Presentation Profile
Resistance of Grease to Water Contamination: Importance and Test Methods
Currently Scheduled: 10/11/2023 - 9:20 AM - 9:40 AM
Main Author
Raj Shah - Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.
- William Streiber - Dept. Of Chemical Engineering, State Univ. of NY, Stony Brook
- Anthony Schevon - Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.
Abstract:
Water contamination in lubricating greases accelerates rust and corrosion, causing changes to the chemical structure of the grease. Water can also initiate advanced oxidation and introduce bubbles, leading to a non-uniform distribution of grease and hydrogen embrittlement. This can cause pressure cracks, leading to system failure and safety hazards. Therefore, determining a grease’s resistance to water contamination is crucial for sustainability and safety. ASTM D4049 and ASTM D1264 are two commonly used test methods for assessing a grease’s resistance to water. ASTM D4049 involves spraying a water stream at a specific rate and temperature onto a grease plate and analyzing its weight before and after exposure to water. In contrast, ASTM D1264 involves spinning and spraying a bearing at a predetermined rate to test the resistance of greased parts to water permeation. This poster highlights Koehler Instrument Company’s test instrumentation to address water contamination in greases, with an in-depth analysis of the procedure and ease of use of the instrumentation. Future research can explore the development of more effective test methods to assess grease resistance to water contamination in service conditions.
