1. Open the Lubricator.

2. The middle section in the lubricator is the lubricating chamber. This is where the lubricant enters at high pressure and coats the cable. On either side of the Lubricating Chamber there are slots for seals to fit in.

The internal diameter (ID) of the seals should be preferably 1-2 mm less than the umbilical/wire rope (OD) diameter.

When inside the lubricator, the conical (cup) surface of the seals on either side of the lubricating chamber, should point toward the lubricating chamber. Install seals by opening them at their splits and fitting them on umbilical/wire rope. Place the lubricator fitting the seals on either side of the lubricating chamber. Turn the seals so that when lubricator is closed, the seal splits will face the lubricator wall and not any opening. The lubricator should now be closed. Tighten the bolts enough to seal the lubricator. (DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN)

3. The lubricator uses two chains tied to its side tabs to keep it stationary during the lubrication process. The lubricator has chain tabs on both ends, use the tabs on end where the cable enters. The other end of the chains is anchored to any strong support such as a handrail.

4. Check both ends of the lubricator to see if the seal-splits are tightly closed and there are no voids or gaps. (IF THE SEAL SPLITS ARE NOT TIGHTLY TOGETHER IT CAN RESULT IN SPILL/WAISTAGE OF THE LUBRICANT AND INADEQUATE LUBRICATION).

5. A good coat and penetration of Snokote CL deep within the armor layers is achieved by controlling the speed of cable and adjustment of lubricant pressure inside the Lubricating chamber. By adjusting the air flow going into the pump, lubricant pressure inside the lubricating chamber can be controlled. Air supply to the pump is required between 85 – 100 psi. During lubricating a compact, non rotating cable/wire rope and with good seals, the pressure inside the lubricating chamber will rise, allowing Snokote CL to penetrate deep into the armor layers.

When Snokote CL inside the pail (or drum) is about to run out, lubrication should be halted and empty pail replaced to avoid any dry run of the cable.

6. An indication of a good lubrication is a thin layer of Snokote CL on cable surface. If thick blobs appear check the condition of seals and replace them if necessary.

7. It should be emphasized that lubricant penetration into the armor depends upon the condition of the cable/wire rope you are lubricating. If the cable has so much corrosion that there are no gaps left within the steel armor for lubricant to penetrate, then cable lubrication will not result in much benefit. Cables should not be allowed to deteriorate to this extent. A regular schedule of lubrication on a cable every 3-4 months should provide excellent results and should keep the cable corrosion-free and looking like-new for a long time.

ROVSCO, Inc.