Lubricators High-Capacity Series Metal Bowl Installation & Operating Instructions

Overview

ROSS Controls, founded in 1921 with over 100 years of leadership in fluid power, offers the Inline Lubricators High-Capacity Series with Metal Bowl for industrial compressed air systems requiring reliable, adjustable oil mist lubrication for downstream pneumatic components. The metal bowl construction provides maximum operating pressure of 200 psig (14 bar) and a temperature range up to 175°F (80°C), making these lubricators suitable for high-pressure and elevated-temperature environments where polycarbonate bowls are not appropriate.

The sight-feed design uses an external, tamper-resistant adjusting knob to control oil delivery rate. A nylon sight dome provides a clear view of oil droplet rate for visual monitoring. Rotating the adjusting knob clockwise reduces oil delivery; counterclockwise increases it. Removing the adjusting knob renders the lubricator tamper-resistant, preventing unauthorized adjustments in production environments.

The lubricator must be installed vertically with the bowl at the bottom, downstream of all filters and regulators in the air line. Fill with Light Spindle Oil 80-120 SSU at 100°F. For questions, contact ROSS at 1-800-GET-ROSS or visit www.rosscontrols.com.

Key Features

Metal Bowl High-Pressure Capability

The aluminum metal bowl construction is rated for operating pressures up to 200 psig (14 bar) and temperatures from 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C). This makes the metal bowl High-Capacity lubricator the right choice for systems operating above the 150 psig polycarbonate bowl limit, including industrial presses, high-pressure actuators, and any application where polycarbonate bowl use is inappropriate due to chemical exposure or temperature.

External Tamper-Resistant Oil Adjustment

The external adjusting knob allows oil feed rate changes while the system is pressurized and operating, without interrupting downstream air supply. For tamper-resistant operation, the adjusting knob is removable. The sight dome monitors oil feed rate visually — confirming drops per minute — and allows quick assessment of lubricator status during routine inspections without system shutdown.

Serviceable Cartridge Assembly

The internal cartridge assembly is removable for inspection and replacement by unscrewing four screws. When reinstalling the cartridge, hand-start the screws to ensure the self-tapping screws re-engage original threads. The fill plug, bowl ring, and bowl assembly can all be cleaned independently without full disassembly. The metal bowl is available in standard and extended configurations for increased oil reservoir capacity.

Technical Specifications

Construction Design: Sight-Feed
Ambient/Media Temperature (Metal Bowl): 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C)
Fluid Media: Compressed air
Maximum Operating Pressure (Metal Bowl): 200 psig (14 bar)
Oil Adjustment: External, tamper-resistant
Body: Zinc
Bowl: Aluminum bowl with clear nylon sight glass; extended aluminum bowl with two clear nylon sight glasses available
Bowl Ring: Nylon
Sight Dome: Nylon
Seals: Nitrile
Oil Type: Light Spindle Oil 80-120 SSU at 100°F (do not use compound oils with graphite, soap fillers, etc.)
Fill Plug Kit: R-A28-53 (old); R-ABL237-105, R-ABL237-100H, R-ABL237-105H (new)
Cartridge Kit: R-A29-20
Manual Draincock: R-103-51SP

Applications

High-Pressure Industrial Air Lines

Wherever compressed air systems operate at pressures above 150 psig, the metal bowl High-Capacity lubricator is the required choice. Pneumatic presses, large cylinder actuators, and high-pressure pneumatic tools benefit from the oil mist lubrication that reduces wear in cylinders, seals, and directional valves throughout the system.

Elevated-Temperature Environments

Manufacturing environments with ambient temperatures above 125°F — near furnaces, dryers, or heat-treating equipment — demand metal bowl lubricators that can withstand 175°F without bowl failure or chemical attack. The metal bowl construction is also resistant to many chemicals and compressor oil additives that attack polycarbonate bowls.

Safety and Compliance Standards

Depressurize and lock out air pressure before filling, cleaning, or servicing the lubricator. The metal bowl is rated for 200 psig maximum; do not exceed this pressure. Use only compatible lubricants — petroleum base oils with oxidation inhibitors, ISO 32 or lighter viscosity, aniline point 180°F to 220°F. Avoid phosphate-additive oils (e.g., zinc dithiophosphate) and diester oils that damage polyurethane valve components downstream. Do not use compound oils containing graphite or soap fillers in this lubricator.

Installation and Setup Guide

Installation Steps

Step 1: Depressurize and lock out all air pressure.
Step 2: Ensure upstream pipes are free of excessive dirt and liquids.
Step 3: Install the lubricator as near as possible to the device it serves.
Step 4: Orient the lubricator so air flows from inlet to outlet as shown on the head.
Step 5: Install vertically with the bowl at the bottom — this is mandatory for correct operation.
Step 6: Install downstream of all filters and regulators in the air line.
Step 7: Fill with Light Spindle Oil 80-120 SSU at 100°F through the fill plug or by removing the bowl assembly.
Step 8: Re-pressurize and adjust the oil feed rate using the adjusting knob. One drop per minute is typical for most applications.
Step 9: Monitor oil drop rate through the sight dome; adjust clockwise (less) or counterclockwise (more).

Why Choose ROSS Controls

ROSS Controls, founded in 1921 with over 100 years of leadership in fluid power, manufacturers high-quality air preparation products including lubricators that protect downstream pneumatic components and extend equipment life. The High-Capacity Metal Bowl Series provides premium performance in demanding industrial environments. Technical support is available at 1-800-GET-ROSS or www.rosscontrols.com.

Download This Document

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum operating pressure for the metal bowl?

A: 200 psig (14 bar) maximum.

Q: What oil type should be used?

A: Light Spindle Oil 80-120 SSU at 100°F. Do not use compound oils containing graphite, soap fillers, or phosphate additives.

Q: Can the lubricator be mounted horizontally?

A: No. The lubricator must be installed vertically with the bowl at the bottom for correct oil delivery and operation.

Q: How is the oil feed rate adjusted?

A: Turn the external adjusting knob clockwise to reduce oil delivery or counterclockwise to increase delivery. Monitor drop rate through the nylon sight dome.

Q: How do I make the lubricator tamper-resistant?

A: Remove the adjusting knob to prevent unauthorized changes to the oil feed rate setting.

Q: When should the cartridge assembly be replaced?

A: Replace the cartridge assembly if the lubricator cannot be restored to proper function by cleaning with soap and water.

Q: Where should the lubricator be installed in the air line?

A: Downstream of all filters and regulators, as near as possible to the device it serves.

Q: What is the temperature range?

A: Metal bowl models: 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C) for both ambient and media.