Fat analysis

A grease is composed of an oil and a soap, to which are added additives (adapted according to the application) … . Oil is the lubricant. The advantage of grease is, on the one hand, that it stays in place at the point of application and, on the other, that it retains oil and additives, rather like a sponge. When pressure is applied to the product under the effect of stress (load, temperature, speed, heat, etc.), the oil and additives are released optimally, enabling lubrication. Grease is therefore particularly well-suited to non-sealed systems, moving parts, closed circuits, mechanical equipment subject to high loads, and so on.

Like oil, industrial grease is a widely used lubricant in production machinery. Used in many applications, it plays an essential role in the operation of equipment:

Reduces friction and wear
Protects against corrosion
It seals bearings, etc.

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What are we analyzing?

front view table with solutions and microscope on white backgrou

Eurofins IESPM analyzes all types of industrial grease in use: biodegradable grease, multifunctional grease, food-grade grease, graphite grease, molybdenum disulphide grease, high-temperature grease, special greases, etc.

We recommend regular and appropriate monitoring of lubricated components such as gearboxes on industrial robots, roller bearings, plain bearings, chains, bare gears, slides, screw fittings, …

In particular, industrial greases can be checked for solid and liquid contamination (pollutants), detected for wear elements, monitored for wear levels in the lubricated component, determined for consistency, behavior with respect to water or temperature, and so on.

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For gearboxes that are difficult to access, a simple grease sample is all it takes to determine the lubricant’s physical and chemical state, and to check its state of wear. This is to avoid an emergency change of equipment, which could result in high replacement costs.

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Analyses and Checked Points

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GREASES

Base oil viscosity
Acid Number (AN)
Dropping Point
Consistency (NLGI grade)
Anti-wear, extreme pressure properties
ICP Spectrometry
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POLLUTION

Insolubles (sands, dust, metal wear particles)
Water
Contamination by another grease
ICP Spectrometry
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WEAR

Ferrometry
Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis
Particle Quantifier (PQ)
ICP Spectrometry
…

Molybdenum Disulfide Grease Analysis

Analysis of graphite greases

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Our Quality Assurance

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Equipment, Sampling Techniques, and Results Interpretation

The Equipment

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In the context of regular maintenance programs, Eurofins IESPM provides you with grease analysis for your equipment.

A plastic jar of 100ml
Two tracking labels
A mailing envelope

The Sampling

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It is essential that the sample taken be representative of the entire grease load in contact with the monitored wear couple. Collecting industrial grease is a delicate operation: access to the collection point is sometimes difficult (mechanical constraints, environmental conditions, etc.) and, because of its consistency, grease is sometimes only available in small quantities.

In some cases, given the technology of mechanical components, multiple samples may be necessary to obtain a fully representative picture.

We strongly advise you to seek assistance from professionals like Eurofins IESPM to determine the best approach and to study case by case the appropriate sampling methods.

Sending the Sample

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Once the sampling is done, you need to fill in the technical information regarding your sample. You can check out our dedicated article for tips on how to register a sample: Go to the page.

Before sending, remember to:

Clean the container carefully to remove any traces of grease.
Stick one of the two labels provided in the kit onto the container.

"Expert Advice:
The grease sampling process requires special attention. Remember to undergo training.
Don't forget to send us a sample of new grease for reference."

Interpretation of Results

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You have just received the diagnosis of the analyses carried out in the laboratory.

This provides you with detailed and reliable information about the condition of the grease and the level of wear on your equipment. Following these results, we offer personalized recommendations to assist you in the condition-based maintenance of your mechanical equipment.

Diagnostic example for fat analysis