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Support - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What grease can I use in the Perma?
2. Can you explain more about the chemical
reaction in your chemical/gas units?
3. How do I know the Perma needs to be changed
out?
4. If The Unit Was Clear, Couldn't I See The
Lubricant Throughout Its Life?
5. I have Used The Spring-Type Lubricators.
Are They Like The Perma?
6. Will Heat Or Cold temperatures Affect The
Flow Rate?
7. What Happens With The Perma During Weekends
Or Extended Shutdown Periods?
8. Can I Remote The Unit?
9. Can Units Be Refilled?
10. Can Units Be Placed On Existing Grease
Lines?
11. Are Larger Units Available?
12. What Is The Expected Shipment For Units
Once Ordered?
13. May I Mount The Perma In Any Direction?
14. What Are The Numbers On The Back Of The
Classic Permas?
15. How Does The Perma Stand Up To Rust?
16. Can You Use Perma On Electric Motors?
17. How Much Pressure Does The Perma Create?
18. Can I Unscrew The Perma From The
Bearing While In Operation?
19. How Much Vibration Will The Permas
Withstand?
20. If I Have More Than One Perma On A
Bearing, Will All The Permas Empty At The Same Time?
21. Can I Move An Activated Perma From A
bearing That Is No Longer Being Used To A Bearing That Is Being Used?
22. Will A Perma Lubricate The Packing On A
Large Pump?
23. If A Bearing Has Two Grease Fittings,
Which One Does The Perma Go On?
24. Can The Perma Blow A Bearing Seal?
25. If The Seal Is Blown On A Bearing Will The
Perma Empty Sooner?
26. What If A Bearing Goes Down With A Perma
On It And There Is No Grease In The Bearing Cavity?
27. What If The Bearing Is Always Covered With
Contaminants?
28. Can I Change The DIP Switch Setting On The
Star After It Has Been Installed?
29. Does The 1-month Setting On The star Push
Out More Grease During The Same Timer Cycles?
30. When The Star Runs Empty, I Can Order A
Filled Canister To Replace The Empty One. What About Batteries?
Won't They Run Out Of Power Eventually?
31. The Star Is A Bit Heavier Than The Regular
Units. Should I Use A Bracket To Support It?
32. I have an application where the ambient
temperature is consistently 100° F and the bearing is only 1-3/16" shaft
size. I've figured a PERMA-12 is about perfect, as that gives me ¼ shot/day.
But won't the chemical units empty faster than that and give me too much grease?
33. When using an oiled filled Perma, can I
remote the unit and use a check valve?
34. Can I use any oil in the Perma?
35. Can I use a fluid grease with your oil
brushes?
36. Are your units Explosion Proof?
37. Are your units UL Approved?
38. Is Perma recognized as a
cutting-edge company?
1. What grease can I use in the Perma?
There are many, many types of greases. It is generally safe to use NLGI grade #1
greases suggested by major grease companies (as used in a positive pressure,
centralized lube system). Not all greases (even NLGI #1) work in the Perma. Then
again, several NLGI grade #2 greases may perform fine.
It is very important to realize not all greases
will work in the Perma. Never assume that a particular grease will work until we
review the grease. Always get a sample of the grease currently being used and
all available technical information.
2. Can you explain more about the chemical
reaction in your chemical/gas units?
The electrolyte solution in the Perma is a citric acid-based solution. The pH of
this solution is 4.5 , which is less acidic than the normal soft drink. The
chemical process starts when the activating pellet comes in contact with the
electrolyte. This forms a gas (hydrogen) that creates the pressure to push the
piston. The volume of gas created is very small. As reported by the Canadian
Explosive Atmosphere Laboratory Fuels Research Centre, the amount of gas is so
small that even if it were tested to destruction, the amount of gas released
would be too small to be of a flammability or explosive hazard concern.
3. How do I know the Perma needs to be changed
out?
You will be able to see the red nylon piston through the unit's clear nylon cap
in the Perma Classic & Frost units. The Futura and Star have plastic
housings so the status of the lubricant is always apparent. Also, adding the
Perma's installation and changeout dates to your customer’s preventative
maintenance program will take the guesswork out of the changeouts. And, we offer
a Windows-based Tracking Program.
