the Expert Q:
Is there a recent pie chart showing the breakup of the world grease usage, by sector, by soap type?
A:
Please consult the NLGI Grease Production Survey - available for purchase on the NLGI website - to get a break-down by thickener type. Here’s the link: https:// www.nlgi.org/products-page/2014-nlgi-greaseproduction-survey/ As far as usage by sector, it’s a fairly even split between industrial and transport. Beyond that, they would need to contact a market research firm for more detailed information.
Q:
I have a 1.5 fluid ounce tube of Permatex WL-9 White Lithium Grease. Is it safe to use this grease on the gear that is exposed when the ice storage bin is removed from the freezer? The grease is used to keep the gear from sticking when the bin is removed. If this grease is not safe what do you recommend? A: NLGI does not endorse any commercial products. Permatex WL-9 White Lithium Grease appears to be an industrial grease and would likely not perform satisfactorily at the operating temperature of an icemaker. We suggest you contact the manufacturer of the refrigerator/freezer/icemaker to get their product recommendation for the application described.
Q:
I’ve been running some grease corrosion tests in accordance with ASTM D4048 and getting quite varying results on the same test sample. The main variable I can see is the amount of cleaning at the end of the test should this just be a simple wipe? The grease leaves an oxidised coating behind and it is difficult to determine if I’m removing the grease coating or tarnish. Mainly I get some black streaking / spotting with a coppery undertone. There is no red / green / or brassy discolouration. Would this be a 1b or a 4? Any advice with this test method would be greatly appreciated.
A:
“ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards. ASTM D 4048 method is the responsibility of the ASTM D.02. G0 Lubricating Grease sub-committee which is split into 7 sections. Section G.01 is directly responsible for Chemical and General Laboratory Tests which includes ASTM D4048-10 “Standard Test Method for Detection of Copper Corrosion from Lubricating Grease”. Inquiries about this test can be directed to Joe Kaperick, the chair of Section G.01, at joe.kaperick@aftonchemical.com.”
Q:
Please help with finding conversions from civilian greases to military greases. The approved grease list that I have from Dexter Axles lists greases such as: Conoco Phillips Multiplex RED #2, Kendall L427 Super Blu, Citgo Lithoplex MP #2, Lithoplex CM #2, Mystik JT-6
- 18 VOLUME 79, NUMBER 6
