When working with a range of different lubricants, cross contamination can occur when correct practices aren’t followed.
Combining a base oil, thickening agent and performance additives, grease is a viscous lubricant that is valuable when you need a product that can remain in place for longer. However, due to its stickier consistency, it’s easy for old grease to linger and become blended with fresh product.
While this isn’t an issue if the same type is applied, it can cause problems when two different greases interact.
As a rule, it’s not advised to combine different types of grease as it can alter their intended properties, leading to inferior or unwanted lubrication levels. Here, we investigate the risks associated with mixing greases that are not compatible and the best practices when changing the products you use.
Risks of mixing incompatible greases
There are several reasons why mixing incompatible greases must be avoided. Different greases use specific thickening agents. Mixing can cause the product to become overly viscous and jam components, or too runny to remain and perform its role. Base oils too can be incompatible, causing oil separation from the thickening agent.
Incompatible additives also result in issues like harmful chemical reactions and neutralised effectiveness. All these problems amount to reduced protection against wear and corrosion, poor mechanical performance, shortened lubricant and equipment lifespan and also expensive repairs and a loss of productivity.
Best practices when changing grease lubricants
Before using a new grease, always thoroughly clean all machinery and any equipment used for application to avoid old and new greases mixing. Before purchasing a new grease, always check compatibility charts to identify any risks regarding base oils, thickeners and additives used in both greases coming into contact.
If you are still unsure whether two greases are compatible, you can consult the manufacturer of each product for further details. A practical approach can be to test the compatibility of two greases before using them to lubricate the same machinery.
At Oil Store, we stock a wide range of greases designed for all applications. To find products from leading brands like Petronas, Morris, Millers and more, connect with our team today.
