In our last Newsletter we discussed the composition of greases. We recognised that greases are composed of a mixture of base oil/additives and thickener in the quantities as seen below.
By using different kinds of metallic compounds (thickeners) and fats and varying the method of manufacturing, many different types of grease can be produced, each possessing a distinct physical characteristic to perform the job for which it was designed.
The choice of a grease thickener can influence your grease’s operating temperature, load, speed, and material compatibility. Thus, it is extremely important for you to determine which thickener is best suited for use in your specific application. Some in-depth knowledge is required but here is a chart which summarizes the key characteristics of each thickener. In addition, you’ll find a list of applications where these thickeners have been successful.
| Thickener | Key Characteristics | Applications |
| Lithium Soaps | Good lubricity, shear stability, thermal resistance, low oil separation | Bearings in automotive and industrial |
| Calcium Soaps | Improved water resistance over the lithium greases, good shear stability | Used in applications that operate up to 110°C, bearings of water pump, wheel bearings, and agricultural vehicles |
| Sodium Soaps | High dropping points (typically 175°C), good shear stability and lubricity | Bearings in aerospace, wheel bearings, universal joints, and axle journal boxes |
| Aluminum Soaps | Excellent oxidation resistance, good water resistance | Vibrating screens, elevator drive motors and governors where reversing motion occurs, and large electric motors with bearings operating at high linear speeds |
Castrol Molub-Alloy 6040
Heavy-duty industrial greases
Molub-Alloy™ 6040 grease is based on a unique calcium-complex sulphonate thickener containing premium petroleum base oils with select additives for extreme pressure characteristics and thin-film, high-pressure, antiwear protection.
Thickeners using calcium sulphonate have inherent anti-oxidant and rust-inhibiting properties, along with high dropping points and extreme pressure (EP) /anti-wear characteristics. The use of this complex thickener offers advantages over other organic grease thickeners such as polyurea. It also works better than inorganics like clay or silica, and simple or complex soaps such as lithium or aluminum.
Centralized Lubrication Systems
Maintaining properly lubricated machinery is an important part of any lubrication program. Without administering lubricants at correct intervals with the proper amount, a machine can experience costly failures. Centralized lubrication systems are a common tool used in industries to distribute a precise amount of lubricant to specific locations at specific times through the use of programmable timers, lubricant pumps and lubricant injectors.
