Wednesday, June 11
Do Dispersant VMs Benefit High-Temperature Rerefined Grease?
This study investigates whether dispersant viscosity modifiers (VMs), known for their ability to inhibit high temperature wear and oxidation damage in heavy duty diesel engine oil, can extend the high temperature life of greases. These functionalized polymers are able to build viscosity in light oils while providing the ability to inhibit the damaging effects of oxidation, soot, and thin oil films at high temperature.
Different dispersant viscosity modifiers were including styrene block copolymers and amine-grafted olefin copolymers were screened against conventional formulations on a novel high temperature bearing test rig to see if the dispersant functionalities are active in preventing changes to the grease that lead to loss of lubricant and bearing failure.
This work builds on past developments for the rerefined base oil with viscosity modifier strategy for building sustainable and affordable greases that meet the rising demands of industry. The findings offers valuable perspectives for formulators, manufacturers, and end-users seeking to optimize grease performance and extend bearing life under extreme conditions.
Dr. Erik Willett serves as the President of Functional Products Inc., a lubricant additive company specializing in polymer-based technology, located in Northeast Ohio. He holds a Doctorate in Polymer Science from the University of Akron and a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from the University of Connecticut. His achievements include receiving the prestigious PCC Gonsalves Memorial Award, the NLGI Author Award for Development, and the Award for Educational Excellence.
Wednesday, June 11
Advanced Open Gear Lubricant Technology at Work
Open gear applications require proper lubrication that can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions. From sugar mills to mining, open gear applications require high load carrying capabilities, outstanding antiwear capabilities while remaining stable under elevated operating temperatures. Traditional asphaltic open gear lubricants (OGL) have evolved into solvent free options that utilize polyisobutylene (PIB), API Group II oils, higher paraffinic base fluids and polyalphaolefins(PAO).
Previous work highlighted a new family of unique performance polymers (UPP) that could be utilized as base fluid for open gear applications. Bench testing illustrated that UPPs could provide improvement in load carrying, antiwear, operating temperatures and handleability in open gear applications.
This work will focus on the development of new fluid and grease lubricant technology from ideation to real world applications; and will demonstrate how initial FZG results translated to field performance. Results of fluid OGLs (utilizing UPPs) at work in both sugar mill and ball mill field trials will be highlighted, as well as grease (UPP base oil) trial in a steel mill application. These field trial results will demonstrate the benefits of how UPP based OGLs, with proper additive formulations, can provide substantial improvements in operating temperatures, lubrication intervals, gear life and energy efficiency
Dr. Jennifer Clark has been a Technology Development Manager for Lubrizol for 13 years. Since 2019 she worked as a Technology Development Manager for the industrial Grease team, where she focuses on the development of new open gear lubricant technology, grease thickener development and additive formulation. From 2012-2019, Jennifer worked as a product development chemist in the Metalworking group, where she focused on rust preventative technology. Jennifer received her Bachelor of Science from John Carroll University in 2007 and her Ph.D. from The State University of New York – Buffalo in 2012.
Dr. Robert Dura has been a dedicated employee of Lubrizol since early 2014, serving in various critical roles over his eleven-year tenure. Dr. Dura holds a PhD in organic chemistry from The Ohio State University and completed postdoctoral research in organometallic catalysis at the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining Lubrizol, he gained significant experience in the pharmaceutical industry with Boehringer Ingelheim/Ben Venue in Cleveland, OH, where he managed a development group responsible for generic new product development, management of change, product integrity, customer/FDA complaints, and product lifecycle management.
At Lubrizol, Dr. Dura commenced his journey as a scientist in the Chemical Synthesis group and swiftly transitioned to the role of Small Molecules Industrial Team Lead. His focus on industrial projects led to his advancement to the position of Director of both Grease and Metalworking Fluid development in Wickliffe, OH. Recently, he earned his Certified Lubrication Grease Specialist (CLGS) certification from the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI), joining a select group of grease experts worldwide.
