Overview
ISO 6301-1:2017, Pneumatic fluid power - Compressed-air lubricators - Part 1, defines the main characteristics that suppliers must publish in product literature and the marking requirements for compressed-air lubricators. The standard applies to lubricators made from light alloys (e.g., aluminium), zinc die-cast alloys, brass, steel and plastic, with a maximum rated pressure of 1 600 kPa (16 bar) and a maximum temperature of 80 °C. ISO 6301-1 is intended to ensure consistent, comparable information for users and specifiers of lubricators in pneumatic fluid power systems.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard specifies the following information that must appear in supplier’s literature and on product markings:
- General characteristics
- Dimensional data (mm) and mounting details
- Port forms and preferred thread standards (see ISO 16030, ISO 1179-1, ISO 7-1)
- Rated pressure classification (per ISO 2944) and temperature range
- Performance and selection data
- Pressure drop vs. air flow rate at defined inlet pressures (250, 630, 1 000 kPa or rated pressure) - reported graphically or in tables
- Lubricator type: recirculating or non-recirculating
- Minimum operating flow rate (measured at 630 kPa or rated pressure) with the test method declared
- Lubricant reservoir capacity per model
- Method of adjusting lubricant flow and any locking features
- Filling procedure and compatible lubricants
- Generic materials of construction (body, elastomers, bowl, etc.)
- Operation, maintenance and safety
- Guidance on lubricant compatibility, cleaning agents, minimum operating temperature and warnings about condensate freezing
- Product marking
- Manufacturer name/trademark, model/type number, rated pressure, maximum temperature, flow direction, max/min lubricant levels (if practical), cleaning-warnings and date of manufacture
ISO 6301-1 references test methods in ISO 6301-2:2006 for verification of rated pressure, pressure drop, minimum flow and reservoir capacity.
Applications and users
ISO 6301-1 is primarily useful for:
- Manufacturers and suppliers of compressed-air lubricators to standardize datasheets and markings
- Product designers and OEMs specifying lubricators for pneumatic systems
- System integrators and maintenance engineers selecting lubricators based on performance data (pressure drop, flow rates, reservoir size)
- Procurement and quality teams requiring conformity statements in procurement documentation
- Test laboratories that use ISO 6301-2 to validate declared characteristics
Related standards
Using ISO 6301-1:2017 improves clarity in supplier literature, enables apples-to-apples comparison of compressed-air lubricators, and supports safer, more reliable pneumatic system design.