Grease, a
vital lubricant, results from emulsifying soap with mineral or vegetable oil,
comprising base oil, thickener, and additives. Selecting the right grease entails
considering operating conditions and application specifics, including base oil
type, thickener type, and viscosity. Various types of grease cater to diverse
needs:
·
Sodium
grease: Offers high dropping point and good lubrication, but poor water
resistance and oxidation stability.
·
Lithium
grease: Provides corrosion protection, oxidation resistance, and excellent
lubrication, suitable for extreme temperatures, high pressure, and shock loads.
Lithium complex variants enhance pumpability, load capacity, and thermal
stability.
·
Aluminium
complex grease: Features a high dropping point, good water resistance, and
pumpability, with potential for additive enhancement to handle high loads.
Grease
functions by lubricating moving surfaces while maintaining integrity against
gravity, centrifugal forces, or pressure. It minimizes friction by forming a
protective film between surfaces, facilitating smooth operation and extending
component lifespan.
Where it
can be used?
Greases can be used in:
·
Automotive applications
·
Industrial machinery
·
Bearings and bushings
·
Gears and gearboxes
·
Marine equipment
·
Agricultural machinery.
Advantages
of Grease:
·
Provides long-lasting lubrication and
protection to moving parts.
·
Helps to reduce friction and wear in bearings,
gears, and other components.
·
Offers excellent water and corrosion
resistance, extending equipment lifespan.
·
Maintains consistency and stays in place even
under high loads and temperatures.
·
Can be easily applied to hard-to-reach areas
for effective lubrication.
Technical Specifications
of Grease:
- Viscosity Grade: NLGI (e.g., NLGI 2)
- Industry Standards: NLGI LB (typical)
- Function: Reduces friction, wear, and
corrosion between moving parts
- Properties:
- Thick semi-solid
consistency
- Varies in viscosity
depending on application
- Base Oil Type: Mineral or Synthetic
- Additive Package: May include extreme
pressure (EP), anti-wear, and anti-oxidant additives
- Selection: Depends on application,
operating temperature, and load
Freezing Point: Thickeners in grease
can affect the freezing point, but it's generally lower than the base oil's
freezing point. Typically between -40°C and -20°C
