Oil Mist Lubrication Systems
Protect bearings, reduce failures, and extend equipment life with engineered oil mist lubrication systems from T.F. Hudgins, an Allied Reliability brand.
Our ISO 9001:2015-certified systems deliver a continuous, precisely controlled oil mist to rotating equipment, eliminating many of the shortcomings of conventional sump lubrication while improving reliability, reducing maintenance, and lowering operating costs.
Proven Manufacturers of Reliable Oil Mist Lubrication Systems
From T.F. Hudgins, an Allied Reliability Brand
T.F. Hudgins, an Allied Reliability company, has been a leader in oil mist lubrication technology for decades, helping industrial facilities improve equipment reliability through centralized lubrication systems.
Oil mist systems atomize lubricant into a fine mist that is distributed at low pressure throughout a piping network to bearings and other rotating components. The result is consistent lubrication, reduced contamination, lower operating temperatures, and significantly longer equipment life.
Oil mist lubrication is commonly applied to pumps, motors, turbines, gearboxes, compressors, and other critical rotating assets where reliability and maintenance efficiency are business priorities.
Engineered Products
Oil Mist Generators
Our generators utilize proprietary vortex technology with oversized ports to ensure trouble-free operation and simplified maintenance.
KMC Generator
The KMC Generator is designed for large oil mist lubrication systems where CSA-approved equipment and automatic monitoring are required. These systems meter a precise amount of oil to each bearing, resulting in effective lubrication, decreased oil consumption and lower overall maintenance costs.
Application Scope:
Large systems with auto-monitoring
Key Specifications:
- CSA approved for Class 1, Group B, C & D, Division 2 areas
- 9-gallon SS reservoir with pressure-relief valve, oil level sight gauge and clean-out panel
Additional Features and Benefits:
- Fully enclosed pedestal mounted; single-door enclosure
- High/low mist pressure transducer and mist pressure gauge
- High and low oil level with auto fill
- High and low temperature alarm
- Air pressure regulator with gauge and auto air filter drain
- High-visibility LED red and green operating status lights
- Electrical power switch and terminal enclosure with common remote alarm
- Available 40,100, 250, 500, and 1,000 bearing inch generator head
- SS enclosure
- Optional oil mist monitor
- Thermostatically controlled immersion oil heater and reservoir-mounted oil temperature gauge
KMCEX Generator
The KMCEX Generator is designed for large systems where automatic monitoring and ATEX/IECEx approval is preferred.
Application Scope:
Classified / Hazardous global areas
Key Specifications:
- ATEX and IECEx certified
- 9-gallon SS reservoir with pressure-relief valve, oil level sight gauge and clean-out panel
Additional Features and Benefits:
- Ex nA IIC T4 Gc 0°C ≤ Ta ≤ 60°C
- Fully enclosed pedestal mounted; single-door enclosure
- Optional 9-gallon SS back up reservoir
- High/low mist pressure transducer and mist pressure gauge
- High and low oil level with auto fill
- High and low temperature alarm
- Air pressure regulator with gauge and auto air filter drain
- High-visibility LED red and green operating status lights
- Thermostatically controlled immersion oil heater and reservoir-mounted oil temperature gauge
- Electrical power switch and terminal enclosure with common remote alarm
- Available 40,100, 250, 500, and 1,000 bearing inch generator head
- SS enclosure
- Optional oil mist monitor
BMP Generator
The BMP Generator is designed for intermediate systems where automatic monitoring is preferred.
Application Scope:
Large industrial systems
Key Specifications:
- Class 1, Group D, Division 2 areas
- 5-gallon SS reservoir with pressure-relief valve, oil level sight gauge and clean-out panel
Additional Features and Benefits:
- Thermostatically controlled immersion oil heater and reservoir-mounted oil temperature gauge
- Monitoring capabilities
- High/low mist pressure transducer and mist pressure gauge
- High and low oil level with auto fill
- High and low temperature alarm
- Air pressure regulator with gauge and auto air filter drain
- High-visibility LED red and green operating status lights
- Electrical power switch and terminal enclosure with common remote alarm
- Available 40, 100, 250, 500, or 1,000 bearing inch generator head
BM Generator
The BM Generator is designed for small systems where manual control and monitoring are preferred.
