A Primer on Grease Testing for Performance and Condition Monitoring

The tests that are performed for technical data sheets are different compared to what is tested for condition monitoring. This video explores the tests that are used to understand the performance of a grease as well as the tests used in the condition of the bearings. Conventional as well as new tests are presented.

Introduction

Many applications in various types of equipment create a host of lubrication problems; extreme heat, excessive pressure, water washout and contamination all can degrade grease and leave the components unprotected.

Various grease technologies are available that are designed to extend the operating life of the various components and help to decrease downtime, parts replacement, and labor costs. Attempting to understand which grease is best for a given application can be a difficult task.

Various controlled test methods have been established to make the selection process less painful. Many facilities use several different greases leading to costly misapplication mistakes.

There has been a concerted effort to minimize the number of greases used in a facility. This technique is known as lubricant consolidation. Maintenance teams are in search of a few greases to take the place of several that are being used.

After a grease is in service, it undergoes changes due to contamination as well as extreme conditions. There are several tests that have been developed that can determine the health of grease as well as provide warning signs of impending bearing failure.

These in-service tests can help identify misapplications, wear conditions, contamination, and potential grease failure.

If you want to know more about Grease Testing, fill the form below and get the complete presentation from Michael Holloway.

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