Lubrication unit management system

Abstract

A system for remotely controlling and documenting valve lubrication. The system includes an operator unit programmed to communicate with a remote controller unit that actuates the transfer of lubricant to user-selected valves.

1 . A lubrication unit management system comprising:
 an operator unit;   a remote lubrication control unit communicably coupled to said operator unit;   an air supply unit operationally coupled to said remote lubrication control unit; and   a lubricant supply unit operationally coupled to said remote lubrication control unit.   
     
     
         2 . The lubrication unit management system of  claim 1  wherein said remote lubrication control unit comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a sensor assembly operationally coupled to said PLC. 
     
     
         3 . The lubrication unit management system of  claim 2  wherein said sensor assembly comprises an air pressure transmitter, a lubricant pressure transmitter, a lubricant flow transmitted, and a solenoid valve. 
     
     
         4 . The lubrication unit management system of  claim 3  wherein said PLC is configured to actuate said solenoid valve upon receiving an actuation signal from said operator unit. 
     
     
         5 . The lubrication unit management system of  claim 4  wherein said operator unit is configured to calculate a target lubricant quantity based on user input valve identification information. 
     
     
         6 . The lubrication unit management system of  claim 5  wherein said user input valve identification information comprises valve type. 
     
     
         7 . The lubrication unit management system of  claim 3  wherein said PLC is configured to transmit sensor data to said operator unit. 
     
     
         8 . The lubrication unit management system of  claim 7  wherein said sensor data comprises air pressure measurements, lubricant pressure measurements, and lubricant flow measurements. 
     
     
         9 . The lubrication unit management system of  claim 8  wherein said operator unit comprises a computer having a touchscreen display. 
     
     
         10 . The lubrication unit management system of  claim 9  wherein said operator unit is configured to present said sensor data on said touchscreen display. 
     
     
         11 . The lubrication unit management system of  claim 4  wherein said solenoid valve is configured to cause air to flow from said air supply unit through said remote lubrication control unit when actuated.