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. Water in the system naturally separates from high quality oils and being heavier than oil, will migrate to the Oil Sight Glass and can then be easily and effectively purged from the system. Sediment and particles are pulled by gravity to the low point as well and will be easily seen in the Oil Sight Glass by a visual inspection. Appropriate action can then be initiated.
When is a High Temperature Oil Sight Glass required?
When operating temperatures are continually in excess of 165° F, you should consider the utilization of the Esco High Temperature Oil Sight Glass. Even if the temperature of the lubricating oil does not approach 165° F, the direct exposure to radiant heat from adjacent equipment must be considered. If either of these conditions are present, the High Temperature Oil Sight Glass is recommended.
How do I clean the Oil Sight Glass?
Soap and warm water is the best way to clean the Oil Sight Glass. Commercial cleaning solvents and cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia (including Windex) should be avoided, as some chemicals may cause chemical related crazing that can expedite staining and/or compromise the bond strength.
When, where, and why would I need to use the Oil Sight Glass horizontally,and how does it work?
The Horizontal Oil Sight Glass was designed to be installed on equipment that has restricted clearance in the area the Oil Sight Glass is mounted. The design has the mounting nipple and drain valve eccentrically oriented at 180° to provide the same benefit for visibility and discharge of any water that separates from the oil. This product provides for the same functionality as the Legacy Oil Sight Glass, but in a horizontal installation.
Are alternate materials available for the hardware?
The brass hardware will provide excellent performance for most applications; however, we do offer 304 stainless steel hardware for environments that cannot accept brass.
What materials are the Oil Sight Glass components made from and how resistant are they to corrosion?
The material the oil sight glass is manufactured from is a cast acrylic. The drain valve is made from high quality brass. Both materials have excellent resistance to hydrocarbon and petroleum-based products, hydraulic fluids, most silicone fluids, and fuels. A detail chemical resistance chart is available upon request.
How often should The Oil Sight Glass be replaced?
In normal operating conditions, the life span of the Oil Sight Glass is not limited by material or bonding failure. Prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals in the lubricating fluid and/or direct sunlight may stain the inside of the Oil Sight Glass, diminishing the clear visual inspection of the oil that is so important. Repeated exposure to extreme changes in temperature and/or exposure to caustic chemicals can cause small surface cracks called crazes, which can lead to larger cracks and/or bonding failure. When Oil Sight Glasses are installed outside, many 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 fail, but operators should watch for staining and crazing that may arise and replace the Oil Sight Glass immediately to insure safe and effective oil management.
Which Size Oil Sight Glass should I recommend?
For many systems, the 1 oz. Oil Sight Glass is adequate. The 3 oz. Oil Sight Glass should be used when condensation or water spillover is a primary concern. The larger volume will allow more water to be accumulated for easy and effective purging from the system. Esco also offers 16 oz. and 32 oz. Oil Sight Glasses for special applications that require the ability to accumulate larger volumes of water due to large oil reservoirs, high condensation problems or excessive water spillover concerns. Further, even larger sizes and unique configurations are available for special applications. Just call with an application!
Are there any special precautions needed for extremely cold applications?
The materials used are not subject to degradation in operating temperatures as low as -40º F or -40º C. It is important that the water accumulation in the Oil Sight Glass is managed to prohibit the water from completely filling the Oil Sight Glass and 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 the Oil Sight Glass is allowed to accumulate enough water to displace all of the oil from the chamber, the water expansion that occurs when it freezes will fracture the oil sight glass. Although Oil Sight Glasses are a valuable, dependable and safe tool to use in extremely cold environments; it is most important that they be used in environments that are regularly monitored to avoid excess water accumulation. We do not recommend the installation of Oil Sight Glasses on equipment that is located in remote, cold areas that are not monitored regularly or installed in hard to see places on equipment in freezing environments.