Waterproof lubricants and other materials resistant to washing off with water, aqueous solutions, steam. What is the best waterproof lubricant? Grease for hub bearings SMT STEP-UP lithium

The modern lubricants market is a wide range of various products, however, most motorists most often use lithium greases. This is due to the fact that such compositions are versatile and can be used in different fields.

What are the features?

Lithium complex greases attract attention with water resistance, mechanical stability. Due to water resistance, the lubricant is not washed off with water, and mechanical stability affects the ability of the composition to maintain its structure for a long time under the influence of mechanical forces. The retention of the grease consistency during storage depends on the amount of oil released. Lithium greases release a sufficient amount of oil in the contact area of ​​the parts, but during storage, the oil also remains in sufficient quantity.

The peculiarity of this variety is also that such products have a higher dropping point, that is, they can be operated even at high temperatures. This indicator is provided by the complexing agent, which is part of the thickener.

Popular types: "Litol-24"

Grease "Litol" - the most popular among domestic ones. It is a soft cherry-colored ointment, which is widely used in various friction units of cars. Due to its qualities, it is able to replace all types of grease and many other lubricants.

The use of this composition allows to reduce friction and, accordingly, the wear of parts, as well as to increase the intervals between lubricant changes. The features of this lubricant include:

1. Excellent conservation properties.
2. Moisture resistant.
3. Possibility of operation in a wide range of temperatures.

Litol grease can be used in sealed and non-sealed assemblies, such as steering joints, suspensions, cardan joints, front wheel hubs, and so on.

The main advantages of the "Litol-24"

The multipurpose grease is a petroleum oil which has a viscosity of 60-75 mm 2 /s. Lithium soap, as well as antioxidant and viscosity additives, were used as thickeners. The price for Litol lubricant is one of the most affordable: a small tube will cost 70 rubles of the Russian Federation, a can of 0.8 kg - 143 rubles of the Russian Federation, and a can of 33 kg - 2750 rubles of the Russian Federation.

The advantages of this brand of lubricant include:

1. Excellent lubricity and elasticity when working under any temperature conditions.
2. Excellent protection of all parts that are lubricated, even if they constantly rub.
3. Hold strength on all lubricated surfaces.
4. Prevention of the development of wear parts.

It is important that the price for Litol is affordable, while the quality of the lubricant is in no way inferior to imported counterparts. So, if you are short on funds, but buy only high-quality lubricants, Litol products are perfect for you. It is used as an automotive lubricant in vehicles of any type, including special equipment.

It should be noted that most often during operation, the friction surfaces of bearings are subjected to pitting. In terms of the presence of anti-pitting properties, the Litol grease is in the lead.

"Fiol-1" and "Fiol-2"

This lithium grease has received the widest application. In its composition, it is a mixture of petroleum oils, which are thickened with special components. It can be used when processing friction units that are lubricated through grease fittings or a centralized lubrication system. "Fiol" is also used in the processing of flexible shafts or control cables in sheaths, low-power gearboxes and small-sized

A type of lubricant of this brand is "Fiol-2", which has a lower viscosity. And "Fiol-3" is as close as possible in its qualities to "Litol-24". The composition of the Fiol-2U variety contains about 5% molybdenum disulfide, while this lithium grease has also found extensive use: first of all, it is used to increase the durability of needle bearings in the car's driveshaft.

"Solidol Zh"

This grease is designed for normal temperature use. It is widely used for processing coarse friction units in various machines and mechanisms of vehicles, as well as tools, screw and chain drives, low-speed gear reducers. In terms of its operational properties, "Solidol Zh" resembles synthetic grease, while it has better viscosity-temperature properties, less compaction during storage and resistance to fracture.

Lithium greases "Solidol" can be operated in temperatures from -30 to + 65 degrees. At the same time, they are used in powerful mechanisms that carry a large load: bearings, hinges, blocks. "Solidol Zh" is different:

• colloidal stability;
• water resistance;
• good protective properties;
• excellent lubricating properties.

This lithium-based grease is suitable for reducing friction in components and mechanisms, reducing wear and preventing scoring, welding and seizing. When using Solidol, one must take into account, firstly, its ability to decompose under the influence of high temperatures (above 80 degrees), therefore, it is necessary to use lubricant without preliminary melting. In addition, it contributes to the conservation of spare parts and surfaces of mechanisms, storage and transportation of which is carried out in the fresh air.

It is not recommended to mix "Solidol" with other lubricants, since it will be compacted and it will be necessary to disassemble the units to remove it. Most often, the composition is used when processing coarse unprotected friction units at low temperature ranges.

"CIATIM-201"

Greases of this brand are popular among low temperature formulations. It is used in friction units of any kind that operate under the influence of a small load, as well as in units that have a slight shift, for example, in the flexible shaft of a speedometer. Lubrication features include:

1. Plastic.
2. Frost resistance.
3. Possibility of operation at temperatures from -50 degrees to +120 degrees.
4. Low mechanical stability.
5. Minor tensile strength.
6. Full compliance with GOSTs.

