Weir SPM TWS600S - Plunger Lube System Requirements

Document P/N:
2P121260
Release Date: 02/27/2017
Revision: E
15 of 41
Plunger Lube System Requirements:
SPM
®
well service plunger pumps are designed for packing lubrication with oil rather than grease.
Exceptionally long packing life can be expected providing proper lubrication is supplied to the plunger packing
lube port above each stuffing box. Ample plunger and packing lubrication can be achieved with an inexpensive
relatively trouble-free low-pressure air operated “lubricant pump” type system. Mechanically driven plunger
lubricators are not recommended due to the well service pump’s extreme variations in pump speeds. A
properly designed packing lube system will meet the following specifications:
1. Oil Reservoir:
 Should be a minimum of 15 gallon capacity.
 Should be equipped for the vertical installation of an air-operated pump.
 Should be equipped with a sight glass or dipstick.
 Should be equipped with a breather/filler cap that has a built-in strainer to prevent trash from
entering the reservoir.
2. Air Operated Lubricant Pump:
 Vertical air operated 12 oz. per minute / 150 PSI / 40:1 ratio lubricant pump.
 Must be equipped with a 1/4” adjustable air pressure regulator in order to adjust the pump speed
and packing lubricant flow rate.
 Should be installed so that the bottom of the pump is no closer than 1” to the bottom of the
reservoir.
3. Packing Lubricant Flow Lines:
 Should be 1/4” I.D./1250 PSI minimum/fiber or wire reinforced hose to prevent crimping.
 Should be a common line from the lubricant pump to the plunger pump at which point it will
branch off to each individual packing lube port.
4. Flow Control Needle Valves:
 Should be a 1/4” needle valve which can be locked at any given setting after adjustment.
 Must be installed in each lubricant flow line which leads to the individual packing lube ports in
the plunger pump fluid cylinder.
5. High Pressure Check Valves:
 Must be rated at or above the- well service plunger pump’s maximum pressure rating.

Must be installed in the packing lube port so that the direction of flow is into the fluid
cylinder.
6. Packing Lube System Flow Requirements/Adjustments:
 After filling with the proper grade of rock drill packing oil, and before rotating the well service
plunger pump, the lube system should be adjusted to supply oil to each plunger and packing
assembly.
 Weir Oil & Gas recommends a minimum of 1 pint per plunger per hour for adequate packing
lubrication. Results from SPM
®
internal tests support this although variables in packaging and
field operations may result in higher consumption rates.
Minimum consumption rate 1.0 pint per plunger per hour
 Rates as high as 3 times the minimum recommended have been reported, and this should be
considered when sizing the lube reservoir.