Hi Everyone!

We are currently using Ceplatyn NLGI 2 for our open gear lubrication for the drag chain of our cement plant. Lately we came up with an idea of mixing an ISO VG 680 oil improve the splashing effect of the grease.

Is this idea of mixing oil with grease a good idea for open gear lubrication? And what NLGI number would normally fit in for an open gear lubrication?

Hi

ISO 680 is most likely OK for open gear application,
grease diluted with oil in the field mixes tend to be unstable for forming a constant NLGI # rating as some grease soaps separate off addition oil leaving the base oil free, carefully check the types of additives used in the two products being mixed to ensure no incompatibility, for correct NLGI rating loosen the grease by adding extra base oil until the correct "Splash for dispersing the gear fluid for best lubrication for the open gears occurs, then monitor by microscope to check wear rate is acceptable from the mixture and ensure environmental dirt contamination does not become a problem.

Regards

Rob S

I wouldn't recommend "making your own" grease. It would be better to get a grease with the correct viscosity from the start that has been properly formulated for the task at hand. If your looking for some "splash effect" then NGLI #2 is probably to thick unless it's in a very hot environment. It sounds like your looking for a semi-fluid grease, something in the NGLI #0 or #00 range. The NGLI #00 is similar to a very thick gear oil. Put some in a cup and tip it on it's side and it will begin to run out of the cup.

My suggestions would be either Millennium 2200 or Takilube, both which come in NGLI #0 and #00 (the more 0's the thinner the grease). I'm not sure how your applying the grease but the Takilube is available in caulking tubes as well as regular pail and drum containers. The caulking tubes make hand application very easy. I would also recommend the Takilube in very dirty environments as that is what it is designed for, that being exposed gears, dipper stick and rack's as well as chains and cables.

In any case I wouldn't suggest formulating your own by mixing grease and gear oil, the properties of the resulting blend will be unknown to you until it is to late.