For models JGH:E:K:T Section 3 - Maintenance

Divider Valve Bypass Pressure Test

Lubricant can leak (by-pass) from a divider valve when the divider valve piston becomes worn. Pres-
sure test or replace all divider valves every twelve months. Testing verifies the piston fits tightly enough
in the divider valve bore for adequate pressure to force oil into the injection point. The supplier pres-
sure tests all new Ariel divider valves.
To test distribution blocks for valve by-passing requires a manual purge gun with a pressure gauge cap-
able of developing 5000 psig (350 barg). Ariel offers an optional force feed lubrication hand purge gun
with a pressure gauge (see Section 1). Pressure test each divider valve one at a time, complete with pin
indicators installed.

Distribution Block All Outlets Open Testing "T" Divider Valve Block Testing "S" Divider Valve Block

FIGURE 3-15 Pressure Testing Divider Valves

1. For new divider valves, verify working piston section fastener torque is 75 lb x in (8.5 N•m). Loosen
the section fasteners, then step-torque them first to 40 lb x in (4.5 N•m), and then to 75 lb x in (8.5
N•m). Used divider valves can be tested “as is”, with approximate section fastener torque verified
after testing.
2. Place the distribution block in an open container with all base outlets open. Connect purge gun filled
with room temperature [65°F (18°C)] 10 wt. (ISO 32) mineral oil to the divider block inlet. Pump the
purge gun to purge air from the divider block assembly. Verify that oil flows freely from all outlets
(see FIGURE 3-15 “Divider Block All Outlets Open”).
Testing with 10 wt. mineral oil at 65°F (18°C) simulates divider block operation at 120°F (49°C) with
40 wt. (ISO 150) mineral oil. If 10 wt. (ISO 32) mineral oil is unavailable, use 40 wt. (ISO 150); how-
ever, the pressure test will be less sensitive in detecting a bypassing divider valve.
3. The divider block assembly should cycle at less than 300 psi (2068 kPa) while purging at a steady
rate. Cycle pressures above 300 psi (2068 kPa) indicate inhibited piston movement, possibly
caused by the piston rubbing the bore, oil contamination, part geometry, or bore distortion due to
over-tightening the section fasteners. If re-torquing the valve section fails to improve cycle pressure,
replace the divider valve section. Do not attempt to alter the piston/bore fit by polishing components.
4. For divider valves stamped with a “T” (for “twin”), use a 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) pipe or tubing plug to plug
only one base outlet when testing that side of the piston, and leave all other outlets open. Plug and
test each base outlet of divider valves stamped with a “T” one side at a time. See FIGURE 3-15
“Testing ‘T’ Divider Valve”. Individual testing of each outlet ensures both sides of the piston build
adequate pressure. For all divider valves stamped with an “S” on the front (for “single”), plug the

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Section 3 - Maintenance For models JGH:E:K:T

working outlet as well to test both sides of the piston for by-passing simultaneously. See FIGURE 3-
15 “Testing ‘S’ Divider Valve”.
5. Pump the purge gun until the pressure gauge indicates 3000 psi (20684 kPa). Hold this pressure for
5 seconds, then increase it to 3500 psi (24132 kPa). Stop pumping at 3500 psi (24132 kPa).
6. Start timer and monitor the pressure drop from 3500 psi (24132 kPa) for 30 seconds. Check dis-
charge outlet(s) plug(s) to confirm no external leaks. Also check O-rings for external leakage. If the
valve bypasses rapidly, repeat the test to ensure the bypass wasn’t due to trapped air. New valves
should not exceed a 400 psi (2758 kPa) pressure drop in 30 seconds. Used valves should not
exceed 1000 psi (6895 kPa) pressure drop in 30 seconds. If pressure drops exceed these limits, the
divider valve fails the test.
7. Repeat Steps 4 thru 6 for the remaining outlets on the divider block assembly.
NOTE: Test distribution blocks at higher pressures if the application dictates higher system
operating pressure.
If a divider valve fails, replace it. Discard worn divider valves. If the tested valve passes the test, relieve
the pressure, move the plug to the next outlet, and repeat the test for all divider valves. When all divider
valves either pass this pressure test or are replaced, reassemble the distribution block, purge it with the
proper force feed lubricant, and put it into service.
This distribution block pressure test procedure is not infallible. Ariel recommends periodic tests for
proper cylinder bore lubrication rates and/or aftermarket devices that measure flow.

Balance Valves
Install balance valves on low-pressure lube lines to artificially increase lube line pressure and reduce dif-
ferential pressure between lube points downstream of a divider block. Important considerations:
• Set and maintain balance valves downstream of a divider block within 500 psi (3400kPa) of each
other or less. The closer the balance valve set pressures, the more reliable the system.
• Avoid situations in which the balance valve set pressure is the greatest contributor of pressure to the
divider block immediately upstream.
• With a balanced divider block, the upstream divider block pressure gauge should exhibit no erratic
needle movement as the divider block cycles.
To maintain the force feed lube system, record the maximum injection pressure indicated at each divider
block gauge, balance valve set pressures, and divider block cycle time at least once a day for each zone
in the system. See Appendix E.
Do not adjust balance valves prior to operating the unit. Verify the tightness of all fittings and fix any
known leaks. To remove any trapped air or gas in the force feed lube system, use a high-pressure hand
purge pump and the same oil recommended for the cylinder application to purge it. DO NOT USE ANY
OTHER FLUIDS FOR PURGING! Call the Ariel Response Center for details about purchasing a hand
purge pump. To prepare for balance valve adjustment:
1. Start the compressor and bring the cylinders up to normal operating pressure.
2. Allow operating pressures to stabilize.
3. See the cylinder lube sheets for balance valve locations and proper spring type for each device.

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