SKF innovative portable grease analysis kit offers complete methodology for use in the field

The new portable SKF Grease Test Kit TKGT 1 is designed as a quick assessment tool for use throughout the engineering sector. The system uses a four-step process: collecting information, collecting samples, grease tests and reporting. No specialist training is required to perform the tests as full instructions are provided, complete with detailed test protocols and report templates. No harmful chemicals are required and only small samples of the grease are needed to perform the tests.

The SKF Grease Test Kit can be used with fresh or used grease samples. For fresh grease the kit can help establish the remaining operating life of the grease by assessing its mechanical properties. It can also test the quality of the grease and check for colour or consistency changes between grease batches. It helps to assess whether these inconsistencies are within acceptable limits.

For used grease samples it can help assess the degradation status of the grease to help identify necessary relubrication intervals, which can be adjusted to reflect real conditions. It can test physical changes of the grease, for example colour, and help understand the root causes for these changes. The test can also support decision making on the appropriate grease for a certain application by helping the user to compare different greases.

Despite 80% of bearings being lubricated with grease, the majority of lubricant analysis techniques in the field have been traditionally limited to oils. SKF has worked hard to develop the SKF Grease Test Kit TKGT 1 and accompanying methodology, offering customers a new approach to in-field grease status assessment.