4. If The Unit Was Clear, Couldn't I See The
Lubricant Throughout Its Life?
Up until 1995, we just had the metal-housing units. Now we offer two transparent
units…the Star and the Futura. You can see the piston throughout the life of
these units.
5. I have Used The Spring-Type Lubricators.
Are They Like The Perma?
In principle they are similar; in performance, they're quite different. The
springs work on a tension method and may release all the lubricant too quickly
if you have a bad or weak seal. If there is no place for the grease to go, you
risk the possibility of the grease sitting and separating. Remember, a
spring-loaded unit depends on the pressure in front of the piston for its rate
of dispense. The Perma depends on the pressure behind the piston (the rate of
gas expansion for the Classic/Futura/Frost, or the timer cycles for the Star
series) to push out the grease in metered amounts.
6. Will Heat Or Cold temperatures Affect The
Flow Rate?
Not if you're using our new Perma Star. It is temperature independent in its
discharge, and rated for 14° F to 122° F.
Our gas units' (Classic and Futura) flow rates
are based on a 78° F ambient temperature. Consistent warmer or colder
temperature will speed up or slow down the flow rate. You may have to adjust the
units based on your operating temperature. For example, if your bearings require
a Perma 3-month unit and your average temperature is over 100° , then you
simply select a Perma 6-month unit and that will regulate the flow equal to a
Perma 3. Do just the opposite in colder temperatures.
7. What Happens With The Perma During Weekends
Or Extended Shutdown Periods?
The Perma will dispense grease until the bearing cavity is full. The back
pressure from the bearing will cause the unit to neutralize. The Perma will
continue to build pressure, but it cannot overcome back pressure from the
bearing. Thus, there will be slight surge until equilibrium is reached. Normally
this situation will occur only during extended shutdowns and not over a weekend.
The Perma Star LED and Vario can be manually turned off to accommodate extended
shutdowns. The Star Control unit automatically turns off when the machine it is
lubricating is turned off.
8. Can I Remote The Unit?
Yes, but follow the installation guidelines closely. You must use ¼" pipe
or 3/8" hose/tubing when remoting the Perma. Perma USA is always available
to offer advice on your installation questions.
9. Can Units Be Refilled?
Gas units: No. Units should be removed and disposed with standard grease wastes
once empty.
Star unit: The lubrication canister (LC) cannot
be refilled, but the drive unit may be reused. You can change out the LC in the
field, and replace it with a filled LC reservoir available from Perma USA. When
the LC is changed, the battery pack must also be changed out.
10. Can Units Be Placed On Existing Grease
Lines?
Perhaps, but it is based on the I.D. of the existing line. We normally have to
replace existing customer lines. The safe bet is to ALWAYS replace existing
lines, because the line may be gummed up with old grease and have a much smaller
ID than a new line does.
11. Are Larger Units Available?
Yes. The Perma Star Vario is available in 250 cc size.
12. What Is The Expected Shipment For Units
Once Ordered?
Stock greases are usually shipped within 48 hours. Special order grease will
affect Perma delivery depending on the availability from the supplier. In most
cases, special orders are shipped within four days of the order.
13. May I Mount The Perma In Any Direction?
Yes, units may be mounted in any direction. We recommend that the Star be
supported with a bracket if mounted in any position other than standing vertical
or hanging vertical. Also, the Star units are not to be mounted at more than a
90 degree angle. The reason for this is that there is the possibility of the
lubricant seeping into the drive unit and contaminating the electronics.
14. What Are The Numbers On The Back Of The
Classic Permas?
These are the factory’s codes for date of manufacture. These are for in-house
use and are not needed when ordering or reordering Permas. E.g. 99/47 indicates
a unit made in the 47th week of 1999.
15. How Does The Perma Stand Up To Rust?
The Perma Classic & Frost come from the factory coated to help prevent
rusting in most cases. The Perma Futura is a plastic unit, thus rust is not an
issue and makes it an ideal unit for applications that are subjected to
washdowns.