Roberto Saruls has served as a Product Manager for the Lubrizol Corporation for the past 8 years, focusing on the Industrial segment in Latin America. Prior to joining Lubrizol, Roberto spent 38 years in the Industrial market managing Industrial R&D teams, filed engineering, B2B Marketing and New Business Management. Robert has a degree in Chemical Engineering from the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ). Roberto also has a Master’s Degree in Industrial Processes from IPT-SP and a MBA in Marketing from PUC-RJ.
Wednesday, June 11
Low Temperature Flow Properties of LGs Using Rheology and Comparison to Current Industrial Techniques
In this study the low temperature mechanical properties of greases is evaluated using a parallel plate rheometer with an environmental testing chamber (ETC) and compared to current industrial techniques. Lubricating greases (LGs) are found in nearly all mechanical devices and are employed in diverse environmental conditions. Understanding the mechanical properties of these materials under low temperature usage is vital to their design and current techniques suffer poor repeatability. Here LGs of varied thickener and base oil chemistries are considered. First, small amplitude oscillatory (SAOS) testing under low strain is used to monitor the evolution of the viscoelastic moduli during a temperature sweep from 25°C to -40°C. Next, the apparent viscosity and yield behavior is determined in a 1-minute flow test at varied temperature. Finally, each LG is examined using the traditional ASTM D1748 and DIN 51805 methods to compare measured behaviors.
Jacob Bonta has more than 10 years of experience in designing and testing new chemical products for various industrial sectors. Hired by Valvoline in 2018, he leads lubricating grease and industrial fluid research and development in North America and supports grease related operations for Valvoline globally. His graduate research is focused on lubricating grease fundamental material properties. He has multiple patents issued or pending for chemical products with five being specific to lubricating greases. He is a member of SAE, STLE, and NLGI and holds the NLGI CLGS certification.
Wednesday, June 11
Thermoplastic Elastomers for
Grease Modification Enhancing
Water Washout and Corrosion Resistance
Relating to HPM +WR and +CR
The performance of lubricating greases is critical in various industrial applications, especially under extreme pressure and wear conditions where water ingression can be a concern.
This study aims to evaluate the water washout (WR) and corrosion resistance (CR) properties of thermoplastic elastomers as a strong performing rust preventative and water-resistant grease thickener
Standardized tests including ASTM D1264 for water washout characteristics, ASTM D4049 for water resistance, ASTM D8022 for roll stability of grease in presence of water, ASTM D6138 for corrosion properties, ASTM D5969 corrosion-prevention properties in presence of seawater, ASTM D1263 for leakage tendencies for wheel bearing greases, and DIN 51807-1:2020 for performance in water presence will be conducted.
Key performance characteristics will be analyzed, including corrosion prevention efficiency, water resistance measurements, and leakage tendencies under specified conditions.
Findings will inform the optimization of thermoplastic elastomers in grease formulations, enhancing reliability in applications requiring significant lubrication performance.
Rob Stepan is an Application Development Specialist in the Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids Focused Industry for Univar Solutions. Rob has more than 30 years of experience in R&D leadership positions in developing novel base oils to formulating the first “green” engine oil. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Polymer Chemistry/ Biochemistry and a Master of Science in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Akron and an M.B.A. from Cleveland State.
John Hardt is an Application Development Specialist in the Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids Focused Industry for Univar Solutions. John has nearly 30 years of experience in the industry with both technical and commercial roles. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Individual Psychology Studies from the United States Military Academy, West Point, Class of 1987.
Wednesday, June 11
Artificial Intelligence and Microwave-Based Process Control for Processing Lubricants
The use of wave-based processing, including microwaves for processing grease and lubricants, has been presented in earlier NLGI meetings. This presentation will cover concepts that include 1) a range of electromagnetic spectra that can be used to facilitate pinpoint chemical reactions within a large body of materials; and 2) Artificial Intelligence (AI) resources that can be combined with accurate wave-based temperature control to provide a more efficient reaction process.
