Product Manual EIE – Drop point apparatus for Grease
EIE Instruments Pvt Ltd
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Organization’s ISO 9001:2008 Certificate
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Forward
Dear valued customer,
We just want to take a moment out to thank you for your keen interest in our company products. We
greatly appreciate your business and the opportunity you provided us to assist you. You have joined a
selected group of customers who have switched to the technologically superior and quality enhanced
laboratory testing product.
Time has changed, so do the technology. Your purchase lists you on the cutting edge of 21st century
technology. The attached test report is an excellent way of expressing and maintaining your trust in
EIE’s - superior quality testing products. Our continued efforts and commitment is to provide you
efficient sales after services, prompt attention and highest level of customer satisfaction. If for any
reasons, you have questions or comments, we are delighted to hear from you. Call us on 0091-79-
660406013 or send us email at info@[Link]/kunal@[Link]. You can
expect us to respond to your email within 24-48 working hours.
Once again, thank you for your trust and kind patronage. We look forward to serve you better in
future.
Yours sincerely,
EIE Instruments
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Table of contents
Organization’s ISO 9001:2008 Certificate................................................................................. 2
Forward ................................................................................................................................... 3
Table of contents ..................................................................................................................... 4
1. What is grease? ........................................................................................................... 5
2. Grease applications over Fluid Lubricants .................................................................... 5
2.1 Grease Components .................................................................................................... 5
3. Definition of Drop Point of Grease & its Significance .................................................... 6
4. Getting Started ............................................................................................................ 6
4.1 Packing list .................................................................................................................. 6
4.2 Delivery and Uncrating the instrument ........................................................................ 7
5. How to make instrument ready for the use?................................................................. 7
6. Brief construction details of Drop Point Apparatus ...................................................... 8
7. Component diagram of Drop Point Apparatus ........................................................... 11
8. Test procedure ........................................................................................................... 12
9. Precautions to be observed ........................................................................................ 14
10. Warranty Certificate .................................................................................................. 15
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1. What is grease?
A grease is defined by the ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials) as: a solid to semi-fluid product
of a dispersion of a thickening agent in a liquid lubricant. A grease typically consists of the following
three main components, base oil, thickener and performance enhancing additives Available greases
range from simple metallic soap thickened mineral oils to complex soaps containing two or more
thickeners as well as organic and mineral thickeners in combination with mineral and/or synthetic base
oils.
2. Grease applications over Fluid Lubricants
Depending on the application, grease can present several benefits over fluid lubrication. Greases
provide a physical seal preventing contamination ingress, resist the washing action of water, and can
stay in place in an application even in vertically mounted positions. Greases are uniquely suited for use
in applications where re-lubrication is infrequent or economically unjustifiable, due to the physical
configuration of the mechanism, type of motion, type of sealing or the need for the lubricant to
perform all or part of any sealing function in the prevention of lubricant loss or ingress of contaminants.
Due to their semisolid nature, greases do not provide application cooling and cleaning functions
associated with the use of a fluid lubricant. With these exceptions, greases perform all other functions
of a fluid lubricant. While fluid lubricants are typically preferred by design, the aforementioned
mechanical circumstances will always exist and thus the need for grease remains. As a result, greases
are used in approximately 80% of rolling elements bearings.
2.1 Grease Components
Greases are manufactured by combining three essential components
1. Base oil
2. Thickener
3. Additives
Grease has to be tested for its Various properties such as : Consistency, Mechanical Stability, Drop
Point, Water Separability etc. before utilizing in any of its applications. Grease Penetrometer is used for
Consistency Test, Grease worker is used to determine Mechanical Stability of Grease, Drop point
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apparatus is used for its Drop point test, Oxidation stability test apparatus is used for its Oxidation
stability test. Following sub-sections in this manual will now throw more lights on of its prime property -
Drop point.
3. Definition of Drop Point of Grease & its Significance
The dropping point of grease is the temperature at which the thickener loses its ability to maintain the
base oil within the thickener matrix. This may be due to the thickener melting or the oil becoming so
thin that the surface tension and capillary action become insufficient to hold the oil within the thickener
matrix. ASTM D2265 (preferred over the older and less precise ASTM D566) is the standard method
used to determine the dropping point of grease.
Process involves as follows : A small grease sample is placed in a cup and heated in a controlled manner
in an oven-like device. When the first drop of oil falls from the lower opening of the cup, the
temperature is recorded to determine the dropping point. Dropping point is a function of the thickener
type. High drop points, typically above 240°C / 465°F, are commonly observed for lithium complex,
calcium complex, aluminium complex, polyurea and clay greases while much lower dropping points are
typical of conventional lithium (180°C / 355°F), calcium (180°C / 355°F) and sodium (120°C / 250°F)
soaps. The dropping point is one of the determinations that characterise the grease’s thermal stability.
4. Getting Started
The instructions for preparing the equipment assume that the user is aware of the contents of this
document, which lists the warranty conditions and important precautions.
