A minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system includes a controller, a lubricant module coupled to a tool spindle of a machining apparatus, and a pneumatic module coupled to the spindle. The lubricant module is configured to supply lubricant at pressure to the tool, as controlled by the controller. Likewise, the pneumatic module is configured to supply pressurized air to the tool, as controlled by the controller. The controller is configured to direct the lubricant module to supply lubricant prior to the controller receiving a START signal from a machine tool controller. Optionally, the lubricant pressure level is predetermined based on known characteristics of the tool that is coupled to the spindle. Optionally, the START signal is anticipated by referring to a signature/profile of the operational steps of a machining process where a timeline or time table of lubrication request intervals are identified.

A minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) system includes a controller, a lubricant module coupled to a tool spindle of a machining apparatus, and a pneumatic module coupled to the spindle. The lubricant module is configured to supply lubricant at pressure to the tool, as controlled by the controller. Likewise, the pneumatic module is configured to supply pressurized air to the tool, as controlled by the controller. The controller is configured to direct the lubricant module to supply lubricant prior to the controller receiving a START signal from a machine tool controller. Optionally, the lubricant pressure level is predetermined based on known characteristics of the tool that is coupled to the spindle. Optionally, the START signal is anticipated by referring to a signature/profile of the operational steps of a machining process where a timeline or time table of lubrication request intervals are identified.

A lubricant pumping system includes a lubricant pump having a lubricant pumping space, a first seal configured to seal the lubricant pumping space, at least one signal detector, and a leakage detector for detecting leakage of a lubricant from the pumping space through the first seal and sending a signal to the signal detector in response to a detection of the leakage of the lubricant. The signal detector may produce a visual or acoustic output in response to receipt of the signal.

A lubricant pumping system includes a lubricant pump having a lubricant pumping space, a first seal configured to seal the lubricant pumping space, at least one signal detector, and a leakage detector for detecting leakage of a lubricant from the pumping space through the first seal and sending a signal to the signal detector in response to a detection of the leakage of the lubricant. The signal detector may produce a visual or acoustic output in response to receipt of the signal.

A minimal lubrication device including a lubricating fluid storing tank, conduit for supplying the lubricant pressurized to at least one modular element. The at least one modular element including a lubricating fluid conduit intercepted by flow regulator and compressed air conduit, such conduits fluidically connected to air and lubricant mixing element. The flow regulator including a shutter that can be at least partially housed in calibrated hole and movable between upper and lower stroke position ends. The calibrated hole in fluid communication, on one side, with pressurized lubricant delivery and, on the other side, with the mixing element. The shutter having at least one conical profile portion insertable in the calibrated hole. The conical profile portion has a surface groove facing a surface defining the calibrated hole at least when the shutter is in an intermediate position between the lower and upper stroke position ends.

A minimal lubrication device including a lubricating fluid storing tank, conduit for supplying the lubricant pressurized to at least one modular element. The at least one modular element including a lubricating fluid conduit intercepted by flow regulator and compressed air conduit, such conduits fluidically connected to air and lubricant mixing element. The flow regulator including a shutter that can be at least partially housed in calibrated hole and movable between upper and lower stroke position ends. The calibrated hole in fluid communication, on one side, with pressurized lubricant delivery and, on the other side, with the mixing element. The shutter having at least one conical profile portion insertable in the calibrated hole. The conical profile portion has a surface groove facing a surface defining the calibrated hole at least when the shutter is in an intermediate position between the lower and upper stroke position ends.

Grease distribution systems for lubricating a plurality of fracking valves on a wellhead include a distribution manifold configured for mounting on or adjacent to the wellhead, stand mount, mobile skid, grease skid or trailer. The distribution manifold includes a plurality of manifold valves configured for coupling in fluid communication with the fracking valves, respectively, on the wellhead. A grease pump is disposed in fluid communication with the distribution manifold. Methods of lubricating fracking valves on a wellhead are also disclosed.

Grease distribution systems for lubricating a plurality of fracking valves on a wellhead include a distribution manifold configured for mounting on or adjacent to the wellhead, stand mount, mobile skid, grease skid or trailer. The distribution manifold includes a plurality of manifold valves configured for coupling in fluid communication with the fracking valves, respectively, on the wellhead. A grease pump is disposed in fluid communication with the distribution manifold. Methods of lubricating fracking valves on a wellhead are also disclosed.

The current invention includes manifold having multiple outputs and at least one input for lubricant to be pumped at high pressure from a skid or trailer to a particular frac valve when the valve requires lubrication. Generally, such frac valves require lubrication on an hourly schedule or less. Each output port on the manifold is fitted with an on/off valve that allows remote operation such as pneumatic, hydraulic, electro-pneumatic operation, or other known remote operation system. The pump or pumps are also configured for remote operation. A controller is then provided so that each circuit allows, upon command, lubricant to be pumped from the lubricant reservoir, through the pump, to the manifold, through each remotely operable valve, via each output port, through an appropriate rated hose, then to the lubrication or other port on each frac valve. Generally, once connected each frac valve remains connected to the system to allow the operator to cause lubricant to flow to each valve upon command. The controller may also provide a safety cutout so that the system will only provide pressurized lubricant with the controller in the operator's possession while the operator continuously actuates the appropriate switch.

The current invention includes manifold having multiple outputs and at least one input for lubricant to be pumped at high pressure from a skid or trailer to a particular frac valve when the valve requires lubrication. Generally, such frac valves require lubrication on an hourly schedule or less. Each output port on the manifold is fitted with an on/off valve that allows remote operation such as pneumatic, hydraulic, electro-pneumatic operation, or other known remote operation system. The pump or pumps are also configured for remote operation. A controller is then provided so that each circuit allows, upon command, lubricant to be pumped from the lubricant reservoir, through the pump, to the manifold, through each remotely operable valve, via each output port, through an appropriate rated hose, then to the lubrication or other port on each frac valve. Generally, once connected each frac valve remains connected to the system to allow the operator to cause lubricant to flow to each valve upon command. The controller may also provide a safety cutout so that the system will only provide pressurized lubricant with the controller in the operator's possession while the operator continuously actuates the appropriate switch.