In reply to the original question, I highly recommend the use of oil mist. In our particular conversion, we documented a reduction in bearing failures of about 80 percent. Bearing failures often result in seal leaks and many of our products are extremely hazardous. For process streams that include light ends that pose a risk of vapor cloud or hot oil streams above their auto-ignition temperature, avoiding bearing failures and seal leaks represents an extreme improvement in reliability and safety. However, as Mr. Coffman points out, nothing is without risk. I would only consider a well engineered lube oil mist system with full instrumentation, controls and alarms suitable to guarantee consistent mist delivery. Systems of this type are readily available and would be considered standard for an oil refinery or petro-chemical plant. In fact, I am not aware of any major US oil refineries that do not currently use oil mist in at least a portion of their plant.
Johnny Pellin