Application Scope:
Small systems / Manual control
Key Specifications:
- 3-gallon SS reservoir with pressure-relief valve and oil level sight gauge
Additional Features and Benefits:
- Thermostatically controlled immersion oil heater and reservoir-mounted oil temperature gauge
- For use in Class 1, Group D, Division 2 areas
- Low oil level switch
- Air pressure regulator with gauge and auto air filter drain
- Available 40, 100, 250 or 500 bearing inch generator head
IPS Generator
Application: Designed for Indoor Preservation Systems where manual control and monitoring are preferred
Reservoir capacity: 3 gallons
Oil Mist Flow Range: 0.6 to 30.0 SCFM
Standard Features:
- Suitable for use in Class I, Div 2, Group D hazardous areas
- Mist generator head sizes: 40, 100, 250, or 500 BI
- Integral air filter/regulator with gauge
- Thermostatically controlled immersion heater and temperature gauge
- Automated level control and recirculation
- Demisting assembly to ensure clean air venting to atmosphere
- Relief valve equipped to hydrostatic line
- Stainless steel reservoir with oil level sight glass, mist pressure gauge, relief valve, manual-fill port
Optional Features: High / Low Oil Level Switch, Low Oil Level Switch
Essential System Components
We offer a full line of accessories engineered for all makes and designs of oil mist systems, including:
- Reclassifiers:
Precision-meter the flow of oil mist particles to specific bearings. - Mist Manifold Assemblies:
Distribute flow to application points with visual inspection ports for coalesced oil. - Constant Level Oil Assemblies:
Maintain housing purge misted oil level with a 5 oz reservoir and pressure-equalization chamber. - Standalone Mist Density Monitors
- Collection Containers:
Available with hand pumps for closed-loop systems to capture excess mist and eliminate sewer discharge. - Low-Point Automatic/Manual Drain Legs
Synthetic Lube Mist Oil
Synthetic lube mist oil is formulated specifically for oil mist system performance, helping generate consistent mist quality while supporting bearing protection, system cleanliness, and equipment reliability. Proper lubricant selection is essential for system efficiency, oil transport, and long-term performance.
THE CHALLENGE
Conventional Lubrication Creates Hidden Reliability Risks
Traditional oil sump lubrication often introduces challenges that can negatively impact equipment reliability and maintenance costs, including:
- Premature bearing failures
- Mechanical seal failures
- Lubricant contamination
- Water ingress
- Excessive lubricant consumption
- Elevated operating temperatures
- Frequent oil changes
- Environmental disposal concerns
- Inconsistent lubrciation practices
These issues can lead to unplanned downtime, increased maintenance labor, shortened asset life, and higher total operating costs.
LIFECYCLE SUPPORT
Services for Oil Mist Lubrication Systems
No-Cost Application Evaluations
Our oil mist specialists evaluate equipment, operating conditions, and reliability objectives to recommend the appropriate solution.
System Design & Engineering
Complete engineering support including system sizing, distribution design, and equipment integration.
Turnkey Installation
Field fabrication, installation, commissioning, startup, and project management services.
System Expansions & Upgrades
Engineering support to extend oil mist coverage to additional assets or facility areas.
Field Service & Maintenance
Preventive maintenance programs, inspections, troubleshooting, and repair services.
Emergency Support
24-hour response capabilities for critical oil mist system support requirements.
HOW IT WORKS
EPC & Engineering Selection Guide
Selection Checklist
Selecting the right oil mist lubrication system depends on the equipment being protected, the operating environment, and how the system will integrate into plant operations.
- System Capacity: Calculate total bearing inches to select generator mist head size (available up to 1,000 bearing inches)
- Electrical Classification: Match area requirements to CSA, ATEX, or IECEx certified units.
- Distribution Layout: Plan distribution header piping and drain leg manifolds to reduce oil consumption through coalesced oil reuse.
- Operating Environment: Account for ambient temperature, contamination exposure, and maintenance access.
- Maintenance Strategy: Evaluate whether the goal is localized lubrication improvement or a broader centralized lubrication program.
- Support needs: Consider installation, commissioning, extensions, and lifecycle maintenance .
For complex applications, engineering review is often the fastest path to selecting the right generator configuration and system design.
Solutions
Why Does Reliability Strategy Matter for Lubrication Systems
Allied Reliability brings the technical expertise and proven oil mist solutions to help teams improve reliability, lower maintenance demands, and support cleaner, more efficient operations.
Reduce Bearing Failures
Oil mist lubrication provides continuous lubrication and contamination protection that can reduce bearing failures by up to 90%.
Improve Mechanical Seal Reliability
Maintain proper lubrication conditions that help reduce mechanical seal failures by up to 30%.
Lower Operating Temperatures
Equipment commonly operates 15°F – 35°F cooler than comparable sump-lubricated equipment.
Reduce Lubricant Consumption
Oil mist systems can decrease lubricant consumption by as much as 40% while eliminating routine oil changes.
Eliminate Contamination Risk
Positive-pressure oil mist helps prevent dirt, moisture, and contaminants from entering bearing housings.
Support Environmental Goals
Closed-loop collection systems help eliminate lubricant discharge and reduce waste generation.
Why T.F. Hudgins
Engineered Solutions. Proven Performance.
Oil mist systems are only as effective as their design, installation, and long-term support. T.F. Hudgins combines decades of lubrication expertise with reliability engineering experience to help customers maximize the value of their investment.
Organizations choose T.F. Hudgins’ lubrication systems because of our:
- Industry-leading oil mist expertise
- ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturing
- Engineering-driven system design
- Turnkey installation capabilities
- Extensive rotating equipment knowledge
- Nationwide field support
- Repair and replacement capabilities
- Reliability-focused approach
Our team supports customers throughout the entire lifecycle—from initial evaluation and design through installation, maintenance, system expansion, and optimization.
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