This waterproof lubricant is suitable for high-quality processing of rubbing parts of equipment, protecting them from corrosion. Timely processing will protect components and parts from wear, and their service life will be significantly longer.

Mobil Unirex EP2

This grease is based on a high quality base oil that provides excellent performance and durability of the components. The composition is widely used in nodes that have a huge load, both in vehicles and in industrial mechanisms. Lithium greases of this brand are distinguished by:

• antioxidant properties, which are responsible for the chemical stability of the composition;
• excellent anti-corrosion resistance;
• long service life;
• a wide range of operating temperatures;
• good adhesion.

Benefits of Mobil Unirex EP2

Firstly, the lubricant serves as a reliable protection for components and mechanisms, preventing their premature wear. Secondly, it has anti-seize properties. Thirdly, it can be used for units that operate at low temperatures. The composition is not demanding on storage and transportation conditions. According to studies, the lubricant is absolutely safe for humans, has high adhesion and is poorly washed off with water.

Lubricants-aerosols

One of the most convenient forms in which lithium grease is produced is an aerosol. Among the popular brands are the following:

1. WD-40 SPECIALIST. It is used for metal joints, protects them from corrosion and provides long-term protection. It can be used for surfaces that have a large load. The results of use are reduced friction and improved smoothness of movement of the mechanism. It is resistant to external environmental factors, can be operated at temperatures from -18 to +145 degrees.
2. RUNWAY White Lithium Grease is a high temperature, washout resistant compound. Perfectly lubricates parts, giving them water-repellent properties. Due to the composition of the product, the parts are reliably protected from corrosion. It can be used as protection for metal parts, door hinges, cables, bearings and other moving mechanisms.

Lubricants in the form of aerosols show a deep penetrating effect, which ensures high-quality lubrication and long-term and reliable protection against corrosion.

Shell Gadus S2 V220AD 2

Greases of this black color are used for the treatment of bearings that are operated in conditions of high complexity. The lubricant contains mineral oils with a high viscosity index, where a mixed lithium-calcium soap acts as a thickener. Thanks to various additives - antioxidant, anti-wear, extreme pressure, adhesion and anti-corrosion - high-quality and reliable protection of machined parts is ensured. The composition can be operated at temperatures from -10 to +120 degrees.

This lithium grade is used for machining parts that are used in difficult conditions, subject to high impact loads and high humidity. The lubricant is perfect for processing off-road equipment, as well as fifth wheels of tractors.

Is graphite or lithium grease better?

Along with lithium, another type of multi-purpose lubricants is used - graphite compounds. They comply with all state standards and are able to operate at temperatures from -20 to +70 degrees. Such compositions are based on cylinder mineral oil and thickened with graphite and calcium soaps. attracts a number of positive properties:

• reliable protection of mechanisms against corrosion even under heavy loads;
• the ability to use in difficult working conditions;
• reliable protection of mechanisms from water and dust;
• low, which is ensured by the content of solid particles in the composition of the lubricant.

However, lithium-based greases have a higher dropping point, so their operation is also possible at high temperature conditions. The second component of the complexing agent is responsible for this ability. That is why lithium compounds are in greater demand compared to graphite lubricants.

Grease No. 158

This grease is blue in color and is used in automotive electrical equipment bearings and needle cardan bearings. In such units, the lubricant works stably and for a long time due to additives - antioxidant and antiwear. Experts say that there is no full-fledged replacement for this composition, and the closest analogues - Litol-24 or SHRUS-4 - are not so durable in operation.

Summing up

Lithium greases are among the most popular, due to their improved properties. Water resistance, high temperature performance, excellent mechanical properties - all this attracts the attention of buyers to these compositions. They are more expensive in terms of the production process, but compared to other analogues, they have a number of advantages. In addition to a simple lithium grease, you can purchase a complex one that has better mechanical stability and high water resistance. A variety of applications serves as a guarantee that the components and mechanisms of various vehicles will be processed efficiently and in a timely manner.

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The article presents the requirements for lubricants for friction units of the running gear of the car, the concept of water resistance for greases is considered. Recommendations are given on the use of waterproof greases Molykote and EFELE in some chassis units.

The most critical friction units of the undercarriage of vehicles include wheel hub bearings, steering joints, cardan joints of equal angular velocities.

Lubricants for these units must meet a whole list of mandatory requirements: have a high bearing capacity, effectively prevent wear and corrosion at high temperatures and speeds.

For many friction units of automobiles, resource lubrication is used, i.e. grease is applied during the assembly of the unit and ensures its performance throughout the entire service life. Thus, the durability of expensive auto components is largely determined by the quality of the lubricant used, and the reliability of these components directly affects the safety of the car.

Practice shows that the resource of nodes in such conditions is limited by the release and destruction of the lubricant, and this opens up significant reserves for its increase.

Lubricants used in wheel hubs, steering joints, cardan joints, are often exposed to water directly due to insufficient tightness of these units. This occurs in rainy weather and when fording water barriers. Thus, automotive lubricants must meet the requirement of high water resistance as one of the most important. Washing out the grease from the assembly will actually render it unusable.

