HIGH-VISCOSITY BASE OIL GELS FOR HEAVY-DUTY OPEN GEAR DRIVES ... A BREAK FROM TRADITION

Residual and other diluent containing compounds have traditionally bee n the leading type of open gear lubricants. They have been promoted by manufacturers prescribing to guide-lines established by AGMA. This pr actice remained steadfast until the advent of reliable intermittent sp ray systems. This led European manufacturers to adopt the use of speci al open gear greases for the open gear drives they produced. This in t urn, prompted the development of special complex compounds and pastes by speciality lubricants companies. The introduction of strict environ mental regulations controlling the use and disposal of lubricants has ushered in the demise of traditional residual products, and some speci al open gear greases, compounds, and pastes. This prompted the develop ment of environmentally more acceptable products. Today, high viscosit y base oil, semi-fluid gels that readily drain from gear guards, and m ay be disposed after use at relatively low cost, show promise in setti ng the new standard for open gear lubrication.