4.1 Packing list
• Digital Magnetic stirrer cum heating plate with temperature sensor
• Grease cup (Brass Cup)
• Test Tube
• Glass beaker of capacity - 400 ml
• Beaker cover
• Needle
• Cup support
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4.2 Delivery and Uncrating the instrument
1) Inspect equipment and shipping crate immediately upon receipt. If any damage is apparent,
immediately discuss it with the delivery person and contact the transportation company
immediately. Make notes of any damages on the bill of landing.
2) Retain all shipping material for later inspection.
3) Check packing slip carefully and ensure all materials have been received as indicated in the packing
slip.
4) Instrument is supplied in enclosed wooden/Corrugated case. Unpack the packing case, locate and
count the number of accessories and main working unit. Remove packing strip from surroundings
of the instrument and all its accessories. Please inspect and note whether any part of the
instrument is damaged or any accessory is missing according to packing slip? If it is so, then
immediately make note of it and report to the manufacturer.
5) Due to the vibration incurred during shipping and handling, it is possible that mechanical
connection could become loose. Inspect all connection to ensure that they are secure.
6) After visual inspection, if everything is found to be okay, transit the instrument to suitable safe
place where it is intended to install. Caution: Heavy weight, protect yourself first. Handle with
care.
7) Recycle the packing material and wooden box. Do not throw it away for environment protection.
5. How to make instrument ready for the use?
a) Place the equipment on a plain, even and sturdy surface leaving 5-6” space away from the wall.
b) Do not install unit in a corrosive environment. A corrosive environment may lead to poor
performance and deterioration of unit.
c) Do not place the equipment in a draft, sunlight or near a place of equipment, which emits heat as
well as electromagnetic conduction emission.
d) Check the electrical specifications label located on the equipment. Make sure the power
specifications must confirm to your local standard.
e) Provide 1Ø / 230V / 50Hz stabilized power source with proper earthling.
f) Keep the equipment in well ventilated place. A fume hood or exhaust system is required when
operating the unit.
g) Plug the power cord into a properly grounded outlet.
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6. Brief construction details of Drop Point Apparatus
1) The Drop Point Apparatus is a compact and self-contained unit.
2) It consists of several different accessories such as - Digital Hot plate cum magnetic stirrer, Glass
beaker, Beaker cover, Grease cup , Cup Support and Test Tube.
3) Following lines will throw more lights on individual parts & accessories.
Digital Hot Plate Cum Magnetic Stirrer
• Aesthetically designed and superior quality heating plate cum magnetic stirrer
• Designed for easy cleaning and simple maintenance
• All electrical controls are mounted on a front face for easy accessibility.
• Temperature range : 0 °C to 400 °C
• Accuracy : ± 1 °C
• Microprocessor based programmable control of heating plate (hot plate)
• Magnetic stirrer is operated by digital speed regulator
• Stirring speed is also controlled by the CPU from the keypad and simultaneously the stirring
speed is indicated on the large display.
• Operator can setup the objective temperature, hold it for desired period of time, can
control stirring time and speed.
• Operator needs to connect the temperature probe and place it into the glass container in
which the test sample is being tested.
• Use up and down arrow keys provided on the keyboard to increase or decrease the test
temperature and timing duration.
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Technical specifications of digital hot plate cum magnetic stirrer
Parameters Technical Specifications
Temperature Range 0 °C to 400°C
Display Resolution ± 0.1 °C
Temperature Controller Microprocessor based Programmable Controller
Control Accuracy ± 1 °C
Insulation Air insulation
Stirring Volume 0 - 2000 ml
Panel Material Stainless steel
Top plate size 135 mm x 135 mm
Stirring speed 0-1250 rpm
Timer range 0 - 999 minutes
Dimensions 230 (L) mm x 180 (W) mm x 120 (H) mm
Heater 2000 watt
Power source 230 Volt, 50 Hz, AC Supply
Glass Beaker with cover
• Borosil Make
• Graduated glass beaker
• 0-400 ml graduation
• Supplied with cover to insert temperature sensor and thermometer for test purpose
Grease Cup
• Chromium-plated brass cup having following dimensions
• 2.8 mm Inner diameter at the bottom
• 12 mm height
• 0.4 ± 0.13 wall thickness
• 10.7 mm front opening
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• 4.5-4.7 mm Inner radius at wall tapered angle of 4 °
Test tube
• Thin walled
• Soft glass test tube with rim
• With three indentations to support chromium plated brass cup
• Length 100 ± 1 mm
• Outer diameter : 13.7 mm Maximum
• Inner diameter : 11 mm
Metal Rod
• Chromium plated
• Polished
• 6" long
• 1.5 mm diameter
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7. Component diagram of Drop Point Apparatus
A.S.T.M. D-566
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8. Test procedure
1) Insert the thermometer through the beaker cover in such a way that the tip of the thermometer
bulb will be approximately 1/8” above the bottom of the grease cup when the apparatus is
assembled. Use silicon cork for this purpose, if necessary.