Although a plastic unit, the Perma Star, which is
treated at the factory for moisture and comes with a "wet cap," it
does contain electronics which can be damaged by moisture.
The Perma Classic is submersible and can be used
in water up to 15 feet in depth.
16. Can You Use Perma On Electric Motors?
Yes. The Perma 12 month is recommended for electric motors from 25 to 400
horsepower. Over 400 horsepower motors, the type 6 is normally used. In all
motor applications, we strongly recommend that a 5 pound relief valve be used in
place of the drain plug. This will let excess grease flow out of the motor.
Note, the Perma does not produce enough pressure to push grease into the
windings.
17. How Much Pressure Does The Perma Create?
The Perma can create internal pressure up to 70-75 psi. The external pressure
will be less, as pressure is lost as the grease is pushed through the grease
outlet on the Perma.
The type 1 gas unit can generate pressure faster
than the type 12.
The Star, regardless of dispense-period time, can
create up to 75 psi.
The Perma will generate only the pressure needed
to push grease into the bearing. For normal applications, pressure of 7-20 psi
is all that is required to push the grease into the bearing. Do not put Permas
on an application where initial back-pressure is 50 psi or greater, as the AUTO
LUBE will not be able to overcome this.
Due to the consistency of grease, a normal air
gauge will not effectively measure the pressure of a Perma. Customers will
sometimes try this, and will think the Perma is not working properly. The gauge
must be able to measure fluid and have a membrane to measure the grease
consistency.
18. Can I Unscrew The Perma From The
Bearing While In Operation?
Yes, you can. If it's a gas unit, remove it only when necessary, e.g. to
perform repair work on the equipment. When you unscrew the gas Perma, the
pressure drops slightly. The unit must then rebuild the pressure lost.
Also, when removing the Perma, the grease stream may have been pulled out from
the bearing, so it is advisable to shoot several shots of grease into the
bearing.
The Star units may be removed and reinstalled
repeatedly, if necessary.
If the Permas are consistently removed to
"check" the units, the Permas will not perform correctly.
19. How Much Vibration Will The Permas
Withstand?
The nylon front of the Perma will enable the unit to withstand some vibration.
If excessive vibration is seen, we recommend that the Perma be remoted and let
the hose take the vibration.
20. If I Have More Than One Perma On A
Bearing, Will All The Permas Empty At The Same Time?
No, but they will empty out within 1 to 2 days of each other. Normally the Perma
closest to the bearing will empty first, due to diffusion (i.e. going to the
point of least resistance.) When the red nylon piston shows on the first Perma,
it is time to change all units, as the others will be empty in a day or two.
21. Can I Move An Activated Perma From A
bearing That Is No Longer Being Used To A Bearing That Is Being Used?
Yes, but be sure the Perma still has life left. If you move a Perma,
install the Perma as you would a new Perma, and shake the Perma to help speed
the chemical reaction back up to the proper pressure. The Star units can
be turned OF, remounted and then turned back ON again.
22. Will A Perma Lubricate The Packing On A
Large Pump?
Yes, but only if you install the Perma when the pump is down and the Perma has
sufficient time to build up pressure to overcome the back pressure that the pump
will create.
23. If A Bearing Has Two Grease Fittings,
Which One Does The Perma Go On?
The main lubrication point is the fitting in the middle part of the bearing.
This is where the main Perma should be installed. Normally the second fitting is
used to lubricate the seal. On this point, we usually drop down 2 units than the
main lube point has. That is, if the main lube point has a Perma 1, then we use
a Perma 6 on the seal. Sometimes a bearing has two "main lube" points
in the middle of the bearing. If you look at the bearing from the side, much as
you would a clock, the points are normally at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock. If
the bearing is running clockwise, as most do, the Perma needs to be installed at
the 10 o’clock position so the grease can get in properly. At the 2 o’clock
position, the back pressure from the bearing may keep the grease out of the
bearing.
24. Can The Perma Blow A Bearing Seal?
No. It takes a least 240 pounds of pressure to blow a seal. The Perma can
generate internal pressure of only 65 psi, so it is impossible to blow a seal.
