Grease Lubrication

Grease type lubricants are easier to handle than oil based lubricants. Because of its viscosity, they are longer lasting and require simple sealing devices. Grease is hard to change because the usual method is to pump grease into a grease fitting and let the new grease push out the old grease.



Types of Grease

Grease are composed of either a mineral oil base or a synthetic oil base like diester oil, silicone oil and fluorocarbon oil. The base oil determines the property of the grease.



To this thickener and other additives are added. All these together determine the properties of the grease. Low viscosity base oil are suited for low temperatures and high speeds while greases made from high viscosity base oils are best suited for heavy loads.



Generally, greases with a low viscosity base oil are best suited for low temperatures and high speeds; while greases made from high viscosity base oils are suited for heavy loads.



Thickening agents

Added to the base oil are thickening agents to maintain the semisolid state of grease. They are further of two types. Metallic soap thickeners include lithium, sodium, calcium etc. Non-soap base thickeners are divided into two groups inorganic (silica gel, bentonite, etc.) and organic (poly-urea fluorocarbon, etc.). Certain characteristics like temperature regulation, water resistance and mechanical stability depend largely upon thickening agents.



Additives

Additives are added to improve on other qualities of the grease like rust prevention, antioxidant properties, high pressure sustenance etc.