It should be noted that in relation to greases, water resistance includes several properties: solubility in water, the ability to absorb moisture from the surrounding atmosphere (hygroscopicity), the permeability of the lubricating layer for moisture vapor, and the resistance of the lubricant to the action of drip and jet water. Obviously, water resistance is directly related to anti-corrosion properties and is one of the indicators of the protective properties of greases.

Standards for domestic greases used in automobiles do not include water resistance tests. Molykote waterproof greases for undercarriage friction are tested according to ASTM D 1264.

According to this method, a standard rolling ball bearing is filled with 4 g of grease under test. The bearing, fixed in the housing, rotates at a speed of 600 rpm. Through a nozzle with a diameter of 1 mm, a jet of water with a temperature of 79 ° C is directed into a housing with a bearing at a speed of 5 ml / s.

The test lasts 60 minutes, after which the amount of washed lubricant is determined by weighing, with the results presented as a percentage. Water temperature has a strong influence on rinsability. In this test, extremely severe conditions are implemented that are not typical for the normal operation of the node. However, this makes it possible to obtain reliable data as a result of a relatively fast test in time. Some results of such tests are shown in the figure. To be able to evaluate these data, we recall that for automotive lubricants of the highest quality category NLGI GC-LB, this indicator should be no more than 15%.

As can be seen from the figure, Molykote waterproof lubricants have a significant margin for this indicator. This is confirmed by numerous facts of their effective applications.

EFELE brand water resistant greases also meet the requirements of water resistance. The materials have been tested for moisture resistance and are recommended by many automotive service companies. For example, EFELE MG-212 lithium grease lost only 4% in the water washout test according to ASTM D 1264.

A novelty of the company "Effective Element" is a plastic frost-resistant grease. It is made on the basis of PAO oil thickened with calcium sulfonate. The grease performs well at low temperatures down to -55 °C, under heavy and shock loads, is resistant to water and is compatible with plastics.

Application of waterproof greases Molykote and EFELE in critical vehicle friction units:

Friction nodes	Product Requirements	Featured Products Molykote
Wheel bearings	Performance under shock and vibration loads, high temperatures, water resistance, oxidation resistance

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Where ordinary general industrial materials do not work, special products and materials will ensure reliable, uninterrupted operation of your machinery and equipment, I will help in solving complex industrial technical, technological and design problems.

Waterproof lubricants from IRT

The water resistance of a lubricant characterizes the behavior of this material in contact with water.

In the nomenclature of the IRT company there are a lot of lubricants for use in wet operating conditions.

A complete list of these materials, or materials suitable for a specific application and specified technical conditions, can be found by contacting the technical service of IRT LLC.

This review provides the shortest possible list.

Lubricant classification

Lubricants. Work max up to + 280 Сº, short-term+ 31 0 Сº

They differ mainly:

• - on the basis of the oil carrier:

1. - On a mineral basis;
2. - Semi-synthetics;
3. -PAO
4. -POE
5. - Silicone
6. - Fluorosilicone
7. - PFPE
8. - plant-based

• - according to the type of thickener:

Simple (Li, Ca, Ba, Al, Na)

Mixed (Ca/Li)

Complex (to-Li, to-Ca, to-Al, to-Na, etc.)

Inorganic:

Clay (bentonite)

silica gel

Organic:

Polyurea

Solid hydrocarbons

• according to the complex of added solid lubricants, various additives,fillers and inhibitors that improve and enhancerequired characteristics and food specific product:

1. extreme pressure
2. anti-corrosion
3. antioxidant
4. adhesive
5. other.

The composition may include many more substances and ingredients not listed above.

The combination of the properties of all these components determines the basic properties and characteristics of the lubricant, incl. and water resistance.

Lubricants at a Glance

The International Standard ISO 11009 (domestic GOST ISO 11009 - 2013) was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 28 for Petroleum Products and Lubricants - Determination of resistance of greases to water washout.

