Proof of Concept

Lead Participant: BIGNALL LUBRITEC LIMITED

Abstract

Bignall Lubritec supplies automatic oiling systems to manufacturers of agricultural field
equipment. These systems provide chains and bearing with constant measured amounts of oil
lubrication while they work.
Constantly lubricated chains last up to 5 times longer. Productivity and profitability of
machines with automatic oiling systems improves significantly as downtime for repairs,
replacements and manual lubrication is significantly reduced. Accidents inherent with
lubricating chains manually are avoided.
The amount of oil delivered to each chain or bearing is governed by means of a restriction
metering device. These metering devices are currently vulnerable to contamination in the
agricultural environment and must be replaced regularly.
Oiling systems applied to agricultural field equipment must be able to operate effectively
subject to contamination from dirt, water, dust, crop and extreme weather.
Currently the devices that govern the amount of oil to chains and bearings block up with
contaminant and must be replaced at high cost to the end user.
There is also the issue that the existing metering devices can only pass simple clean oils with
no high pressure or special additives which are the feature of many universal and
multipurpose oils offered on general sale. By using “incorrect” oils the metering devices
become blocked and need replacing.
The issue of these metering devices being so sensitive creates a sales barrier for new
prospective customers and service issues and costs for existing customers.
This project is to develop a serviceable device which can be cleaned and re-used and is
compatible with existing automatic oiling systems. A fully developed and tested product
would be introduced to existing worldwide OEM customers to secure business for the future
and also to new potential customers who currently have objections due to limitations of
existing methods.
The market exists for a metering device that can be cleaned of contaminants.

Lead Participant

Project Cost

Grant Offer

BIGNALL LUBRITEC LIMITED £29,364 £ 17,618
 

Participant

THE TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY BOARD
FIRST STEP TRUST

Publications

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