Centralized lubrication systems are common in many industrial facilities, particularly in metal stamping and power generation. They allow a technician to lubricate multiple components with precision from a single location, which results in increased machine reliability (and a happier technician). They don’t come without their drawbacks though. Centralized systems use long, narrow lines to reach the components they are lubricating. It isn’t uncommon to have lines running 40 feet in four different directions. That means you need a thinner grease, such as an NLGI #00, or the grease won’t be able to pump through the lines to reach the bearings it is intended to lubricate and protect. Unfortunately, thinner greases tend to bleed more based on their thickener, base oil type, base oil viscosity and additives. When the thickener and oil separate in a centralized lubrication system, the thickener that’s left behind will cake up and prevent the system from pumping, leading to bearings starved of lubrication.
The answer seems simple: formulate an NLGI 00 grease that doesn’t bleed.
Easier said than done. In an application under high heat, pressure and shear, you cannot absolutely prevent grease from bleeding. You can, however, design it to resist separation, and that’s what we’ve done with new AMSOIL Industrial Synthetic Central Lubrication Grease, a specialized product designed for centralized lubrication systems. It pumps well for precise metering to critical components, and because it is formulated with synthetic base oils, it is naturally durable to better resist oxidation and fight harmful deposits and corrosion to maximize equipment life. It also provides excellent all-season protection, resisting thermal breakdown due to elevated heat while providing excellent fluidity in cold weather.
AMSOIL Industrial Synthetic Central Lubrication Grease is a great solution for industrial operations with centralized lubrication systems, but it’s only one piece of the total package required to maximize uptime and efficiency in your operation.
Contact us today to schedule a visit from one of our application engineers who can evaluate your operation and recommend solutions that boost your bottom line.