Mechanical lubricator
A Mechanical lubricator, or automatic lubricator, is a device fitted to a steam engine to supply lubricating oil to the cylinders and, sometimes, the bearings as well. There are various types of mechanical lubricator.
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Displacement lubricator
The displacement lubricator was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1860 by John Ramsbottom. It operates by allowing steam to enter a closed vessel containing oil. After condensing, the water sinks to the bottom of the vessel, causing the oil to rise and overflow into delivery pipes. In a steam locomotive, it was often positioned in the cab where the rate of oil feed could be observed. Alternatively, two displacement lubricators (one for each cylinder) might be positioned on either side of the smokebox.
The displacement lubricator was a useful stop-gap but had the disadvantage that there was little control over the rate of oil feed, which depended mainly on the weather. In cold weather the rate of feed would increase because steam would condense more rapidly.
When more sophisticated lubricators, such as the Wakefield and Detroit types, were developed, displacement lubricators fell out of use but they are still used on model steam engines [1].
Wakefield lubricator
This was patented by Charles Wakefield in the 1890s [2].
Detroit lubricator
This was made by the Detroit Lubricator Company.
Silvertown lubricator
Developed by the Midland Railway and made by Gresham and Craven [3].