When installing Permas, it is easy to blow a seal with a grease gun, which
creates over 2,000 pounds of pressure. So be careful.
25. If The Seal Is Blown On A Bearing Will The
Perma Empty Sooner?
No, but you will see grease coming out from the blown seal creating a grease
seal to help keep contaminates out.
26. What If A Bearing Goes Down With A Perma
On It And There Is No Grease In The Bearing Cavity?
There are many reasons why a bearing can fail, besides lack of grease.
(Misaligned shafts, age, normal wear, too heavy a load.) But when a bearing
starts to go down, it will usually heat up to high temperatures. During this
process the grease is sometimes burned, resulting in no grease in the cavity.
27. What If The Bearing Is Always Covered With
Contaminants?
This is a situation where no matter how much grease you have going into the
bearing, it will never be enough. A bearing which is "gobbed out" will
not allow heat to be displaced, resulting in high temperatures which melt the
grease, and lead to premature bearing failure. Always be alert for bearings in
this situation to avoid possible problems.
28. Can I Change The DIP Switch Setting On The
Star After It Has Been Installed?
Yes. The dip switch setting instructions are located on the label of the
drive unit. Each time the unit is turned off and turned back on, the timer
resets itself. Thus, if you reset the dip switches when the unit is half
empty, the timer assumes you have changed the lubrication cartridge and will
keep cycling until it cannot push the piston any further. Make sure to
keep an eye on it so you know when it empties, or make a note in your changeout
schedule.
29. Does The 1-month Setting On The star
Push Out More Grease During The Same Timer Cycles?
No, but the timer comes on more frequently. See the Star installation
instructions for more details.
30. When The Star Runs Empty, I Can
Order A Filled Canister To Replace The Empty One. What About Batteries?
Won't They Run Out Of Power Eventually?
Each time you re-order a filled LC (lubrication cartridge) it comes with a
battery pack. ALWAYS replace the batteries when you change the LC.
31. The Star Is A Bit Heavier Than The
Regular Units. Should I Use A Bracket To Support It?
Every unit should be supported if it's going into a high vibration area. Or,
often we can simply let the unit hang on a sturdy hydraulic hose, and the
vibration doesn't affect the unit. Because of the Star's heavier design, we
recommend supporting it with a bracket whenever it's installed in any position
other than vertical standing or vertical hanging. (Part #'s B108 and B109.)
32. I have an application where the
ambient temperature is consistently 100° F and the bearing is only 1-3/16"
shaft size. I've figured a PERMA-12 is about perfect, as that gives me ¼
shot/day. But won't the chemical units empty faster than that and give me too
much grease?
Use our new PERMA Star! It doesn't care what the temperature is, as long as it's
not below 10° F and not above 130° F! With the dip switches both
in the down position (12-month setting), it'll give you ¼ shot/day all year
long.
33. When using an oiled filled Perma,
can I remote the unit and use a check valve?
Yes, you can remote the unit (up to 12 feet or more for the 1-month unit!) but
make sure you use the check valve (non-return valve or oil throttle) at the lube
point. This prevents the line from draining empty and keeps a positive pressure
in the line.
34. Can I use any oil in the Perma?
Oils vary in their viscosity and SUS ratings, just like greases vary in
thickness (NLGI rating). While most oils work fine in the Perma, your Perma
distributor can test unknown oils for pumping suitability.
35. Can I use a fluid grease with your oil
brushes?
You can, but they wouldn't last long. No matter how fluid the grease is, all
greases use thickener (soap) to transport the lubricant to the lube point. And
this thickener will build up inside the brushes and eventually clog the brush.
36. Are your units Explosion Proof?
The PERMA Classic is explosion proof and has been used in under ground mines for
over thirty years.
37. Are your units UL Approved?
The PERMA Star VARIO is UL Listed in US and Canada for Class l, Div 2, Class II, Div
2, and Class III Hazardous Locations.
38. Is Perma recognized as a
cutting-edge company?
Yes, we are the original manufacturer of single-point lubricators. We are
ISO 9001 registered and our Star Vario has been UL approved.
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