WATER-RESISTANT LUBRICANTS AND MATERIALS FOR USE IN WET CONDITIONS OF OPERATION, REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY FROM IRT LLC NOMENCLATURE TABLE 1 (SUMMARY)
Name lubricant	Oil carrier	Thickener	Water resistance DIN 51807-1 in (0/1/2/3, t°С),	NLGI	Range operating temperatures, °С	Def. against corrosion	Notes
Litol-24	MO				40 +120	1410		Anti-friction multi-purpose waterproof grease designed for use in friction units of wheeled and tracked vehicles, industrial equipment and ship mechanisms for various purposes
Molykote FB 180	MO	Bentonite			30 +1 6 0	22 00		Heat-resistant inorganic thickened grease for heavy duty and long-term lubrication
Molykote BR2 Plus	MO				30 +1 3 0	3 6 00		Lithium grease with wide operating temperature range, high load carrying capacity, anti-fretting properties for long-term lubrication
Molykote G-0102	MO	Calcium sulfonate			25 +140	3200		Complex calcium thermal and water resistant grease for highly loaded and high speed rolling bearings
Molykote 41	SO (Phenyl)	Carbon Black	1-90			1500		Silicone heat-resistant grease, suitable for rolling bearing applications
Molykote 44	SO (Phenyl)					1100		Silicone frost- and heat-resistant grease for high-speed rolling bearings
Molykote 1292	FSO (fluorosilicone)	PTFE	0-90			3924		Fluorosilicone cold, heat and chemical resistant grease with high load carrying capacity for long-term lubrication
Molykote 3452	FSO (fluorosilicone)	PTFE	0-90			4400		Fluorosilicone thermo and chemical resistant heavy duty grease with enhanced sealing properties for use in vacuum systems for long term lubrication
Molykote G-4700					40 +1 77	40 00		Synthetic (PAO) frost- and heat-resistant grease for long-term lubrication of highly loaded and high-speed components subject to vibration
Molykote HP-870	P FPE	PTFE			20 + 250 , (Kratkovr up to 280)	49 00		Synthetic (PFPE) heat and chemical resistant grease, capable of operating under extremely high loads and in high vacuum, suitable for long-term lubrication
Molykote PG-21	SO (Phenyl)					1 6 00		Silicone frost and heat resistant grease
Dow Corning 4/7/111	SO (Methyl)	inorganic		2/1/3				Silicone frost-, heat- and chemical-resistant compounds for lubrication, sealing, electrical insulation, used in vacuum systems, drinking water supply systems, etc.
Molykote Separator Spray	SO (Methyl)	inorganic						Food-grade silicone oil in aerosol packaging, used as a release agent in the production of rubber and plastic products, for lubricating seals and sliding friction units, etc. others
Molykote Multigliss Spray	MO					1200		Dispersion of solid lubricants in mineral oil with high penetrating and anti-corrosion properties to remove rust, facilitate dismantling and lubrication
Molykote 3402 C	MoS2							Anti-friction coating based on molybdenum disulphide with an organic binder, cured at normal temperature
Molykote L-1468 FM					5 0 + 120			Synthetic (PAO) chain oil for low temperatures and food grade freezers
Molykote P-40	MO/Synth		1-90		40 +230 as paste, up to +1200 dry lubricant	3000		Lubricating paste with increased bearing capacity and anti-corrosion properties based on solid lubricants and semi-synthetic oil, used for ease of assembly, protection against fretting corrosion and permanent lubrication
Molykote P-74	Synth		(0-1) -90		40 +200 as paste, up to +1500 dry lubricant	4800		Very high load-bearing, EP thread paste based on solid lubricants and synthetic oil, used to facilitate the assembly of threaded, splined, flanged and press-fit matings
Rocol Sapphire Extreme	MO	Modifier ir. clay			10 +235	280 kg		Semi-synthetic grease containing MoS2 for all types of bearings. Resistant to high temperatures, moisture, stress and vibration.
Rocol Sapphire Aqua	MO	with Al	1. 7 %		2 0 + 1 5 0	315 kg		Bearing grease based on soap thickeners. Provides exceptional corrosion protection and long-term lubrication of bearings operating in water or subjected to continuous exposure to it.
Rocol Sapphire 2	MO	Multicomp. set soap			30 +150	800 kg		A high performance blue multi-component grease that is highly resistant to corrosion and greatly reduces relubrication times.
Rocol Sapphire Hi-LOAD 2	MO	Multicomp. set soap			30 +150	800 kg		Multipurpose grease thickened with soaps. Provides protection against high loads and vibration Suitable for all types of bearings.
Rocol Foodlube Universal 2		with Al	<2 %		5 0 +1 6 0	620 kg		For the lubrication of all types of ball, roller and plain bearings operating under high loads in the food and other “clean” industries. Designed for multipurpose applications, low and high temperature, high load and applications requiring high water resistance.
Rocol Foodlube Premier 2		complex soap	<2 %		30 +180	315 kg		Food-grade multifunctional grease for all types of bearings at high speeds and temperatures
Rocol Foodlube Multipast		with Al	<2 %		3 0 + 45 0	620 kg		Designed for use as an extreme pressure assembly paste, as well as for lubricating liners and sliding bearings, small open gears in the food and other “clean” industries. As a paste or aerosol.
Rocol SAPPHIRE Aqua-Sil Hi-Load		inorganic	<2 %		40 +200			Silicone grease for work under heavy loads and in aggressive environments. Suitable for use in potable water systems
Rocol TUFGEAR UNIVERSAL	MO	Clay modified with organic matter			4 0 +1 2 0	800 kg		Lubricant for open gears. Designed for heavy duty operation on the largest gears, capable of withstanding harsh environments
Rocol Tuflube Allweather	MO				30 +70	800 kg		A multi-purpose, all-weather, high-adhesion grease designed to provide effective lubrication and protection in extremely wet and highly stressed environments.
Rocol Tufshield	MO	Organic Modified Clay + Wax			10 +120			Waterproof, highly adhesive preventative lubricant for the protection of all metal parts in the most severe conditions of erosion and corrosion, incl. marine and underwater applications..
Rocol Wire Rope Dressing	MO	Clay modified with organic matter			30 +100			Viscous, infusible grease containing MoS2. Provides water repellency and corrosion protection.
Krytox GPL 226 Krytox GPL 227	P FPE	PTFE			36 + 2 6 0 30 + 2 88			Synthetic (PFPE) thermal and chemical resistant grease, capable of operating under extremely high loads, suitable for long-term lubrication
PetroCanada PEERLESS LLG	MO	Calcium sulfonate	1.5% at 79°C		20 +200	500 kg		Universal lubricants for long-term operation at extremely high temperatures, loads and in conditions of high humidity.
PetroCanada PEERLESS OG Plus	MO	Calcium sulfonate	0.1% at 79°С	2 .5	20 + 16 0	500 kg		A line of extreme pressure, high temperature multipurpose greases specifically designed for wet and marine conditions
Chevron Black Pearl Grease EP	MO	polyurea complex thickener			20 + 16 0	400 kg		A line of multi-purpose greases with extreme pressure and waterproof properties
Chevron SRI Grease	MO	Polyurea complex	0.1% at 79°С	2 .5	30 + 1 77			Water resistant high temperature grease for ball and roller bearings at high speeds (10,000 rpm and above) and at high temperatures.

