Single-line (oil/grease)
Compact and economical for manageable point counts and short lines.
- Easy installation
- Low costs
- Good retrofittability
System types
System types & distribution principles
Oil and grease systems (NLGI 00–2) with single-/dual-line, progressive, circulating or minimum-quantity lubrication – matched to layout, distances and medium.
Dual-line (grease)
For long lines, low temperatures and harsh conditions.
- Robust & reliable
- Long ranges
- Large plants
Progressive & circulating
Progressive: monitored distribution; circulating: oil circuit for high speeds.
- Monitoring (stroke/pressure)
- Constant quality
- Process reliability
Planning
Planning & design
Lubrication points, quantities/intervals, viscosity or NLGI, line lengths/temperature – these determine pump performance, metering devices, valves, cross sections and reserves.
- 1
Analysis
Lubrication points, environmental conditions, targets (quality/availability).
- 2
Design
Quantities/intervals, pressure losses, selection of pump/metering device/lines.
- 3
Implementation
Assembly, commissioning, documentation & training.
Documentation & handover
Quantities per point, cycles, lubricant data and maintenance instructions – for reproducible quality.
- Bill of materials & plans
- Parameterisation
- Maintenance intervals
Applications
Monitoring, industrial & mobile applications
Machine tools, conveyor technology, packaging, food – as well as trucks, construction & agricultural machinery.
Monitoring & safety
Pressure, flow & stroke sensors send messages (OK/warning/alarm) to HMI/PLC; limit values prevent under- and over-supply.
- Line break/blockage
- Temperature/oil quality (circulating)
- Trend & inspection
More in the knowledge hub.
Existing plants
Retrofit instead of replacement
Obsolescence, recurring faults and changed operational requirements are the three signals where a targeted retrofit is usually worth more than a 1:1 replacement of a component.
When retrofitting makes sense
If a pump, distributor or sensor system repeatedly causes problems, the cause usually lies deeper than the part being replaced.
- Recurring faults shortly after the repair
- Obsolescence of components
- Plants that were expanded or used more intensively
What makes a good retrofit
It starts with analysing the current state, not with the product list.
- Name the critical lubrication points
- Identify the messages that are missing
- Plan the maintenance routine after modernisation
Commercial effect
Retrofitting is not automatically more expensive than replacement — it replaces several individual measures one after another.
- Fewer unplanned stops
- Simpler spare-parts supply
- Standardisation across plants
In depth, with the decision criteria: retrofitting existing plants. If it is only about individual components, the direct route is spare parts and retrofits.
Economics
Calculating cost and ROI reliably
Anyone who only compares purchase price and lubricant consumption is calculating too narrowly. The actual lever is availability, maintenance time and controlled lubrication quality.
Maintenance time
Record manual lubrication time per week or month — the block that is quickest to evidence.
Wear costs
Evaluate the wear and repair history instead of assessing the effect only after a total failure.
Downtime costs
Make unplanned stops visible in monetary terms. Usually the largest item, not the lubrication time saved.
Predictability
In industry, OEE is the strong reference value; in fleets and construction machinery it is predictable service and longer life for stressed assemblies.
Practical recommendation: calculate conservatively and document the current situation cleanly — that is how technology becomes a business case. The full calculation with all four blocks is in correctly calculating ROI for central lubrication.
Start project
Planning, products & service from a single source – oil & grease, monitored and documented.
FAQ
FAQ about central lubrication
What is central lubrication and why is it useful
A central unit supplies several lubrication points automatically and as needed - consistent in quantity and quality. This reduces downtime and wear.
What systems are there
Oil and grease systems (NLGI 00-2) with single/dual line, progressive, circulation or minimum quantities - depending on the layout, route and medium.
Which system suits my application
Depending on number of lubrication points, line length, temperature and process requirements: single-line, dual-line, progressive or circulation.
How is the lubricant selected
Based on viscosity/temperature window, ambient conditions and pump compatibility; H1 lubricants are used for food-related areas.
How is monitoring and connection to PLC/HMI carried out
Via pressure, flow and stroke sensors with status and alarm functions; control interfaces increase process reliability.
How quickly does it pay off
Typically 6-18 months – depending on previous downtimes, consumption and maintenance effort.
Knowledge