Our founder, Carl Norgren, invented the Oil Fog Lubricator in 1927 and, some years later, the business pioneered the Micro Fog Lubricator. These units are mounted directly into compressed air lines and add small amounts of oil to the air flowing through them.
As the pneumatics industry Air Preparation experts, we are often asked what is the difference between the two types and what are the best uses for each? This quick product breakdown will give you the answers.
The Oil Fog Lubricator
When it comes to Oil Fog Lubricators, all of the oil droplets in the sight feed dome are added directly into the air flow. This results in relatively large oil droplets passing downstream. The majority of in-line Lubricators are Oil-Fog Lubricators.
The Micro Fog Lubricator
With Micro Fog Lubricators, the oil droplets in the sight feed dome are atomized and collected in the area above the oil in the bowl. The smaller, lighter particles or mist (sub 2 micron in size) are drawn into the airflow and are passed downstream. As a result, only around 10 percent of the oil seen as droplets in the sight feed dome is passed downstream. The remainder falls back into the oil reservoir. Consequently, drip rate settings are higher than their Oil Fog equivalent. This makes setting much easier, particularly in low flow applications.
What are the differences between types of application?
By definition, droplets in the Oil Fog Lubricator are bigger and, thus, heavier. This is ideal where heavier lubrication is required, for example with slow-moving, large bore cylinders, air motors and air tools. The air run, to the tool or component, should be over a short distance and either on a level or downhill. Conversely, the mist from the micro-fog is suited to complex systems, multi-valve and cylinder applications, manifolds. It will provide lubrication over long distances and for up-hill and complex pipework; this provides optimum protection for multiple components.
More information
Find out more by viewing our range of Oil Fog and Micro Fog Lubricators.