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  • 1.  Grease availability

    Posted 12-08-2022 08:47 AM
    Greases with Lithium thickeners seem to have disappeared from the market. Greases with calcium sulfonate thicker seems to be a viable alternative but I am getting mixed messages regarding compatibility. Curious what other people are finding and what other alternatives may be available.

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    Walt Coltrin MLA1, CMRT
    Maintenance Planner/Scheduler
    Springfield, MO
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  • 2.  RE: Grease availability

    Posted 12-09-2022 06:35 AM
      |   view attached
    As a supplier, we have experienced no shortage of lithium/lithium complex thickened greases. We are definitely suffering spotty calcium sulfonate supplies with a present expected availability of mid January. The attached compatibility chart lists compatibility of calcium sulfonate thickened grease with lithium complex. We have replaced the calcium sulfonates with lithium complexes with no issue.

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    David Piangerelli
    President
    Lubrication Technologies, Inc.
    West Springfield MA
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    Attachment(s)

    pdf
    Grease Compatibility.pdf   22 KB 1 version
    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Grease availability

    Posted 12-09-2022 07:05 AM
    Maybe a regional issue? The supply of lithium/lithium complex greases started drying up up about 8-10 months ago.

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    Walt Coltrin MLA1, CMRT
    Maintenance Planner/Scheduler
    Nixa MO
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Grease availability

    Posted 12-09-2022 09:41 AM
    Walt, not sure how you are purchasing your lithium/lithium complex, but I would encourage you to start a dialogue with your current lubricant supplier on what their offerings are. If you are wanting to switch to a calcium sulfonate, you should be able to get the best answer on compatibility by sticking with the same manufacturer. The other option I would suggest is trying to leverage a major distributor (Motion or similar) who has access to several different suppliers/warehouses in order to get a lithium/lithium complex product.

    The only caveat I have seen on lithium/calcium sulfonate compatibility so far is higher temperature applications. I am not having an issue with getting lithium complex at this time but am crossing over other lubricants to help consolidate. When switching thickeners I like to have something in writing from the manufacturer (whether the same or different) that details the compatibility between the two specific products. Hope this helps.


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    Haydn Scott
    Maintenance & Reliability Engineer
    CertainTeed
    Newnan GA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Grease availability

    Posted 12-14-2022 07:24 AM
    Thanks !!

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    Luis Salazar Aguero
    Cia Minera Antapaccay SA
    Ica
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Grease availability

    Posted 12-14-2022 09:35 AM
    Hi Walt,

    Lithium-based grease has been widely used in a variety of applications because of its ability to provide good lubrication and wear protection at a reasonable cost. However, some concerns have been raised about the potential environmental impact of lithium, which has led to the development of alternative thickening agents such as calcium sulfonate.

    Calcium sulfonate grease is considered to be a good alternative to lithium-based grease in many applications, and is typically compatible with most types of equipment. However, it is always important to check with the manufacturer of your equipment or a lubrication specialist to ensure that a particular type of grease is suitable for your specific application.

    Other alternatives to lithium-based grease include aluminum complex and polyurea greases, which may provide similar performance and compatibility as lithium-based grease in certain applications. Again, it is important to consult with a specialist to determine the best type of grease to use in a particular situation.

    Regards,

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    Hasan Putra BEng
    Maintenance Planner and Scheduler
    PT Paiton Operation and Maintenance Indonesia
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    Original Message


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