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Volumetric Lubrication Systems
Overview
The volumetric system is based on Positive Displacement Injectors (PDI). A precise, predetermined volume of oil or soft grease is dispensed to each point unaffected by temperature or viscosity of the lubricant. Both electric and pneumatic pumps are available to ensure a discharge up to 500 cc/minute via a range of injectors extending from 15 mm³ to 1000 mm³ per cycle.
Single line lubrication systems are a positive hydraulic method of delivering lubricant, either oil or soft grease under pressure to a group of points from one centrally located pumping unit the pump supplies lubricant to one or more metering valves. The valves are precision measuring devices and deliver an accurate metered volume of lubricant to each point.
Positive displacement injector systems are for low or medium pressure oil or grease lubrication systems. These systems are precise in their lubrication delivery, and some models are adjustable, so a single injector manifold can be used to deliver different amounts of oil or grease to different friction points.
Injectors are alternately activated and deactivated at regular intervals. Oil and fluid grease discharges from the injectors when the system reaches operative pressure.
Electric Pumps
Electric pumps are designed for centralized lubrication systems where consistent, automatic oil or grease delivery is required. CME pumps are compact units with transparent reservoirs, making them easy to monitor and well suited for smaller or medium-sized machinery. MPT pumps offer a wider range of options, available with steel, plastic, or nylon reservoirs in various capacities, and can handle different pressure ranges depending on the model. For heavier-duty applications, the Elektra pump provides robust performance with higher output for demanding grease systems. Together, these options cover everything from light equipment to large, industrial-grade lubrication needs.
CME Electric Oil Pump 3 L Plastic Reservoir
200 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 81.O3.CT.24V
MPT Electric Oil Pump 5 L Steel Reservoir
500 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 60.822.4
MPT Electric Oil Pump 12 L Steel Reservoir
100 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 50.200.0
MPT Electric Oil Pump 3 L Plastic Reservoir
100 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 60.821.0.115
MPT Electric Oil Pump 3 L Plastic Reservoir
500 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 60.822.0
MPT Electric Oil Pump 3 L Plastic Reservoir
100 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 50.000.1
MPT Electric Oil Pump 6 L Nylon Reservoir
100 cc/min • Oil
SKU: 50.100.0
Elektra Heavy-Duty Electric Grease Pump
150-300 cc/min • Grease
Pneumatic Pumps
PRA Pneumatic Oil Pumps are compact, air-driven units for single-line volumetric lubrication systems, delivering a fixed 13 cc of oil per cycle at 4–7 bar inlet pressure. Compatible with oils from 50 to 1000 cSt at 40 °C, they provide precise, reliable lubrication for small to medium machines where automation is needed. Available with 1-liter nylon, plastic, or steel reservoirs, PRA pumps pair with Ilcomatic 3 or 4 metering valves to ensure consistent dosing and reduced manual maintenance.
PRA Pneumatic Oil Pump 1 L Nylon Reservoir
13 cc/cycle • 4-7 bar air • Oil
SKU: 00.221.0
PRA Pneumatic Oil Pump 1 L Plastic Reservoir
13 cc/cycle • 4-7 bar air • Oil
SKU: 00.223.1
PRA Pneumatic Oil Pump 1 L Steel Reservoir
13 cc/cycle • 4-7 bar air • Oil
SKU: 00.227.5
Manual Pump
The PRD-13 is a hand-operated lubrication pump designed for single-line volumetric systems using oil. Built with a 1 L nylon reservoir and a spring-return lever, it delivers 13 cc of oil per stroke, enough to charge the connected metering valves. The pump generates up to 35 bar pressure on the line, then automatically relieves pressure so the valves can reset before the next cycle. An internal strainer in both the suction tube and filler cap keeps the lubricant clean. Suitable for oils between 50 and 1000 cSt, the PRD-13 is compact, durable, and reliable for small machines or as a manual backup when automation isn’t required.
