To improve the reliability of grease-lubricated couplings, use only greases formulated for that purpose. General-purpose greases often have thickeners that are heavier than the oil. When subjected to the continuous and extreme forces of a spinning coupling, the thickeners in general-purpose greases can centrifuge to the outside, leaving the oil on the inside. Unfortunately, the outside is where the oil is needed. The thickeners in coupling greases are equal in weight to or lighter than the oil, ensuring that the wearing parts in the coupling are well-lubricated. (Douglas Branham, Lubrication Systems Company) |
