Obtaining Great Grease Samples

Nov 4, 2021 | grease analysis

Obtaining Great Grease Samples

(Step-by-step guide to use of Grease Thief to obtain samples)
Grease helps keep equipment, including excavators, draglines, drills, shovels, rear dumps and other plant used to move bulk materials, operating efficiently and it is vital that effective samples are obtained.

By analysing samples Techenomics identifies issues associated with wear debris and contaminants found in grease and by trending results over time can predict maintenance issues before they arise.

A number of techniques are used to extract grease samples depending on the equipment and operating parameters and Techenomics provides advice suited to the situation, including an effective technique used to extract grease samples from operational equipment is the Grease Thief but it must be used correctly to avoid contamination.

The use of Grease Thief (Grease T).

A step-by-step guide:

Open the bag then attach the relieve-hole end of the piston-handle to the T-handle tool by inserting into the slotted rod. The locking knob may need to be released to expose the slot.

Pull back the slotted rod and thread the base of the Grease T into the pusher tube, then insert the locking knob into a hole to set the sample depth. Position 1 places the end of the device 7cm from the opening of the bearing when fully extended with each further position adding 1cm.

Position the pusher rod so the red piston is flush with the end of the Grease T. The stinger on the Grease T will stick out.

4. Open the access plug and fully insert the grease T and T handle until the probe contacts the desired location.
Slide the rod forward to core a grease sample. When it has slid completely forward, hold it in that position as the T handle and Grease Thief are withdrawn from the access hole.
Using a clean rag, wipe excess grease from the T handle parts and outside of the Grease T body, being careful not to contact the grease inside.
Remove the locking knob from the positioning hole and slotted rod. Unthread the Grease T from the pusher rod, allowing the slotted rod to spin with the Grease T body.
Before placing the yellow cap on the Grease T for shipment, purge a small amount of grease from the Grease T into the cap to relieve pressure build up from placing the cap on the full Grease T.
Once a small amount of the grease is in the yellow cap, slide the cap on the Grease T far enough to engage the thread as a friction fit. This will ensure the Grease T is full and no sample is lost through the purge holes.
Place the filled and capped Grease T into the shipping tube and thread on the cap to the tube. Affix the completed sample label on the tube, place the tube inside the shipping envelope and send to the laboratory.