Pairs with:
- Ilcomatic 3 Metering Valves
- Ilcomatic 4 Metering Valves
PRD-13 Manual Oil Pump
1 L Nylon Reservoir
13 cc/cycle • 35 bar • Oil
SKU: 00.123.0
Hydra Hydraulic Grease Pump
The Hydra is a hydraulic-powered pump engineered for demanding centralized lubrication systems. Driven by an external hydraulic circuit, it delivers a consistent output of 120–400 cc/min at pressures up to 241 bar (3500 PSI), making it suitable for large machinery and heavy-duty industrial applications. Its steel construction and high-pressure capability ensure reliable performance with greases from NLGI 00 to NLGI 2, even under harsh conditions.
Designed for precision and durability, the Hydra integrates a built-in relief valve to prevent over-pressurization and automatically resets injectors after each cycle. When paired with CX-1 grease injectors or other compatible metering valves, it provides accurate, repeatable lubrication across multiple points, helping to extend equipment life, reduce friction, and minimize unplanned downtime.
Pairs with:
- CX-1 Grease Injectors
Hydra Heavy-Duty
Hydraulic Grease Pump
120-400 cc/min • Grease
Volumetric Metering Valves
Our range of volumetric metering valves and injectors provides accurate, repeatable lubrication for a wide variety of systems. The Ilcomatic 3 and Ilcomatic 4 valves are the standard choice for single-line systems, dispensing precise amounts of oil or soft grease at each lubrication point. CM-CL metering valves are also available as a versatile option for centralized applications, offering a cost-effective solution where simple metering is sufficient. For larger and more demanding systems, the CX-1 grease injectors are the preferred choice, designed to operate reliably with Elektra and Hydra high-pressure pumps. Together, these metering devices ensure consistent lubrication performance across equipment of all sizes, from compact machinery to heavy industrial installations.
Ilcomatic 3 Volmetric Metering Valves
For oil & soft grease
Ilcomatic 4 Volmetric Metering Valves
For oil & soft grease
CM-CL Metering Valves
For oil & soft grease
CX-1 Grease Injectors
How Volumetric Lubrication Systems Work
Volumetric lubrication systems, also called Positive Displacement Injector (PDI) systems, supply precise amounts of oil or soft grease to multiple lubrication points. A central pump pressurizes a single main line, and independent metering valves (injectors) dispense lubricant in parallel. When system pressure is released, the injectors reset automatically and prepare for the next cycle. This ensures reliable, accurate lubrication at every point, regardless of lubricant temperature or viscosity.
The diagram shows a typical volumetric system in operation:
A – Pump Unit
The electric or pneumatic pump supplies lubricant from the reservoir and pressurizes the main line during each cycle.
B – Control Unit
An electrical controller or timer manages pump operation, cycle intervals, and system monitoring.
C – Pressure Switch
Ensures the system reaches the correct pressure for injector operation and signals the end of each lubrication cycle.
D – Main and Branch Lines
Tubing carries lubricant under pressure from the pump to multiple distribution points across the machine.
E – Volumetric Injectors (PDIs)
Each injector dispenses a fixed, predetermined amount of lubricant directly to its connected lubrication point when pressure builds. Once the pump stops and line pressure drops, the injectors reset automatically for the next cycle.
Benefits
Accurate Metering
Each injector delivers a fixed, predetermined volume of lubricant directly to its point. This precision ensures critical components receive exactly the amount needed, reducing both under-lubrication that can cause premature wear and over-lubrication that leads to waste and contamination.
Consistent Performance
Because injectors are positive displacement units, their output remains stable regardless of lubricant viscosity or ambient temperature. This means equipment receives reliable lubrication in varying operating conditions, improving uptime and reducing the likelihood of costly failures.
Flexible Configuration
Volumetric systems can be tailored to specific equipment needs. Injectors are available in multiple sizes, and many models are adjustable, allowing different points on the same manifold to receive different amounts. This adaptability helps optimize performance across machines with diverse lubrication requirements.
Multiple Pump Options
A variety of pump designs: electric, pneumatic, manual, and hydraulic, make it possible to configure a system for nearly any setting. Whether powering a small machine tool or a large piece of agricultural equipment, the right pump can be paired with the correct metering devices to build a durable, efficient system.
Volumetric Documentation
Configured for Your Needs
Volumetric lubrication systems are highly application-specific and must be configured to match the exact operating conditions of your equipment.
To ensure the best results, our team reviews your application and recommends the right combination of pump, metering valves, and distribution components to deliver precise, reliable lubrication where it’s needed most.
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