Open gear set lubrication system

A recirculatory lubrication system for applying a film of lubricant to an open gear set having a pinion gear and a bull gear in meshing engagement with the pinion gear, the open gear set at least substantially enclosed by a gear set cover having a lower portion for collecting lubricant therein, comprising:

• (a) a lubricant reservoir having a lubricant supply port and a lubricant return port;
• (b) a lubricant supply line, said supply line having a first end in fluid communication with said supply port of said reservoir and a second end;
• (c) a lubricant distribution header having a first end and a second end, said first end of said header in fluid communication with said second end of said supply line, said header having a plurality of lubricant feed orifices positioned along the length of said header, said feed orifices effective in applying the film of lubricant onto the gear set;
• (d) a first lubricant return line having a first end and a second end, said first end in fluid communication with the lower portion of the gear set cover;
• (e) a filter assembly, said filter assembly including an inlet and an outlet, said inlet of said filter assembly in fluid communication with said second end of said first lubricant return line, said filter assembly having at least one filter element positioned therein for removing particles entrained in the lubricant;
• (f) a second lubricant return line having a first end and a second end, said first end in fluid communication with said outlet of said filter assembly and said second end in fluid communication with said lubricant return port of said reservoir;
• (g) a heater positioned within said reservoir to heat the lubricant within said reservoir;
• and
• (h) a blower in communication with said reservoir to raise the prevailing pressure within said reservoir above ambient pressure to prevent airborne dust from entering said reservoir and the open gear set during operation of the system.