grease may actually start to break down far
below the dropping point. The dropping point
should only be used a general indication of a
grease's temperature limit. Most grease manu-
facturers list a usable temperature range, along
with the dropping point in the specifications for
a grease.
below the dropping point. The dropping point
should only be used a general indication of a
grease's temperature limit. Most grease manu-
facturers list a usable temperature range, along
with the dropping point in the specifications for
a grease.
A few types of grease have the ability to return
to their original consistency after temporary ex-
posure to temperatures at, or above their
dropping point. This property is referred to as
reversibility.
to their original consistency after temporary ex-
posure to temperatures at, or above their
dropping point. This property is referred to as
reversibility.
5.2 Grease Compatibility
The mixing of two greases many times will result
in a product inferior to either of the component
greases. The mixture may be softer in consis-
tency, less resistant to heat, and have a lower
shear stability. When this happens, the greases
are considered incompatible. Incompatibility of
greases is normally a result of the incompatibil-
ity of the thickening agents of the component
greases. Table 2 lists the compatibility of some
of the most common types of greases. It should
be noted that this table is intended only as a
guide. In some instances, grease types listed
in a product inferior to either of the component
greases. The mixture may be softer in consis-
tency, less resistant to heat, and have a lower
shear stability. When this happens, the greases
are considered incompatible. Incompatibility of
greases is normally a result of the incompatibil-
ity of the thickening agents of the component
greases. Table 2 lists the compatibility of some
of the most common types of greases. It should
be noted that this table is intended only as a
guide. In some instances, grease types listed
GREASE INCOMPATIBILITY CHART
Grease
Type
Sodium
Aluminum
Complex
Barium
Calcium
Calcium
Complex
Clay
Lithium
Lithium
Complex
Polyurea
Sodium
C
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Aluminum
Complex
I
C
I
I
I
I
B
C
I
Barium
I
I
C
I
I
I
I
I
I
Calcium
I
I
I
C
I
I
B
C
I
Calcium
Complex
I
I
I
I
C
I
I
I
I
Clay
I
I
I
I
I
B
I
I
I
Lithium
I
B
I
B
I
I
C
C
I
Lithium
Complex
I
C
I
C
I
I
C
C
I
Polyurea
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
C
B- Borderline Compatibility
C- Compatible
I-Incompatible
C- Compatible
I-Incompatible
Table 2
(Courtesy of Conoco Inc.)
15 (FIST 2-4 11/90)