In this study, a select number of chemical sensors are used to monitor evaporation byproducts during the entirety of a desirable heating process. The data collected are then used by the AI algorithms for controlling microwave power input in minute amounts to match desired heating processes. Desirable conventional processes are considered those that are perfected over many years of operation and often under supervision of experts. Microwaves allow for accurate control of power input based on product conditions as reported back by chemical sensors. The concept can later be expanded to include recipes or product formulations where the heating or processing is guided by AI for repeatable process outcomes.
An international expert in biobased lubricants, Dr. Lou Honary, has 12 patents and two pending patents including patents on the use of microwaves for processing products. He is the author of a book on biobased lubricants, several book chapters, as well as numerous publications and invited presentations. Along with many national and international awards, Dr. Honary is proud to be the recipient of the 2020 NLGI Fellows Award.
Ensieh Modiridovom is a Ph.D. student in electrical and computer engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Ensieh has worked on several AI related projects during her bachelor’s and master’s degree work and is passionate researcher in various Ai algorithms. She currently consults with WAVEtek on developing Ai interfaced microwave-operated cooking vessels.
Wednesday, June 11
Greases for Water Intense ApplicationsA New
Test Method
The steel industry often operates in wet environments where water spray-off or washout can compromise the performance of lubricating greases. This frequently leads to insufficient lubrication and corrosion in roller bearings, ultimately causing premature bearing failures, unplanned downtime, and production losses. This paper introduces a new testing method designed to evaluate the performance of lubricating greases when mixed with water. Various thickener systems have been analyzed, and the results are presented and discussed in detail.
After the study of chemistry and the Ph.D. at the University of Wuppertal in 2005, Dr. Axel Figge worked for a short time as a developing chemist for a small chemical start up in Dortmund before he started 2008 his work with the Carl Bechem GmbH as a grease developer.
In 2010, Dr. Figge took over the lead of the R&D of greases. He’s now the head of R&D for special lubricants which implements greases, industrial oils and antifriction coatings.
Dr. Figge is active in committees like the DIN and ISO and is participating in several projects of the FVA and DGMK.
Wednesday, June 11
Grease for EV: Development of Grease for Spline Coupling Lubrication
Electric vehicles (EVs) were introduced in early 19th century. In recent times, sustainability is the main drive for emergence of E-mobility and substantial growth in EVs is expected beyond 2030. Electric vehicles require specialized lubricants which are different from conventional lubricants mainly due to the addition of new hardware technology including e-motor, invertor, battery and new materials. However, for majority of greases used on Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) vehicles are useful in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and EVs as well. Some special requirements such base oil viscosity, long life, higher oxidation stability, optimal conductivity, low oil bleed etc to be incorporated in grease for HEVs and EVs lubrication specially used for E-motor lubrication. Spine couplings are important part of EV transmission which connects high speed electric motor to transmission. Spline lubrication requires a specialized grease in place of conventional grease to counter enormous centrifugal force. In this paper understanding the special requirements grease required for EV vehicles lubrication and development of special EV grease for high speed spline coupling application is discussed.
Dr. Manohar Vennampalli obtained Ph. D. degree in chemistry from CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. After Ph. D. he worked at AISIN COSMOS, Hyderabad in organic photo voltaics, then he worked as postdoctoral fellow at University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA on electro and photocatalytic water splitting and University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada on carbohydrate, cyclodextrin chemistry. He joined IOCL R&D Centre, Faridabad in 2015 and is currently working as Research Manager in Grease group. His assignments include the development of novel lubricating greases, evaluation of performance and their applications, and development of additives for lubricating grease/oils. His areas of interest are lubricating grease, lubricant technology, tribology, sustainable lubricants, EV lubricants, synthetic organic chemistry and renewable energy. He has 14 peer reviewed publications, 15 patents and 11 oral/poster presentations at different conferences. He has been awarded CSIR-IICT-OCD-3 Won 1st prize for best presentation and he is a member of SAE India.