Introduction
Some of the greases are considered ideal for high temperatures. Those greases can be efficiently used for the operations up to the temperature of 200°C to 300°C. They require special kinds of chemical combinations to carry out the operations without interruptions which make these greases different from the traditional mineral greases.
Reasons to Use Special Greases
It becomes difficult to control the lubrication process at such high temperatures and often is controlled poorly. The usage of synthetic grease also can’t complete the operations successfully and requires topping up frequently. Thus, greases with non-conventional chemistries are used for this purpose. The use of these greases prevents decomposition or strong evaporation of the base oils. They also save required amount of viscosity and help in lubricating the mechanical parts competently. Those greases are termed as Very High Temperature Grease (VHT Greases). Also, it is preferred to highly charged pastes of components such as graphite, copper or zinc under more extreme situations. Those pastes ensure that the lubricant is only deposited in limited quantity to prevent the equipment from breaking.
Factors to Choose the Correct High-Temperature Grease:
Below are some of the important factors that should be kept in mind while choosing the correct high-temperature grease:
- Range of Temperature: It is important to remember the temperature of machines while choosing the grease. The temperature rating of the grease should match with the operating temperatures of the machinery.
- Load-Bearing Capacity: The load-bearing capacity varies among different greases. Thus, the grease should be chosen according to the load requirement of the appliances.
- Additives: The condition of machines should be kept in mind while choosing the grease. Some of the types of common additives used are anti-wear, anti-corrosion and extreme pressure additives.
- Compatibility with the Materials: It is important to choose a grease that is compatible with materials like seals. The incompatibility between the grease and materials leads to leakage. It can also damage the seal.
- Environmental Conditions: Special types of VTH grease should be used in sensitive areas such as the food industry or pharmaceuticals. Food-grade grease or biodegradable greases are also available in the market for these specific industries.
Uses of VTH Grease
Some of the uses of Very High Temperatures in various industries are as follows:
- Automotive Industry: Very High Temperature grease is used frequently in wheel bearings, engines and braking systems. Those parts are exposed to high heat and temperature. At those times, VTH grease increases the life of those parts by reducing friction and wear.
- Mining & Construction: Mining and construction industry used heavy machineries that are exposed to heat and consists high loads. During these circumstances, VTH grease ensures smoothening of operations by providing exceptional lubrication and reducing the need of maintenance. VTH grease is used in equipment like excavators and bulldozers.
- Steel Manufacturing: The production process of steel arises massive amount of heat and the machineries are often exposed to high temperatures. VTH grease is used in parts such as bearings and gear boxes.
- Food & Beverage Industry: In food and beverage industries, VTH grease is used for appliances like ovens and conveyor systems. Special VTH commonly known as food-grade high-temperature greases are also available in the market to maintain the current amount of lubrication while upholding the quality of food.
- Aerospace & Defence: In the aerospace and defence industry, VTH grease is used to enable applications to perform efficiently under extreme pressures, high loads and temperature fluctuations. It is used in appliances such as hydraulic systems, engines, etc.
Advantages of VTH Grease in Lubrication Process:
VTH grease helps in smoothing the lubrication process and prevents the parts from damaging. Some of the benefits of using VTH grease in lubrication process are as follows:
- Can Resist Temperatures: VTH grease carries the capability to resist high temperatures required for the lubrication process. Thus, it becomes beneficial for components that are directly exposed to heat. The ability of temperature resistance prevents lubricant from breaking down and saves both the machinery and time.
- Extension in Lubrication Intervals: VTH grease is thermal stabilized and oxidation resistant. Due to this, it extends the life span of the lubricants and minimizes time and cost. Extension in lubrication intervals lessens the disruption in the manufacturing process.
- Enhancement in Wear Protection: VTH provides exceptional wear protection even under high temperatures. As they are made of special components, it creates a strong lubricating film that prevents direct contact between metals and reduces friction and wear.
- Reduction in Oxidation and Corrosion: Oxidation and Corrosion are considered two main threats to machineries. As VTH greases are oxidant resistant, they prevent the development of sludges or deposits in the parts exposed to heat. It also protects the parts by forming a barrier around them. This barrier fights against moisture and contaminants and reduces the risk of corrosion. VTH grease is used often for outdoor or industrial settings.
- Compatible with Seals: VTH grease has a great compatibility with different seals such as nitrile, silicone, fluorocarbon, etc. Those seal materials are commonly used in the industrial sector. The compatibility between seals and VTH grease maintains the lubrication system. Those seals also help the grease to stick with its component so that the machineries are protected.
Take Away
This is the brief explanation about reasons to use Very High Temperature Grease, its factors and uses in different sectors and its advantages. We hope those tips will be effective for you. Please let us know through your valuable feedback and the suggestion in the drop box.