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Grease can be defined as a solid to semi-solid material produced by the dispersion of a thickening agent in a liquid lubricant. Other ingredients may be included to impart special properties to the grease.
Thickener |
Lubricating Oil |
Additives |
5 - 20% |
75 - 95% |
0-15% |
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A complex grease is similar to a regular grease except that the thickener contains two dissimilar fatty acids, one of which is the complex agent. This results in good high temperature characteristics to the final product.
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Because of the high percentage of oil by weight in grease, the oil must be of high quality and the proper viscosity. Light viscosity oils are used for low temperature, low load, and high speed applications. Conversely, a heavy viscosity oil is generally used for high temperature, high load, and slow speed application.
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The most common additives found in grease are as follows:
= Oxidation Inhibitors
= EPA Agents
= Anti-Corrosion Agents
= Anti-Wear Agents
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The most important factors affecting the properties and characteristics of a grease are:
= Amount and type of thickener
= Oil viscosity and physical characteristics
= Additives
A grease is expected to:
= Reduce friction and wear
= Provide corrosion protection
= Seal bearings from water and contaminants
= Resist leakage, dripping, and throw-off
= Be compatible with seals
= Repel moisture
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Consistency -is the degree of hardness of a grease and may vary considerably with temperature. This has been classified by the National Lubricating Grease Institute (N.L.G.I.) into the following categories:
N.L.G.I. GRADE |
PENETRATION @ 25°c(1/10th mm) |
000 |
445-475 |
00 |
400- 30 |
0 |
355-385 |
1 |
310-340 |
2 |
265-295 |
3 |
220-250 |
4 |
175-205 |
5 |
130-160 |
6 |
85-115 |
Shear Stability - is the ability of a grease to resist a change in consistency during mechanical working. Under high rates of shear, grease structures tend to change in consistency.
Oil Separation - is the percentage of oil which separates from the grease under storage conditions. It cannot predict separation tendencies in use under dynamic conditions
High Temperature Stability - is the ability of a grease to retain its consistency, structure, and performance at temperatures in excess of 125° C
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The following chart is designed to help you select a type of grease that will satisfy the intended application.
Properties |
Calcium |
Lithium |
Sodium |
Aluminum Complex |
Calcium Complex |
Barium Complex |
Lithium Complex |
Polyurea Synthetic |
Bentone Clay |
Dropping Point °C |
80-100 |
175-205 |
170-200 |
260+ |
260+ |
200+ |
260+ |
250+ |
None |
Max Temp°C |
65 |
125 |
125 |
150 |
150 |
150 |
160 |
150 |
150 |
High Temp Use |
V.Good |
Good |
Good |
Exc |
Exc |
Good |
Exc |
Exc |
Exc |
Low Temp Mobility |
Fair |
Good |
Poor |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Mech. Stability |
Fair |
Good |
Fair |
Exc |
Good |
Fair |
Exc |
Good |
Fair |
Water Resistance |
Exc |
Good |
Poor |
Exc |
Exc |
Exc |
Exc |
Exc |
Fair |
Oxidation Stability |
Poor |
Good |
Good |
Exc |
Exc |
Poor |
Good |
Exc |
Good |
Texture |
Smooth |
Smooth |
Smooth |
Smooth |
Smooth |
Fibrous |
Smooth |
Smooth |
Smooth |
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