Lubricants can be subjected to various water resistance tests, e.g. ASTM D 1264, at the end of which, by weighing, determine the amount of washed grease with the presentation of the results as a percentage. The lower the value, the higher the durability.

Water temperature has a strong influence on rinsability.

The higher the temperature, the more difficult it is to achieve a good result.

According to DIN 51807-1 (Resistance to water washout - static test), which is often found in the description of the technical characteristics of greases, the first indicator indicates the water resistance class of the grease (from 0 - the most water resistant, to 3), and the second indicates the temperature t ° C, until reaching which there is neither washing out of the lubricant, nor a change in the basic characteristics of the lubricant.

Lubricants, for water resistance and resistance to water washout, can be evaluated according to a number of standards and regulations, they can take into account dynamics (DIN 51807-2 - dynamic test, for example - grease is packed into a rolling bearing, it rotates, and a jet of water is directed at it ( temperature is approximately 79 ° C.) Weight loss is indicated in%, which is an indicator of water resistance - the lower the number, the less grease washed out - the better (a similar test is carried out according to ASTM D 1264), water composition requirements and other factors.

We will focus on some of the most common typical points.

The type of base oil, in terms of water resistance, can be any - it is important to take into account other parameters of the technical conditions for the operation of the lubricant, for example. temperature or load. The silicone base provides lubricant stability in wet conditions over a wide range of operating temperatures, including extreme low and extreme high temperatures, but has poor load capacity. Mineral oil can handle moisture very well at medium temperatures, but it is difficult to do so at elevated temperatures. Etc.

As far as thickeners are concerned, in general, greases based on complex soaps have better water resistance than those based on simple soaps. Traditionally, greases based on Ba-, Li-, Al-, Ca- complexes are considered waterproof. Excellent water resistance performance for greases based on polyurea thickener and synthetic thickener such as PTFE.

Despite good water resistance properties, the grease may have weak anti-corrosion properties, this is also important to consider. Therefore, it is worth considering the third component of the lubricant - additives and fillers.

The viscosity of the base oil, the adhesive properties of the material, the temperature characteristics, incl. and dropping point.

Taking into account the need to match a specific lubricant and other numerous factors and characteristics of real operating conditions in a particular application - loads, speeds, temperatures, chemical aggressive effects on the material, etc., it is not easy to choose the optimal waterproof lubricant, and the more difficult the conditions, the more modest choice.

It should be noted that despite this complexity, in the range of lubricants of IRT LLC, there are products that have excellent characteristics in terms of resistance to water washout.

A rather abbreviated list of these products is given (see table above).

It contains waterproof lubricants for operation at low and medium temperatures, lubricants for high and extremely high temperatures, lubricants for open gears, incl. and for underwater use, lubricating, threading and assembly pastes, compounds (lubricant - sealant), lubricants and oils for chains and cables, incl. marine, protective anti-corrosion lubricants and more. others

A number of other categories of materials in the nomenclature of the IRT company also have water resistance properties: Industrial sealants, repair and emergency pastes and compounds, protective industrial coatings and floors, and more. others

For a more detailed range of waterproof lubricants and other materials, their technical characteristics and prices, please contact the technical department or the sales department of IRT LLC.

The company is an official dealer and distributor of products and materials of the world's leading manufacturers:

Molykote, Dow Corning, Permabond, Merbenit (Merz+Benteli), Devcon, Flexane, Rocol, Foodlube, Aerospec, Plexus, Cramolin, Densit, Accu-Lube, Petro-Canada, Chevron, Krytox (Dupont), Enecon and etc .

Technical specialists of our company, partner companies, specialists of manufacturers of these products and materials will always answer your questions, help you solve the technical problem, share the vast experience gained in using these products in Russia and the world.

This review article was written solely for the initial acquaintance with the range of lubricants of the IRT company, which have water resistance properties or other useful properties when working in conditions of high humidity.

We are not responsible for direct, indirect or unintentional damage caused as a result of using the information presented in this article.

