick running
through its centre, and it is through this device that the oil finally passes to the bearing surface.
The Ripault appliance may be quite easily adapted to existing chassis. The design is greatly simplified by the absence of devices for delivering the oil under pressure to the various components of the chassis, thus minimizing the risk of the lubricating system failing to function. While at the works of Ripanits, Ltd., we saw a vehicle which had been standing unattended for about six weeks and we noticed only one small spot of oil, which had leaked from the shackle of one of the rear springs. This says a good deal for the efficiency of the system.