United States

Lubricators MD4 Series Installation & Operating Instructions

Overview

ROSS Controls, founded in 1921 with over 100 years of leadership in fluid power, offers the Modular Lubricators MD4 Series as the lubrication component of the ROSS MD4 modular air preparation platform. Designed for seamless integration with ROSS MD4 filters, regulators, and integrated filter/regulators, the MD4 lubricator delivers precise, adjustable oil delivery to protect downstream pneumatic components within complete FRL (Filter-Regulator-Lubricator) assemblies.

The MD4 lubricator operates on the sight-feed principle, with an external tamper-resistant adjusting knob for oil delivery rate control. Filling is accomplished by removing the fill plug or the bowl assembly while the system is depressurized and locked out. Light Spindle Oil 80-120 SSU at 100°F is the recommended oil; avoid oils with graphite, soap fillers, or phosphate additives. The lubricator must be installed vertically with the bowl at the bottom, downstream of all filters and regulators.

For technical assistance, contact ROSS at 1-800-GET-ROSS or visit www.rosscontrols.com.

Key Features

Native MD4 Modular Platform Integration

The MD4 Series lubricator is engineered specifically for the ROSS MD4 modular air preparation platform, sharing the same manifold interface dimensions as MD4 filters and regulators. This allows complete FRL assemblies to be constructed using common modular clamp connections (R-A118-105 or R-A118-105M, torque 30-40 in-lbs), reducing piping complexity and improving system compactness.

Sight-Feed Oil Delivery Monitoring

The nylon sight dome provides a clear visual indication of oil drop rate, allowing maintenance personnel to verify correct lubrication delivery during routine inspections without system shutdown. Adjusting the external knob controls delivery: clockwise reduces oil flow, counterclockwise increases it. One drop per minute is appropriate for most applications.

Bowl Options for Different Applications

The MD4 lubricator is available with polycarbonate (rated to 150 psig) and metal bowl (rated to 200 psig) options. The polycarbonate bowl provides transparent oil level visibility; the metal bowl accommodates higher pressures and elevated temperatures up to 175°F. Extended bowl versions provide greater oil reservoir capacity for applications with longer service intervals.

Technical Specifications

  • Platform: ROSS MD4 Modular Air Preparation Series
  • Construction Design: Sight-Feed
  • Fluid Media: Compressed air
  • Oil Type: Light Spindle Oil 80-120 SSU at 100°F
  • Polycarbonate Bowl Temperature Range: 40° to 125°F (4° to 52°C)
  • Metal Bowl Temperature Range: 40° to 175°F (4° to 80°C)
  • Polycarbonate Bowl Max Pressure: 150 psig (10 bar)
  • Metal Bowl Max Pressure: 200 psig (14 bar)
  • Oil Adjustment: External, tamper-resistant
  • Seals: Nitrile
  • Modular Connection Torque: 30-40 in-lbs (R-A118-105 or R-A118-105M bracket)
  • Mounting: Vertical, bowl at bottom

Applications

Complete MD4 FRL Assemblies

The MD4 lubricator is the final stage of a complete ROSS MD4 filter/regulator/lubricator assembly. Used together with the MD4 integrated filter/regulator (SS-IFR006) and MD4 remote pilot regulator (SS-R016), these three modular components provide filtered, pressure-regulated, and lubricated compressed air in the most compact and standardized format available in the ROSS product line.

OEM Machine Building

OEM machine builders specify the MD4 platform for its compact dimensions, modular assembly, and consistent port geometry across product generations. The lubricator can be integrated into the machine's main air preparation manifold or supplied as a standalone unit on a branch circuit supplying a specific actuator group.

Safety and Compliance Standards

Depressurize and lock out air pressure before filling, cleaning, or servicing. Do not use compound oils containing graphite or soap fillers. Compatible lubricants must be petroleum-based, ISO 32 or lighter viscosity, aniline point 180°F to 220°F. Avoid phosphate-additive oils. For polycarbonate bowls: use only with compressed air, install shatterguard, avoid chemical attack substances, replace cracked or crazed bowls immediately.

Installation and Setup Guide

MD4 System Installation Steps

  • Step 1: Depressurize and lock out air pressure.
  • Step 2: Assemble the lubricator into the MD4 modular system using R-A118-105M bracket; torque screws 30-40 in-lbs.
  • Step 3: Install vertically with bowl at the bottom.
  • Step 4: Fill with Light Spindle Oil 80-120 SSU at 100°F.
  • Step 5: Install downstream of all MD4 filter and regulator stages.
  • Step 6: Pressurize and adjust oil delivery rate using the external adjusting knob.
  • Step 7: Monitor oil drop rate via sight dome; adjust as needed.

Why Choose ROSS Controls

ROSS Controls, founded in 1921 with over 100 years of leadership in fluid power, engineers air preparation systems for the most demanding industrial environments. The MD4 modular platform simplifies machine design, reduces assembly labor, and ensures consistent compressed air quality at every point of use. Contact ROSS at 1-800-GET-ROSS or www.rosscontrols.com.

Download This Document

PDF download: https://ross-admin-global-us-east.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/document_language_file/file/210/ROSS_Lubricator_Inline_MD4_Series_SS-L022.pdf

Related Products and Resources

  • Integrated Filter/Regulators MD4 Series (SS-IFR006)
  • Remote Pilot Piston Regulators MD4 Series (SS-R016)
  • Lubricators Full-Size Series (SS-L005)
  • ROSS Air Preparation Catalog — www.rosscontrols.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the MD4 lubricator compatible with non-MD4 systems?

A: The MD4 lubricator uses the MD4 modular interface. It can be installed as a standalone inline lubricator with appropriate adapters, but is optimized for use within ROSS MD4 modular assemblies.

Q: What oil type is recommended?

A: Light Spindle Oil 80-120 SSU at 100°F. No compound oils with graphite, soap, or phosphate additives.

Q: What is the maximum pressure for the polycarbonate bowl version?

A: 150 psig (10 bar).

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

A: 200 psig (14 bar).

Q: What torque is required for modular connection?

A: 30-40 in-lbs when using modular clamp connection brackets R-A118-105 or R-A118-105M.

Q: How do I adjust the oil delivery rate?

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

Q: Can the MD4 lubricator be used with elevated temperatures?

A: Yes, with the metal bowl option: rated to 175°F (80°C). The polycarbonate bowl version is limited to 125°F (52°C).

Q: How do I contact ROSS Controls?

A: Call 1-800-GET-ROSS or visit www.rosscontrols.com to locate your authorized ROSS distributor.