54
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November - December 2017
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www.machinerylubrication.com
When designing a centralized lubrication
system, which comes first: the system or
the grease selection? Most people begin
with the system and then find a grease that
is suitable for it. However, the best approach is to start with
a grease that serves the needs of the machine and then
design a lubrication system that works with the lubricant.
What's in a Grease?
Before considering which tests should be performed
to help select the right grease, a basic understanding of
grease formulation is needed. During Noria's training
courses, the class is often asked, "What is grease?"
Typical responses include "really thick oil," "a paste-like
lubricant," etc. According to ASTM D288, grease is
defined as "a solid-to-semifluid product of dispersion of a
thickening agent in a liquid lubricant. Other ingredients
imparting special properties may be included."
Basically, a grease is comprised of three parts: the base
oil, additives and a thickener. e base oil may constitute
between 70 to 95 percent of the grease. It provides the
grease's viscosity and film thickness, and is the founda-
tion upon which the grease is built. A mineral, synthetic
or vegetable-based oil may be used in a grease. e oil
type is selected based on the desired properties needed
for the application.
4 Grease Tests for Centralized
Lubrication Systems
The best
approach is to
start with the
grease and then
design a system
that works with
the lubricant."
"
G rease s
BACK PAGE BASICS
Devin Jarrett
|
Noria Corporation