With any use of this material, a link to it is required!

In the conditions of modern engineering, the organization of equipment operation is aimed at increasing the maintenance-free period, drastically reducing the cost of replacing worn parts and assemblies, and, of course, minimizing work to restore the performance of entire units and production lines. The work of the friction unit is influenced by a huge number of factors: from technological and design to the parameters of the working environment.

One of the most significant factors is the effect of water and steam. Under the influence of moisture, non-specialized lubricants are washed out of the friction zone, which, in addition to increased wear, leads to corrosion damage, or such lubricants can emulsify water in themselves and provoke corrosion even under lubrication conditions.

Lubricating company "INTERAVTO" has developed a super-water-resistant lubricant with enhanced anti-corrosion properties and reducing wear of loaded equipment - IPF ER-3

Waterproof grease IPF EP-3 is a unique synthetic oil-based lubricant with a complex of extreme pressure additives that provides lubrication under the most severe conditions. Ideal for metallurgical equipment, loaded motors and other equipment. The extremely high dropping point allows this grease to be used not only in wet but also in high-temperature working conditions: EP-3 has proven itself in paper, cardboard production, on trolleys in the production of silicate bricks and aerated concrete for wheel bearings, it has excellent water-repellent properties.

This difficult, but very important task can be solved by increasing the service life of bearings through the use of specialized waterproof lubricants. Accordingly, the development of materials with multifunctional properties has become one of the most promising and priority areas. In addition, the use of effective and affordable lubricating grease products avoids the complexity of the design of components dictated by the use of liquid central lubrication, and can significantly:

• improve working conditions and safety of personnel;
• improve the energy efficiency of equipment;
• reduce maintenance costs.

For lightly loaded friction bearings operating at temperatures up to +160 degrees, we recommend using a grease with very high mechanical stability - Erna-MF grease, this is an excellent product to ensure trouble-free operation of rolling bearings operating under the influence of moisture and temperature.

For bearings with medium rotational speeds and sufficiently high loads, a grease based on semi-synthetic oil IPF EP-2 containing tungsten disulfide is recommended - high water resistance and unsurpassed load capacity will protect the bearing from wear, and your production from unnecessary costs! It is used for lubrication of granulators, loaded supports, forestry equipment hub bearings and other units operating in wet environments, including vehicle units. High adhesion to metal surfaces allows the grease to provide unrivaled lubrication even under severe operating conditions.

Features of operation and tribology of bearings

Bearing lubrication minimizes sliding and rolling friction, provides effective heat removal and removal of wear products, prevents welding and destruction of its structural elements. With a lack of waterproof multi-purpose or heat-resistant lubricant and the inefficiency of anti-friction materials, “oil starvation” occurs and instantaneous seizure of contact metal surfaces occurs, which leads not only to a wedge of the assembly, but also causes an imbalance in the operation of the entire unit or mechanism.

Given the nature of the operation of bearings, the influence of moisture on their durability cannot be ignored either. An increase in the proportion of water in the lubricant to 0.05% reduces the service life by almost half, while the steel surface damaged by corrosion processes cannot be restored.

Typical mineral oils used in the industrial and agricultural sector at temperatures up to + 150˚С contain water in the amount of 0.005 ÷ 0.5%. Moreover, this parameter can increase under the influence of environmental humidity and alternating temperature fluctuations and at stable critically high or low temperatures. Accordingly, they do not cause corrosion, but they do not protect against the appearance of rust and against deterioration in the quality of the surface finish of the rolling and sliding elements. These shortcomings are eliminated by adding additives, which leads to an increase in the cost of the final product. Today, oils are actively being replaced by greases that demonstrate the best performance and energy performance and are characterized by high shear strength and minimal dependence on the external environment.

Thus, in order to ensure stable and trouble-free operation of bearings and to increase their service life, it is recommended to use waterproof lubricants used over a wide temperature range, capable of forming a strong film that is not washed out by water, and when water enters the lubricant volume, do not lose their operational and rheological characteristics. But, in addition to reducing friction and protecting against corrosion, bearing grease must have high thermal and oxidative stability and high adhesion to metal and non-metal surfaces, demonstrate extreme pressure properties and have a damping effect - reducing variable dynamic loads and longitudinal-transverse oscillations during rotation. It is the qualitative dynamic characteristics that have a direct impact on the level of vibration and noise. When bearings, as well as other friction pairs, are operated under conditions of high contact pressures and at high levels of humidity, the destruction of the oil film can occur, which accordingly increases the noise effect and activates corrosion. And what is most dangerous - these processes can provoke emergency resonant phenomena.

For the correct operation of bearings, it is important to ensure the optimal filling of waterproof grease. With its excessive amount and excess, it will poorly remove heat from the friction zone, which will lead to the effect of self-heating, not to mention the fact that this is not economically feasible, since part of the material will be thrown off under the influence of centrifugal forces, and if its volume is insufficient, it will significantly bearing life is reduced.

Also, one should not forget that for any waterproof or universal lubricant, its price order and degree of environmental safety are important. Cost imposes a material cost threshold on maintenance, and the potential presence of toxic components makes material replacement incredibly difficult and increases maintenance time and associated cost estimates.

