Dual-line pump unit, lubrication system, and related apparatus and method

摘要

A dual-line pump unit for supplying lubricant includes a reservoir having an interior for holding lubricant. A first pump is provided for pumping lubricant from the reservoir through a first main line to a lubricant distribution system. A second pump is provided for pumping lubricant from the reservoir through a second main line to the lubricant distribution system. During a first stage of operation, the first pump operates to pump lubricant from the reservoir through the first main line to the lubricant distribution system and the second pump is idle, the second main line venting back to the reservoir via the second pump. During a second stage of operation, the second pump operates to pump lubricant from the reservoir through the second main line to the lubricant distribution system and the first pump is idle, the first main line venting back to the reservoir via the first pump.

主权项

1. A dual-line lubrication system comprising:
a reservoir having an interior for holding lubricant; a first pump in communication with the interior of the reservoir for pumping lubricant from the reservoir through a first main line; a second pump in communication with the interior of the reservoir for pumping lubricant from the reservoir through a second main line; and a dual-line metering valve having a first valve inlet in communication with the first main line and the first pump and a second valve inlet in communication with the second main line and the second pump, wherein during a first stage of operation the first pump operates to pump lubricant from the reservoir through the first main line to the first valve inlet of the dual-line metering valve and the second pump is idle, the dual-line metering valve venting back to the reservoir via the second main line and the second pump, and wherein during a second stage of operation the second pump operates to pump lubricant from the reservoir through the second main line to the second valve inlet of the dual-line metering valve and the first pump is idle, the dual-line metering valve venting back to the reservoir via the first main line and the first pump.