Compatibility of consistent plastic greases
If two different kinds of greases are mixed with the same thickener, that usually does not cause problems of compatibility. However, this may not happen in all cases since other additives used in different greases may cause problems of compatibility, especially if it is continuously stressed at high speed and/or high temperature conditions. If full replacement or the cleaning out of old greases cannot be carried out easily, laboratory tests may be a mandatory solution of problems.
General indications for grease compatibility:
- Lithium and Lithium Complex greases are limitedly compatible with Aluminium Complex, Calcium, Calcium Complex, Sodium and Polyurea greases and they are not compatible with Barium Complex and Bentonite/clay thickener greases.
- Calcium and Calcium Complex greases are limitedly compatible with Lithium and Lithium Complex, Polyurea thickener greases and they are not compatible with Aluminium Complex, Barium Complex, Sodium and Bentonite/clay thickener greases.
- Sodium greases are limitedly compatible only with Lithium and Lithium Complex greases and are actually incompatible with any other greases.
- Bentonite/clay greases are not compatible with any other greases.
- Polyurea greases are limitedly compatible with Lithium and Lithium Complex, Aluminium Complex, Calcium and Calcium Complex greases and they are not compatible with Barium Complex, Natrium Complex or Bentonite/clay thickener greases.