Material On Inductor

The first step is to ensure the seal is the correct size for your container and in good condition. Over time, seals can wear out, especially after a few years of use. A worn-out seal may begin to curve upward, taking on a preset shape from sitting inside the container. If you raise your pump and notice the seals are shaped like a bowl, they may not be putting enough pressure on the material and should be replaced.

If the seals are the right fit and in good condition, several other factors could cause material to accumulate on top of the inductor. Check the O-rings around the pump stem in the central hub, as well as the O-rings between the hub and the inductor plate. These O-rings must be intact and properly seated. Additionally, the screws connecting the inductor seal to the inductor plate should be tightened properly, and their sealing washers must be in place.

Material separation could also be a culprit. If you’re working with grease that separates in the pail—leaving thicker grease at the bottom and a layer of oil on top—the thin oil may seep through small gaps, including around screws, central seals, or even the edges of the pail. Ensure all components and seals are in good working condition and tightened securely.

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Another area to check is the valve used to bleed air from the container when loading a new one. Ensure this valve is not leaking and that the T-handle is tightened correctly. If the inductor vent is secure, it should create a proper seal. However, if material is already present on top of the inductor seal, it may be difficult to pinpoint the source of the leak until you clean it up.

If the seals and connections appear to be in good condition, another possibility is excessive ram pressure. Even a well-fitting inductor seal may leak if too much downward force is applied by the ram. Check the pressure regulator setting for the ram and adjust it as needed. For thinner materials, only a small amount of downforce is required. Decrease the pressure by turning the regulator to the left. Excessive pressure can push material around the sides of the seal, particularly with thinner greases.

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In some cases, the pump itself may be the issue. Worn seals inside the pump can cause grease to leak, which would be visible as material running down the pump. This is often a clear sign that the pump needs a rebuild, replacement parts, or, depending on the model, tightening of the packing glands.

If you’re using a relatively new pump and the container size differs slightly from standard dimensions, the seals may not fit properly even if they appear adequate. In this case, contact us with the dimensions of your container so we can assess whether a better-fitting seal is needed.

These are the main causes of material on top of your inductor seal and how to address them. If you need additional help troubleshooting or require replacement parts, feel free to reach out to us.