Major bearing damage

So, the adhesive, anti-friction, extreme pressure and water-resistant properties of grease products directly determine the nature of the performance and durability of bearings. Let's take a look at the most popular defects that occur due to the use of inefficient oils or greases with inappropriate properties.

Fatigue damage to the surface

They appear due to the low viscosity of the base oil - i.e. the thickness of the oil film is less than it should be for a given type of load, as a result, the film breaks; when working in a flooded environment, this can also be caused by insufficient water resistance of the lubricant. At the initial stage, the defective surface has frost marks. With further operation in these places, the metal begins to peel off, and microcracks appear.

The subsequent manifestation of fatigue failure will be a critical decrease in surface finish and scuffing, excessive noise and heating of the assembly. Constant overloads and contamination of the lubricant with wear products will only aggravate the situation and the rolling bearing will not last even half of its nominal life.

chipping

By its physical nature, this defect is almost identical to surface fatigue, but it manifests itself in deeper cracks and severe damage to metal elements. It will definitely occur if poor-quality lubrication is supplemented by mounting errors, curved shaft axes and cyclic loads.

abrasive wear

Clogging of the lubricant with mechanical suspensions and wear products provokes abrasive wear of metal surfaces, which begin to darken and even lose their original geometry. Sometimes finely dispersed abrasive dust compiles with moisture in the lubricant, and then the bearing quickly clogs and quickly fails.

atmospheric corrosion

Moist air enters the structure of the unit from the environment and condenses when the temperature drops. This actually provokes a break in the film at the points of contact of the mating surfaces and the appearance of rust.

Fretting corrosion

It appears on the seats and mating planes when small fluctuations and vibrations occur. It is most strongly manifested in violation of landing tolerances and during operation of nodes in aggressive environments due to the destruction of the oxide film. Separated trace elements of steel alloys, as a wear product, are concentrated on a small area of ​​contact or adhesion and provoke the occurrence of cavities. Initially small cavities gradually increase, causing an increase in the volume of wear products, and so on increasing until the appearance of microcracks and fatigue manifestations.

The physicochemical processes of the occurrence of fretting corrosion have not yet been fully studied, but a significant role in its occurrence is played by the combination of the use of lubricant with inappropriate indicators and the destructive kinematics of the assembly.

True and false brinelling

At high temperatures and shock loads, in combination with insufficient lubrication of the friction units on the bearing races, characteristic transverse dents-tracks (true brinelling) can be seen. Such structural defects provoke noise and increased vibrations.

But even more detrimental to bearings is false brinelling, which has the same nature of occurrence, but as a result of strong plastic deformations, manifests itself as a combination of the appearance of potholes and metal displacement. It is far from immediately possible to recognize it by external signs, only when vibrations and cyclic oscillations already arise, provoked by an irreparable defect.

Thermal release

If there is not enough lubricant or its inappropriate use, a change in the color of the clip can be observed, as a rule, the steel begins to acquire a dark blue or blue-black tint. This clearly demonstrates a violation of the temperature regime of operation and, as a result of the absence or insufficient thickness of the lubricating film, the metal undergoes thermal tempering and rapidly loses its strength characteristics.

We have listed the main causes of bearing failure. But in real conditions, many of them are exposed to the simultaneous action of several negative factors at once, which all the more aggravates the need to use waterproof greases. The most at risk are the hub bearings of wheeled and railway vehicles, universal joints of equal angular speeds of cars (CV joints or in the jargon of car owners "grenade").

Material selection

Today, waterproof greases on the market are represented by products thickened with soaps (they can be calcium or lithium, since sodium is a priori water-soluble), polymeric and inorganic. Hydrocarbons are recommended for conservation or transportation.

At the same time, all consistent products from this group, despite the fact that they are also classified as high-temperature, frost-resistant, specialized and universal, help to reduce energy losses, noise and vibration. What distinguishes them all:

• good adhesion;
• ability to moisture strengthening;
• thermo-oxidative, mechanical and chemical stability;
• inertness to contamination, delamination, aging and extrusion from the bearing;
• excellent anti-friction, anti-corrosion, anti-seize and anti-wear properties.

The use of calcium grease is mainly limited by low thermal stability. It perfectly resists moisture and is efficient, but only at temperatures not exceeding the threshold of + 150 ° C - for example, washing machines, both industrial and household, are lubricated with it.

Lithium grease is characterized by a wider range of operating temperatures, which leads to its widespread use in many sectors of the national economy, but it is not recommended to ensure the full performance of friction pairs operating in vacuum.

But for such purposes, you can use modern waterproof lubricants developed on a synthetic basis and having a high inertness to aging, increased resistance to oxidation and pollution. They are slightly more expensive than mineral oils and greasy analogues, but they have an extensive application potential and allow:

• expand the operating temperature range;
• increase the operational resource;
• lubricants containing molybdenum disulphide increase load capacity
• reduce energy costs.

