Used Grease Sampling & Analysis

Grease sampling and used grease analysis are crucial for maintaining equipment reliability and preventing failures. Let's delve into the details:

## Grease Sampling Techniques

Taking a representative grease sample is essential for accurate analysis. Here are some techniques for obtaining valid grease samples:

1. Syringe Method:

- Use a syringe to pull used grease into a sampling tube.

- Remove the inspection screw on a slew bearing or the grease nipple from a rolling-element bearing.

- Cut the sampling tube to an appropriate length to reach the bearing area.

- Attach the clean tube to the syringe and press it onto the greased area.

- Pull at least 1 centimeter of used grease into the sampling tube (approximately 1 gram).

- Repeat the procedure at different sampling points if necessary.

- Avoid taking fresh grease too close to the regreasing point2.

2. Spatula Method:

- Scrape grease off representative spots using a spatula.

- Collect grease from areas such as cage bars, raceways, or beside the roller set.

- Wipe off excess grease sticking to the spatula.

- Ensure visual control to draw up only used grease1.

3. Grease Sampler Kit:

- Install the grease sampler on the drain line of the bearing or gear housing.

- Mark the sample container with the date, machine number, or unique identification.

- Collect grease directly in the marked sample container (0.5 grams is sufficient for one analysis).

- For trend analysis, consistently sample at the same points1.

## Importance of Grease Analysis

- Early Warning System: Grease analysis serves as an early warning system for failures. It provides information about wear, contamination, consistency, bleeding behavior, and base oil/additive condition.

- Condition Monitoring: Since grease properties change during operation, grease analysis is effective for condition monitoring.

- Trend Analysis: Regular grease analysis helps recognize issues before damage occurs.

- Complementary to Oil Analysis: While oil analysis is common, grease analysis complements it by focusing on grease-lubricated bearings2.

Remember that proper sampling techniques are critical for meaningful results. Grease analysis can significantly enhance equipment reliability and maintenance practices. ?????12.

Source:

(1) Grease Analysis: Early Warning System for Failures and Proactive .... https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/29284/grease-analysis-system.

(2) Taking a grease sample for analysis purposes - Techenomics. https://www.techenomics.net/oil-analysis/grease-sample/.

(3) AFM and SEM Assessment of Lubricating Grease Microstructures ... - Springer. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11249-016-0710-y.

(4) Streamlined grease sampling and analysis. https://greasethief.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Grease-Screening-Final-1.pdf.

(5) Grease sampling and analysis for in-service Condition ... - IPGSA. https://intsamp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/LUBMAT-MS-formateret-050416.pdf.