With its excellent anti-seize properties, brown grease can be ideal for lubrication in extreme temperatures, and where noise and vibration minimisation is required.
This article will look at the composition of brown grease and how it performs, as well as its various applications across several industries.
Composition and performance characteristics of brown grease
Brown grease is usually made up of a high-viscosity base oil combined with calcium or lithium soap thickeners, as well as finely powdered copper or bronze particles.
This composition creates a lubricant with highly effective anti-seize properties that performs well under extreme temperatures, typically functioning effectively from -30°C up to 200°C or more.
The metallic particles provide a physical barrier between surfaces. This prevents seizing and cold welding even under tremendous pressure or in high-temperature environments where conventional lubricants or other grease variants would quickly break down.
Brown grease for oil and gas applications
One of the primary applications for brown grease is as a thread compound for pipe connections, particularly in the oil and gas industry. It is used on threaded connections in wellhead equipment, drill pipe and production tubing.
Brown grease helps to ensure leak-free connections that can be disassembled, even after years of service in harsh downhole environments. The copper particles deform under pressure to fill microscopic imperfections, creating an effective seal against high-pressure gases and liquids.
Brown grease for heavy equipment uses
In heavy equipment maintenance, brown grease can be an essential assembly compound for components subjected to extreme heat or requiring future disassembly.
Heavy equipment operators apply brown grease to bulldozer blade bolts, excavator tooth pins and other fasteners subject to extreme stress. Lubrication with brown grease helps to ensure that these components can be serviced when required without damaging expensive equipment.
Brown grease for industrial maintenance applications
Industrial maintenance technicians use brown grease for lubrication to prevent component seizure. Components may include kiln car wheel bearings, furnace door hinges and high-temperature conveyor components in steel mills and foundries.
Chemical processing facilities use brown grease on reactor vessel closure bolts for its resistance to aggressive chemicals and high temperatures.
Considerations and limitations
Manufacturer instructions – issued by brands such as Mobil and Fuchs, which produce brown grease – should be adhered to carefully.
The copper content may accelerate corrosion of certain stainless steel alloys under specific conditions.
