Pump Elements for Metered Lubrication
A pump element is the piston-and-cylinder metering cartridge used in multi-outlet lubrication pumps. Each element meters a fixed volume of oil or grease per stroke and delivers it to one outlet. This page is the selection guide for aftermarket pump elements, and specific SKU pages are linked from it.
Pump elements are the core metering devices inside centralized lubrication systems. They determine how much lubricant reaches each bearing point during every pump cycle. The selection process starts with understanding the element’s physical design and its output range.
How a Pump Element Meters
Each element is a piston in a cylinder; one stroke displaces one metered volume. The metered volume is approximately piston area times stroke length. An element with a worn cylinder loses metering accuracy because clearance between piston and bore changes the displaced volume.
Spring-return elements use a spring to return the piston after the pressure stroke. The pressure stroke pushes lubricant out through the outlet port, and the spring resets the piston for the next cycle. This return action is essential for continuous cyclic operation in multi-outlet pumps.
Output Classes Across the Market
Market-verified output classes group pump elements by their typical metered volume per stroke. Small fixed elements deliver around 0.02 to 0.08 cm3 per stroke. Adjustable elements commonly cover 0.05 to 0.25 cm3 per stroke, and grease service elements commonly deliver 0.2 to 1.0 cm3 per stroke.
Bijur Delimon Autolub-M pump elements are available at 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 cm3 per stroke. One Autolub-M pump accepts 1 to 5 elements and is rated to 250 bar. SKF FB-XL small series elements cover 0.027 to 0.23 cm3 per stroke, built around 6, 8, and 10 mm pistons at about 350, 200, and 125 bar respectively. The SKF large series covers 0.07 to 1.0 cm3 per stroke. An SKF LTP pump accepts up to 12 elements on one pump body.
Pressure Classes and System Matching
Oil systems commonly run 10 to 100 bar, while grease systems operate from 100 to 250 bar. Heavy duty service reaches about 350 bar. Element choice follows system pressure class because the piston and cylinder must hold metering accuracy at the working pressure.
Pump elements sit inside a centralized lubrication system where one pump feeds many metering points. In single-line systems that meter through pump elements, each element acts as an individual metering valve for its outlet. Matching the element’s pressure rating to the system prevents under-delivery or internal leakage.
Threads and Bodies
Metric bodies carry threads such as M20 x 1.5 for a 6 mm piston and M22 x 1.5 for an 8 mm piston. The thread must match the pump port exactly, because the element body seals against the pump housing at that interface. A mismatched thread can damage the port or prevent proper seating.
Spring-return elements with metric bodies are common in aftermarket replacements for multi-outlet pumps. For a specific example on this site, see the M20x1.5 6 mm spring-return pump element SKU page. That page shows one element configuration, while this guide covers the full selection logic.
Choosing Elements: A Short Checklist
Use these five items to specify a pump element correctly. First, count the lubrication points on the machine. Second, determine the volume per point per cycle in cm3. Third, identify whether the lubricant is oil or grease. Fourth, confirm the system pressure class in bar. Fifth, measure or identify the body thread such as M20 x 1.5 or M22 x 1.5.
After you have those five items, request a quotation against them. Contact us for a quote with the point count, volume per point, lubricant type, pressure class, and thread size. That information lets a supplier match the correct element without guesswork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pump element?
A pump element is a piston-and-cylinder metering cartridge inside a multi-outlet lubrication pump. Each element meters a fixed volume of oil or grease per stroke and delivers it to one outlet.
How does a pump element meter lubricant?
One stroke displaces one metered volume, approximately piston area times stroke length. A worn cylinder loses metering accuracy because the piston-to-bore clearance changes the displaced volume.
What output ranges exist for pump elements?
Small fixed elements deliver around 0.02 to 0.08 cm3 per stroke. Adjustable elements commonly cover 0.05 to 0.25 cm3 per stroke, and grease elements commonly deliver 0.2 to 1.0 cm3 per stroke.
What pressures do pump elements serve?
Oil systems commonly run 10 to 100 bar, and grease systems run 100 to 250 bar. Heavy duty service reaches about 350 bar, so element choice follows the system pressure class.
How many elements can one pump take?
A Bijur Delimon Autolub-M pump accepts 1 to 5 elements and is rated to 250 bar. An SKF LTP pump accepts up to 12 elements on one pump body.
What does spring-return mean on a pump element?
Spring-return means the spring returns the piston after the pressure stroke. This reset action prepares the element for the next metering cycle in continuous operation.
What threads are common on pump elements?
Metric bodies carry threads such as M20 x 1.5 for a 6 mm piston. M22 x 1.5 is common for an 8 mm piston, and the thread must match the pump port.
Can pump elements be adjusted?
Adjustable elements commonly cover 0.05 to 0.25 cm3 per stroke. Fixed elements deliver one set volume, so check whether your pump requires adjustable or fixed metering.
How do I choose the right pump element?
Count lubrication points, volume per point per cycle, oil or grease, system pressure class, and body thread. Then request a quotation against those five items to match the correct element.
Who supplies these pump elements?
IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems, founded in 2023, engineering since 2006, builds and supports every unit. Email inquiry@isohitech.com for specifications and a quotation.
SKF and Bijur Delimon are trademarks of their respective owners. This page covers aftermarket pump elements, not manufactured, sponsored, or endorsed by SKF or Bijur Delimon. Manufacturer part numbers are shown for cross-reference identification only. Contact us for a quote with your five checklist items.
