Timken Introduces Multipoint Lubricator(Pic)

Timken Introduces Multipoint Lubricator The Timken Company (USA; NYSE: TKR) announced a new member in its lineup of bearing lubricators, its first multipoint unit, called C-Power. Lubricators are essentially fluid reservoirs, plumbed to mechanically dispense a carefully measured amount of oil or grease into a critical bearing application at predetermined intervals. They are often a cost-effective and less-error-prone solution to periodic lubrication requirements than manual intervention, particularly where it is dangerous, difficult or time-consuming. Without lubricators, in some situations equipment must be shut down for periodic lubrication. The first widespread use of lubricators came in the late 1800's, as relatively crude gravity-fed drip devices were used to assure continuous lubrication of railroad locomotive journal bearings. Today's lubricators can be highly sophisticated mechanical, electronic, computer-controlled, electrically actuated, compressed gas actuated, computer monitored, remotely controlled, monitored online, and/or programmed to vary their behavior based on operating conditions. From simple to advanced, lubricant delivery systems are now manufactured and sold worldwide by a growing number of equipment lubrication specialists. Although critical bearings and gears are the primary targets for lubricators, they are also widely used for chains, guideways, cranes, hoists, mining equipment, steel mills, and other industrial and food processing environments. Timken's new C-Power (for Centralized) multipoint system extends its lubricator offerings beyond single-point units for the first time. The current single-point lineup includes G-Power (compressed gas drive) and M-Power (electric motor drive). Like the others, C-Power can be set to lubricate at intervals varying from one day to two years, simply by changing the timing devices. The C-Power unit, said Timken, can dispense grease up to 100 feet through six lubrication points. SKF lubricator cutaway (courtesy SKF AB) Lubricants and lubricant delivery systems are part of Timken's Industrial Group. In expanding its line of more profitable value-added lubricators and support equipment, Timken follows in the steps taken so profitably by market-leading SKF AB (Sweden) and INA/FAG (Germany). Among all system producers, SKF has been particularly aggressive in building and acquiring an application portfolio of highly advanced, bearing-specific lubricators and related control systems. In 2004, SKF acquired market leader Willy Vogel AG, and in 2006 acquired another key player, John Crane Safematic. One analyst said that, "Timken is too tentative in this segment, but they are obviously paying attention and learning from SKF's success."