TD 20030-01-03

Dear Ms. Yan, 
Laboratory analysis has been completed on the three samples of used Lubrication Engineers 1233 Almatek® General Purpose Lubricant, that were taken from three different bearings, servicing a Yieh Phui Enterprise overhead traveling crane. The purpose of our analysis was to identify the condition of the grease samples from each bearing.  This analysis was requested after the bearing bushing was damaged three individual times.  A new sample was not provided to verify the new lubricant meets LE QC specifications; however, typical results of new LE 1233 have been added to our analysis for comparison purposes only.  Our results are attached for your review. 

Results 

All three grease samples delivered for analysis seem to be in similar conditions.  The samples were marked as sample A, B, and C respectively.  All three samples have fallen in NLGI grade from original QC levels and the dropping point has decreased slightly.  Infrared analysis suggests that each sample is oxidized; however, these results are typical of used LE 1233.  Elemental analysis reveals abnormal levels of wear and contamination. The majority of wear is identified as iron and lead, while the contamination is silicon and sodium (likely environmental contaminants).  

Conclusions and Recommendations 

The overall condition of the samples is poor, and our analysis suggests each sample has reached the end of its useful life.  The samples show a decrease in NLGI grade and dropping point, while elemental analysis reveals abnormal amounts of wear particles and contamination.  While we did not receive the current re-lubrication practices, these results are not unexpected for used LE 1233 that is being used in high temperature environments that do not get re-lubricated frequently enough.  Our analysis suggests the re-lubrication interval should be verified and likely shortened to maintain fresh grease in the application.  Re-lubricating more frequently should yield more consistent performance and reduce bearing failures. 

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If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to let us know. 

Sincerely,