Oil Sight Glasses Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to install the Oil Sight Glass?
We recommend installing the Oil Sight Glass at the lowest point of the oil reservoir; typically the drain port. Water contamination will separate from high quality oils and migrate to the OSG where it can be purged from the system. Unwanted sediment and particles are visible in the OSG. Upon inspection, the user can determine the appropriate action to initiate.
When is a High Temperature Oil Sight Glass required?
When oil operating temperatures or radiant heat from adjacent equipment are continually in excess of 165°F, you should consider utilizing the Esco High Temperature Oil Sight Glass.
How do I clean the Oil Sight Glass?
Soap and warm water is the best way to clean the Oil Sight Glass. Commercial cleaning products containing alcohol or ammonia (including Windex) should be avoided, as they may cause crazing that can expedite staining and/or compromise the bond strength.
Why would I need to use the Horizontal Oil Sight Glass?
The Horizontal Oil Sight Glass is designed to be installed on equipment that has restricted vertical clearance in the area the OSG is mounted. The design has the mounting nipple and drain valve eccentrically machined and oriented 180° apart. This provides the same ability to discharge any accumulated water.
Why would I need to use the Oil Sight Glass & Level Monitor?
When seeing and maintaining the level of oil in your reservoir is critical, the Oil Sight Glass and Level Monitor (OSGL) provides all the benefits of the OSG plus the ability to constantly monitor the level of the reservoir oil. The dual port model has a second 3/8” NPT thread at 180° to allow the installation of a drain valve or access to the oil reservoir utilizing a pitot tube and a pitot sample adapter. This all-in-one product provides continuous monitoring of the clarity, color, sediment, water contamination and level of the oil.
Why would we use the Magnet Drain Valve?
The strong pull from this rare earth magnet will attract and hold microscopic ferrous particles. Further analysis of these particles can help determine what component is failing for replacement. The Magnet Drain Valve is easily interchanged with the standard drain valve on any OSG Product.
What materials are the OSG components made from and how resistant are they to corrosion?
The oil sight glass is manufactured from strong, stain-resistant cast acrylic. The drain valve is made from brass with a vulcanized rubber seal. Both materials have excellent resistance to hydrocarbon and petroleum-based products, hydraulic fluids, most silicone fluids, and fuels. A detailed chemical resistance chart is available upon request.
Are alternate materials available for the hardware?
The brass hardware will provide excellent performance for most applications; however, 304 stainless steel hardware is available for environments that cannot accept brass.
How often should the Oil Sight Glass be replaced?
Under normal operating conditions, the life span of the Oil Sight Glass is not limited. Repeated exposure to caustic chemicals can cause staining and small surface cracks called crazes, which can lead to larger cracks and bonding failure. Environmental factors such as long periods of direct sunlight and radical swings in temperature can expedite staining or crazing. Designed to withstand normal industrial lubrication applications, the Esco Oil Sight Glass can work for years without failure or degradation, but operators should watch for staining, crazing or microscopic oil seepage that may arise and replace the OSG immediately to insure safe and effective oil management.
Which size Oil Sight Glass should I use?
For many systems the 1 oz. Oil Sight Glass is adequate. The 3 oz. OSG provides additional volume and should be used when the condensation or water spillover is excessive. Esco also offers 16 oz. and 32 oz. Oil Sight Glasses for special applications that require the ability to accumulate substantial volumes of water due to large oil reservoirs, high condensation problems or excessive water spillover. Even larger sizes and unique configurations are available for special applications. Just call with your request!
Are there any special precautions for extremely cold applications?
The materials used can withstand temperatures as low as -40°F or -40°C. It is important that the water accumulation in the Oil Sight Glass is managed to prohibit it from completely displacing all of the oil. As little as a tablespoon (1/4" linear volume) of oil in the chamber will provide for the volumetric expansion required when the water freezes. If enough water accumulates to displace all of the oil from the chamber, the expansion that occurs when it freezes can fracture the OSG. Although Oil Sight Glasses are a valuable, dependable and safe tool to use in extremely cold environments, it is important that they are regularly monitored to avoid excess water accumulation. We do not recommend the installation of OSGs in hard to see places on equipment in freezing environments.
