Calcium Grease

 

Calcium Grease Definition

Calcium greases were the first, followed shortly after by the lithium and barium greases. Calcium grease became commercially available in the late 1940s. While they offer both water and heat resistance, they can be sensitive to water-becoming firmer or softer under different conditions-and, if overheated, they tend to harden. They do, however, carry high loads in operating bearings without the addition of extreme pressure (EP) additives Complex soap-based greases were developed to improve the heat resistance of previous simple soap based greases. Combinations of additives and oils are carefully selected to maximize the performance of the greases. They generally have good mechanical stability, low-temperature pumpability some will even have good reversibility characteristics and will operate at temperatures which are moderately high. Their dropping point may be 100°F. to 200°F. (38°C. to 93°C.) higher than the dropping point of corresponding soap greases. They are generally formed by reacting a common base with two dissimilar organic acid compounds, such as a normal soap base and complexing agents, generally of short chain metallic or organic materials and made “in situ” (in place) in the grease kettle. This makes greases to meet more demanding requirements. Briefly, typical lithium-based greases (the most common) are made from a fatty acid, usually 12-hydroxystearic acid, and a lithium base to produce a simple soap which acts as the grease thickener. Components are then added to give it EP and other desirable properties that allow equipment to run at peak performance. In the 1930s and 1940s, researchers started to find new thickeners for “multipurpose” greases.

How to produce and the chemical formula of calcium grease

        Production of Calcium Grease

Producing calcium grease involves a saponification reaction, where fats or fatty acids react with calcium hydroxide (slaked lime). Here’s a basic outline of the production process:

  1. Preparation of Raw Materials :
    –  Fats/Fatty Acids : Commonly, animal fats or vegetable oils are used.
    –  Calcium Hydroxide : Used as the saponification agent.
  2. Saponification :
    – Heat the fats or fatty acids in a reactor.
    – Add calcium hydroxide to the heated fats.
    – The reaction between the fats and calcium hydroxide produces calcium soap and glycerol.
  3. Addition of Base Oil :
    – After saponification, add a suitable base oil (mineral oil or synthetic oil) to the calcium soap mixture.
    – Heat and mix thoroughly to ensure the grease has a homogeneous consistency.
  4. Cooling and Homogenization :
    – Cool the mixture to a specific temperature to achieve the desired consistency.
    – Sometimes additional additives (e.g., antioxidants, anti-wear agents) are added during this stage.
  5. Quality Control and Packaging :
    – Test the grease for properties like consistency, water resistance, and stability.
    – Once it meets the required standards, package the grease for distribution.

         Chemical Formula of Calcium Grease

The primary component of calcium grease is calcium soap, typically calcium stearate. The chemical formula for calcium stearate is:

[ text{Ca(C}{18}text{H}{35}text{O}_{2})_2 ]

This compound forms the thickening agent in the grease. The overall composition of calcium grease includes:

  • Calcium Stearate (Thickener) : ( text{Ca(C}{18}text{H}{35}text{O}_{2})_2 )
  • Base Oil : Typically a mineral or synthetic oil, with the chemical structure varying depending on the oil type.
  • Additives : Various chemical compounds added to enhance properties like oxidation resistance, anti-wear, etc.

         Summary Chemical Reaction

The saponification reaction for producing calcium stearate from stearic acid and calcium hydroxide can be summarized as:

[ 2 , text{C}{18}text{H}{36}text{O}2 (text{stearic acid}) + text{Ca(OH)}_2 rightarrow text{Ca(C}{18}text{H}{35}text{O}{2})_2 (text{calcium stearate}) + 2 , text{H}_2text{O} ]

Calcium Grease Applications

Calcium grease, a type of lubricant thickened with calcium soap, has a range of applications due to its water-resistant properties and ability to perform well under various conditions. Here are some common applications:

  1. Automotive Industry: Used in chassis components, wheel bearings, and other parts requiring reliable lubrication.
  2. Marine Applications: Ideal for equipment exposed to water, such as boat trailers, due to its excellent water resistance.
  3. Agricultural Machinery: Lubricates farm equipment that often operates in wet and muddy conditions.
  4. Industrial Machinery: Used in various machinery and equipment, including conveyor belts, rollers, and bearings, where water exposure is common.
  5. Construction Equipment: Applied in machinery and vehicles exposed to harsh environments and heavy loads.
  6. Railway Applications: Used in bearings and other components that require durability and water resistance.
  7. General Maintenance: Suitable for lubricating and protecting metal surfaces from corrosion in various settings.

Calcium Grease

Calcium Grease CHARACTERISTICS

Calcium grease is known for several key characteristics that make it suitable for a variety of applications. Here are its primary characteristics:

  1. Water Resistance: Exceptional ability to resist water washout, making it ideal for use in wet and humid environments.
  2. Corrosion Protection: Provides good protection against rust and corrosion, which helps extend the lifespan of metal components.
  3. Thermal Stability: Generally stable at moderate temperatures, though not suitable for extremely high-temperature applications.
  4. Adhesiveness: Good adhesive properties, which help it stay in place and provide consistent lubrication over time.
  5. Load-Bearing Capacity: Offers decent load-carrying capabilities, suitable for various industrial and automotive applications.
  6. Oxidation Stability: Resists oxidation to some extent, which helps maintain its performance over time.
  7. Compatibility: Compatible with many types of rubber and plastics, making it versatile for use in different mechanical systems.
  8. Ease of Application: Typically easy to apply and handle, which simplifies maintenance tasks.
  9. Consistency: Usually has a smooth and consistent texture, which aids in even distribution during application.

Outstanding Performance Attributes of Calcium Grease

Calcium Lubricant boasts a remarkable array of performance features, making it a stalwart in lubrication solutions. Its extraordinary water resistance shields against external elements, ensuring enduring reliability. The grease excels in providing excellent protection, demonstrating prowess in corrosion and wear prevention. Its anti-oxidation properties contribute to prolonged efficiency, even under challenging conditions. Operating seamlessly in high temperatures and pressures, Calcium Lubricant stands resilient. The high resistance to water wash-out, coupled with apt anti-wear performance, ensures robust lubrication even in demanding environments. This grease is not just functional; it introduces friction reduction for smoother operations. Its versatility shines through, allowing usability in various applications. The structural stability it maintains, amidst successive temperature variations, underscores its reliability and adaptability.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF CALCIUM GREASE

 

Typical Properties Unit Test Method Typical Result  
NLGI Grade     2 3
Soap Base     Calcium Calcium
Cone Penetration@25°C 0.1mm 0.1mm ASTM D-217 265-295 220-250
Dropping Point °C ASTM D-2265 250 250
Color Visual   Brown Brown
Temperature Range °C   -20 to +140 -20 to +140
DIN Classification   DIN 51502 K2N-20 K3N-20

 

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF CALCIUM GREASE

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF CALCIUM GREASE