The Column

Industrial clarity for your lubrication systems

See what’s really happening inside your machines

When your equipment runs day and night, lubrication is the thin line between smooth operation and costly failure. Yet many industries still rely on dipsticks or small gauges that only show oil levels - without revealing hidden dangers like water ingress, foaming, or sediment build-up.

With Luneta’s column oil sight glasses, you gain full transparency into your lubricant’s health, helping you spot problems early and keep your machines running longer.

The column sight glass

Why lubricant visibility matters

Lubricant condition is directly linked to machine reliability. Contaminated or degraded oil leads to:

  1. Excessive wear and tear

  2. Corrosion of key components

  3. Reduced efficiency

  4. Unexpected downtime

By upgrading to a column sight glass, you’re not just monitoring oil; you’re actively protecting your assets.

What makes Column oil sight glasses different?

  • Full-length visibility – monitor oil level and quality continuously, not just at one point
  • Real-time contamination detection – identify water, foam, or air bubbles instantly
  • Rugged construction – resistant to chemicals, impacts, and extreme conditions
  • Built-in drain ports – remove water or sediment safely without shutting down
  • Easy integration – install on most reservoirs, gearboxes, and lubrication systems
Question

“We already use dipsticks, why switch?”

Dipsticks measure quantity, but not quality. They won’t show:

  • Water separating at the bottom of a reservoir

  • Foaming caused by aeration

  • Darkened or sludgy oil buildup

With a column sight glass, you see it all, without downtime.

How do they work?

Mounted at the drain port or low point of the reservoir, the sight glass fills with circulating oil. Gravity and natural separation make it easy to spot:

  • Water – settles at the bottom, clearly visible

  • Foam – floats and lingers in the column

  • Sediment – collects in the lower section, ready for safe draining

Optional breather ports prevent vacuum lock, ensuring smooth operation.

Where are they used?

Column oil sight glasses are essential across industries where lubrication reliability is critical:

  • Power generation – turbines, pumps, and gearboxes

  • Manufacturing – presses, compressors, and hydraulic systems

  • Marine and offshore – combating water contamination in harsh environments

  • Food and beverage – ensuring clean, reliable oil in sensitive equipment

FAQ

FAQ about The Column

FAQ - The Column

What is the column?

The Luneta Column is a sight glass designed for equipment with greater oil level fluctuations.

Is column available in different diameters?

The Column is only available in 1” diameter.

What lengths are available?

The Column comes in lengths from 3" all the way to 60".

Are both ends threaded?

Yes, both ends of the Column are threaded and feature 1" NPT male threads.

Are the individual components replaceable?

Yes! All Luneta products are made with replaceable component parts. It’s part of our commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices.

Why should I use a silicone cover over the breather?

We recommend using a silicone cover over the breather to prevent particulate and water build-up on top. While they cannot make it through the 3 micron screen, any dust, dirt, or water that lands on top will prevent your Column from breathing properly. The silicone cap is specially made to mitigate this issue.

Can I use The Column on any machine?

The Column is designed for use on stationary industrial equipment where oil levels fluctuate but need consistent monitoring. It should not be used on moving vehicles or machines operating outside the temperature and pressure limits (up to 65 psi / 4.5 bar).

Also, avoid using incompatible solvents during cleaning, as this may damage the Tritan body.

Customer benefit snapshot

  • Proactive maintenance instead of reactive fixes

  • Reliable, continuous oil health monitoring

  • Increased confidence in machine performance

  • Lower total cost of ownership

A smarter way to manage lubrication

Luneta's column oil sight glasses give you a clear, continuous view of lubricant health; detecting water, foam, and sediment before they damage your equipment. They’re rugged, easy to install, and proven to extend machine life while cutting maintenance costs.

Ready to protect your machines with full visibility?
Contact Lubretec today for expert guidance and tailored solutions.