The Effects of Thickeners on the Low Temperature Properties of Open Gear Greases

摘要

Open gears operate under severe conditions, often at their design limits. Severe conditions include extreme pressures, varying speed and contamination. Possibly the most important aspect of open gear lubricant selection is low temperature pumpability and the ability of the lubricant to be applied through a centralized lubrication system at the lowest anticipated ambient temperature. Considering the cost of downtime of an electric rope shovel or walking dragline in a mining operation, choosing the correct open gear lubricant for the application is critical. When it comes to selection, open gear greases using various thickeners are available and their low temperature performance needs to be examined. While keeping the additive system constant, lab samples of an open gear grease were blended with four thickener types; Aluminum Complex, Lithium Complex, Calcium Sulfonate Complex and Organo-clay. The open gear lubricants' low temperature properties were evaluated using standard tests to determine the effects of the thickener type on their low temperature properties.