Understanding compatibility and conversion
Making a change can be easier than you think
Considering changing greases?
As you think about appropriate greases Compatibility is not necessarily an
for the needs of your operation today, indication of whether a conversion can
you may decide to make some changes. be done; it’s often a tool to identify how it
To do this, you need to understand the should be done.
issue of compatibility and its implications
for conversion. For many greases, it’s
easier than you think!
Compatibility charts are just part of the equation
Compatibility charts like the one below of compatibility, but it doesn’t account
can be a good tool to identify which for specific product formulations or
thickeners generally play well with the effect of certain conditions, such as
others. They can be helpful as long as temperature, shear rates, and the ratio of
you don’t consider them a hard and fast the greases in the mixture.
rule. The chart shows general likelihood
Aluminum Calcium Calcium Lithium Lithium
complex complex sulfonate 12-hydroxy complex Polyurea Clay
Aluminum Typically
complex compatible
Calcium
complex Typically
moderately
Calcium compatible
sulfonate
Lithium Typically
12-hydroxy incompatible
Lithium
complex
Polyurea
Clay
Interaction matters
It’s best to get as much information as If your machinery doesn’t run extremely hot,
you can about compatibility. Knowing the lower dropping point won’t be an issue.
the type of interaction between two Another incompatible test result is softening.
greases can allow you to make a better But softening can sometimes be a benefit—if
decision, rather than just knowing the bearings run at moderate to low speeds,
if they are compatible or not. Some softening can help excess grease escape the
incompatibilities simply result in a slightly housing and purge out the old grease faster.
lower dropping point, which is the
temperature where the structure breaks The following table highlights important
down and the grease becomes liquid. compatibility factors to keep in mind:
Approach with confidence Approach with care
Compatible thickeners in chart Potentially incompatible thickeners in chart
Dropping-point incompatibility in high-heat
Dropping-point incompatibility in bearings applications
operating below 150°F
Softening incompatibility in high-speed bearings
Softening incompatibility in low-speed bearings
that can be greased more frequently Hardening (very rare)
Operating conditions are critical
In addition to how well two greases incompatibility. Below are some
interact, equipment operating conditions additional factors to consider when
may change the risk associated with evaluating a conversion plan.
Low-concern conditions Higher-concern conditions
• Moderate operating temperatures • Extreme hot or cold operating
and climate temperatures and climate
• High purge rate, or frequent • Low purge rate, or infrequent
lubrication cycles, meaning grease is lubrication cycles, meaning grease
not in the equipment for mixture must perform for an extended
very long period of time
• Less-critical or less-expensive • Expensive or process-critical
machinery machinery
• Equipment that is easy to clean • Equipment that is difficult (or
or replace impossible) to clean or replace, such
= Low likelihood of compatibility issues as electric motors or sealed bearings
= Higher likelihood of compatibility issues
When you are ready to discuss a change, speak with your ExxonMobil representative or Authorized
Distributor to develop a safe and effective grease conversion plan.
© 2017 ExxonMobil. All trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. GR0806SH