2) Suspend the test tube with three indentations through beaker cover such that it does not touch the
bottom surface of the beaker.
3) Suspend the other thermometer into the oil bath so that its bulb will be about the same level as
the test thermometer.
4) Fill the grease cup with a sample of grease and gently press the grease into the cup with the help of
metal rod until a small amount is extruded at the small (bottom) opening.
5) Remove excess grease flush from the top edge of the cup with help of spatula.
6) Press the rod against the cup in such a manner that the rod makes contact at both the upper and
lower peripheries of the cup.
7) Using the metal rod, cut a wedge (conical section) of grease from the cup by revolving the cup
against the rod and simultaneously pushing the rod upward.
8) As the cup approaches the end of the rod, carefully slip the rod out of the cup so that a smooth film
of reproducible thickness remains inside the cup.
9) In this way, a smooth film of grease shall remain inside the Grease cup.
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10) Assemble the complete testing apparatus now.
11) Turn on the mains power switch on the socket board.
12) This in turn will turn on the hot plate cum magnetic stirrer supplied with the instrument.
Note: Before running a test, make sure the unit is level. Otherwise, the results will be affected.
13) Now, start the stirrer and set the desired temperature set point approximately below the expected
dropping point temperature.
14) Set the heat at a rate of 8-12°C per minute and observe the same until the bath reaches a
temperature approximately 1°C below the expected dropping point.
15) Reduce the rate of heating so that the temperature in the test tube will be within 1°C or less of
the bath temperature.
16) As the temperature increases the grease will slowly protrude through the orifice (Small bottom) of
the cup.
17) The temperature at which a drop of grease falls to the bottom of the cup is the dropping point -
which should be observed and recorded carefully.
18) Certain greases, for example, some simple soap compositions, or those containing some types of
polymers can form a drop with a tailing thread which can hold until the drop reaches the bottom of
the test tube.
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19) When the first drop of material falls free of the cup orifice and reaches the bottom of the test tube,
record the temperature of the cup.
20) The temperature in the cup when the drop reaches the bottom of the test tube is recorded as the
observed dropping point.
9. Precautions to be observed
a) Always disconnect from power supply prior to maintenance & servicing.
b) Keep correct level of bath media to avoid damage to heaters (At least above the heater level).
c) Never leave the instrument connected to main supply after day's use.
d) While cleaning the apparatus, please take care that the Glass Beaker with cover, Test tube, Grease
cup and Stirrer assembly do not get damaged.
e) Always connect the drop point assembly to 220- 230 volts, 50 Hz, Single phase, AC supply via
voltage stabilizer of specified ratings.
f) To avoid electrical shock, this equipment must always use a properly grounded electrical outlet or
correct voltage and current handling.
g) Maintain a safe distance of at least 5" to 6" from the wall while installing the unit.
h) Keep the instrument tidy, clean and dry with mint cream. Before initiating the fresh day, use
preferably clean soft cloth. Brush up the unit body as to maintain its finishing.
i) Disassembly of this equipment is strictly limited to the qualified persons and licensed engineers.
j) In case of any difficulty, please do not try repairs without consulting us, especially when the
instrument is under warrantee period.
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10. Warranty Certificate
Your EIE product is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one ( 1 ) year
under normal use from the date of purchase. This WARRNATY does not apply to any product damaged
by accident, misuse, mishandling, abuse, negligence, transit, improper line voltage, drop, fire, flood or if
the products were altered or repaired by anyone other than the qualified service personnel.
The liability of EIE Instruments is limited to repair or replacement and under no circumstances shall EIE
be liable for any collateral consequential damages or loss. This guarantee specifically excludes the
expendables and consumables. All warranty claims must be directed to your corresponding purchase
organization that is responsible for the sale of this equipment. The users are responsible for shipping
expense. The warranty cards which are not signed and stamped by the actual user will be treated as
void. The warranty card should accompany the defective products sent for repair, without which no
claims would be entertained. Please detach the below warranty card from following cut-line.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Name of the company : _______________________________________________________________
Address :________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
Telephone no :________________________________________________________________
Mobile no :________________________________________________________________
Email address :________________________________________________________________
Date of purchase :________________________________________________________________
Product model :________________________________________________________________
Serial no :________________________________________________________________
Bill or cash memo no :________________________________________________________________
This card should be detached, filled in properly and posted within 15 days from the date of purchase
otherwise the warranty becomes invalid.
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EIE Instruments (Factory Address) Email : service@[Link]
B-14, 15, 16, Zaveri Industrial Estate, Phone : 0091-79-66040613
Opp. Shyam Villa Society, Near Sarswati Vidhyalaya, Fax : 0091-79-66040600
Kathawada GIDC Road, Off National Highway,
Kathawada, Ahmedabad 382430
Testing Equipment For Oil and Lubricant Industries
EIE Instruments Pvt Ltd
[Link]
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