OWI tests measuring methods and their suitability for process integration
The OWI Science for Fuels gGmbH will test analysis techniques and methods, that may accelerate the manufacturing process of lubrication greases and hence enhance cost-efficiency. Photo: OWI
14 April 2020 –
Lubricants are an important component in almost every mechanical process. Almost every mechanical applications require lubricants. Particularly high requirements must be met by greases for which lifetime lubrication is used, such as for windscreen wipers in vehicles. Ensuring the quality of the grease in the manufacturing process is of great importance. Because only with lubricants of by ensuring optimum guaranteed quality high lubrication efficiency, low grease consumption and long service life of the lubricated system can be achieved. Therefore, every progress in the manufacturing process is a contribution to sustainability and the conservation of resources.
In a current research project, OWI Science for Fuels gGmbH intends to test examine the suitability of various analytical methods for use in the production of lubricating greases. The aim is to speed up the manufacturing process and thus make it more cost-effective. A fine structure and homogeneous mixture of its basic components “thickener” and “base oil” with each other is essential for the quality of the greases as well as the even homogeneous distribution of the additives is essential for the quality of use of lubricating greases. Currently the homogeneity of greases is controlled by The random checks. These currently used to determine the homogeneity of greases are time-consuming and expensive. The new method to be developed for determining homogeneity serves to accelerate the manufacturing process and, by ensuring the quality of the grease, the operational reliability of the grease in later use.
In the project, it will be examined the selected analysis and measurement methods will be tested to what extent selected analysis and measurement methods they are suitable for integration into the real-time monitoring of grease production. In this way, the research results will contribute to the realization of continuous quality control. The anticipated results will bey are particularly useful for lubricant and additive developers, equipment manufacturers and users, but are also of interest to testing institutes or analytical laboratories.
The IGF project 20867 N of the research association German Society for Petroleum and Coal Science and Technology e.V. – DGMK, Überseering 40, 22297 Hamburg is funded through the AiF as part of the program for promoting joint industrial research (IGF) by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy based on a German Federal Parliament resolution.
