They are the highest-quality divider blocks in the world because they have the best piston fits possible. No other manufacturer can come close. How do we know? Because we constantly test theirs to prove there is no comparison.
Divider blocks are also known as feeders, distributors, distribution valves, progressive distributors and splitters. Call them what you like – if the pump is the heart of a lubrication system, these devices are the arteries. They take the total flow of lubricant from the pump and divide it to be delivered to all the lubrication points.
Like other lubrication system components, there are many makes, models and styles of divider blocks designed for specific purposes – from low-pressure and low-flow grease applications to high-flow, high-pressure duties.
Since our focus has always been low-flow, high-pressure applications in compressors and engines, we learned early that piston geometry and fit were of the utmost importance. Think about .006 cu.in. or three drops of oil accurately delivered against 3,000 psi back pressure every minute, and you get the idea of what is required. So we are absolutely committed to designing and manufacturing the best possible piston fits for the most accurate displacements for all applications.
Simply put, in a divider block, the pump flow can only move one piston at a time. When that piston moves, it makes one oil delivery down one line. That movement also valves the pump flow to move the next piston, and so on. There must always be three pistons, but there can be anywhere from one to 18 or more outlets from one block. Each piston has a fixed stroke, diameter and thus displacement.
Unlike a pump, if the piston fit begins to wear, you can't adjust the stroke to make up for it. As the piston-to-bore clearance increases, the oil begins to slip past the piston to areas in the block with lower pressure. If this happens, one or more downstream lube points may not get enough oil.
With something that critical, don't you want the best possible product out there? You'll get it from Sloan Brothers.