Waterproof lubricants do not affect the operational properties of polymers, and also prevent the penetration of aggressive components and their vapors into bearings, demonstrate excellent sealing properties when servicing industrial complexes, pipelines, shut-off and control valves, and are perfect for processing hard-to-reach units, mechanisms located at different horizontal angles and friction units that change the direction of work.

Despite the mass production of lubricants based on calcium and calcium sulfonate soaps, domestic and foreign manufacturers of Al-containing materials not only continue to manufacture them, but also systematically work to optimize their formulation and improve the already quite good indicators of water resistance and rheological characteristics.

As the practice of operating modern greases created with the addition of an aluminum complex shows, compared to lithium products, they are not inferior to them in hydrophobicity and surpass them in oxidation resistance and oil separation during storage. At the same time, ASTM engineers and experts agree that Al-greases:

• have exceptional waterproof properties;
• demonstrate stable resistance to shear deformations;
• perfectly perform their anti-friction and protective function in the temperature range from -40 to 177˚С;
• can be used to service units and mechanisms operating at low and high speeds.

For industry, aluminum lubricants are of increased interest also because of their good transparency and very smooth texture.

Waterproof automotive lubricants

Considering the nature of the operation of cars and trucks, the elements of the undercarriage wear out most of all from the complex effects of loads, friction forces and moisture: wheel hub bearings, calipers and guides, tie rods and CV joints, bearings and a driveshaft cross. These knots are leaky. Moisture constantly condenses in them and storm and melt water get in, therefore their operational life is directly determined by the moisture resistance of the lubricant, as well as its ability to stay in the nodes and resist washing out and dropping.

Accordingly, in order to ensure stable and long-term operation of vehicles, as well as to increase the service life of parts, it is necessary to use special lubricants that meet several requirements at once. They must have high water resistance and resistance to shear deformations, the ability to repeatedly reduce the coefficient of friction, wear and corrosion even when exposed to high temperatures and a significant speed factor.

In addition, there are units in cars where greases perform a sealing and buffering function and provide resource lubrication. Accordingly, the quality of automotive lubricants used in assembly assembly, and, most importantly, their water resistance directly affects:

• the functionality of the units, the durability of parts and assemblies and the general indicators of the reliability of vehicles in general;
• economic costs of car maintenance;
• frequency and scope of maintenance.

But tribologists and auto mechanics invest a little more in the general concept of "water resistance" than ordinary inhabitants. By this definition, experts mean the ability of a grease to resist the effects of water and its:

• hygroscopicity (absorption of water from the environment);
• resistance to washing out under the influence of jet moisture and liquid media;
• the ability to form a lubricating film resistant to the penetration of vaporous and molecular moisture.

Given the latter, the anti-corrosion properties of lubricants are interrelated with their water resistance, which determines the key value of this parameter for automotive greases.

In Russian standardization practice, testing of these products for water resistance is not used. Imported lubricants intended for vehicle friction pairs are tested in accordance with ASTM D1264. This standard specifies a methodology for determining the resistance of lubricating greases to water washout from a ball bearing. To do this, the product in the amount of 4 grams is placed in a bearing, which is then rotated at a frequency of 600 rpm. Then, for 60 minutes, warm water (79°C) is fed into it through a hole ø 1 mm with a pressure jet at a speed of 5 ml/s. At the end of the test, the percentage of washed lubricant is determined by the control weighing method.

Although automotive lubricants are not exposed to hot liquids under real-world conditions, this test is specifically performed with water heated to 175˚F. This makes it possible to obtain objective data on the water resistance of the grease in a very short period of time and compare it with the benchmark figures of the highest quality products in the NLGI GC-LB class. Recall that for the automotive sector, no more than 15% loss of lubricant is considered acceptable.

As laboratory tests in accordance with ASTM D1264 show, water-resistant greases manufactured by the Russian company Interauto fully comply with this standard. For example, testing IPF-222 showed that the product perfectly resists washing out with hot water and lost only 4% during the test. In addition, the company's products have been tested for moisture resistance by numerous highly qualified auto mechanics and have received good reviews and recommendations for widespread use in servicing personal and corporate vehicles from leading car services.

But the Interauto company does not stop there and introduced its new product to the market - low-temperature synthetic lubricant IPF-280. This product is developed on PAO-oil and complex thickener and is operable at sub-zero temperatures down to -55˚С and critical shock loads and vibrations. But, most importantly, IPF-280 demonstrates precision moisture resistance and inertness to elastomers.

Vehicle nodes	Basic requirements for SM
Wheel bearings	Thermal-oxidative stability and water resistance, vibration resistance and resistance to shock loads, washout and shedding under the influence of centrifugal forces	Grease IPF-222
Steering ball joints, rear and front suspension	Moisture resistance, excellent anti-friction effect, anti-corrosion properties	Grease IPF-222
	Water resistance, improved anti-corrosion and anti-wear effect	Grease IPF-180 based on polyurea thickener

Due to the above characteristics and advantageous qualities, water-resistant greases are increasingly being used for the treatment of rolling and plain bearings. In modern production conditions, their share has long exceeded 60% of all materials currently on the market. 1520 ruby