How Does Whitmore Omnitask Protect Low-Speed Bearings Under High Loads?
Whitmore Omnitask is an extreme pressure (EP) grease formulated specifically for heavily loaded industrial operations running in the lower speed range. In heavy industrial environments, machinery frequently experiences high loads, severe shock loads, and high levels of vibration. These forces break down standard lubrication films, causing metal-to-metal contact and premature component wear. To prevent this, Whitmore combines high base oil viscosity with a specialized EP additive package, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and graphite.
This synergy of chemical EP additives and physical solid lubricants creates a dual-layer defensive barrier on mating metal surfaces. When shock loads temporarily squeeze out the liquid lubricant film, the solid lubricants (MoS2 and graphite) remain bonded to the metal, preventing welding, scoring, and catastrophic seizure under the most difficult operating conditions.
What Role Do High-Performance Polymers Play in Sealing Bearings?
Cohesion and adhesion are critical for grease operating under heavy impact. Whitmore Omnitask contains high-performance synthetic polymers that make the grease tacky and highly resistant to pound-out and sling-off under severe shock load. This ensuring that the lubricant stays exactly where it is needed most, inside the load zone.
Furthermore, these polymer additives cause excess grease to form a physical collar or ring around the bearing seal. This collar acts as an active barrier, shutting out environmental contaminants such as dust, dirt, and process moisture. For extreme sealing requirements, Whitmore offers Omnitask TK EP, which contains a larger portion of polymers to enhance this protective collar effect. Note that while Omnitask EP is suitable for central lubrication systems, the highly tacky Omnitask TK EP should not be used in centralized systems due to pumpability limitations.
How Do the Physical and Chemical Specifications of Omnitask Compare?
Engineers must evaluate several technical parameters when choosing a lubricant for demanding applications. Whitmore Omnitask EP 2 is engineered with an aluminum complex thickener, giving it a high dropping point and excellent thermal stability. Below are the key physical and chemical characteristics of Omnitask EP 2 as tested under ASTM standards:
- Base Oil Kinematic Viscosity (ASTM D-445): 662 cSt at 40°C and 40 cSt at 100°C. This high viscosity ensures a robust hydrodynamic film in slow-moving, heavily loaded applications.
- Dropping Point (ASTM D-566): Exceeds 480°F (249°C), allowing for a wide operating temperature range from 0°F (-18°C) up to 400°F (204°C).
- Four Ball EP Weld Point (ASTM D-2596): 620 kg with a Load Wear Index of 60, proving superior performance under high-pressure, extreme-load conditions.
- Water Spray-Off (ASTM D-4049) & Washout (ASTM D-1264): Less than 5% loss in both tests, demonstrating exceptional resistance to water washout in wet environments.
- Copper Strip Corrosion (ASTM D-4048 Modified): Rated at 1B when tested at 212°F (100°C) for 3 hours, indicating excellent protection against yellow metal corrosion.
- Maximum DN Factor: 200,000. This confirms the grease is designed exclusively for low-to-medium speed ranges and is not intended for high-speed bearing applications.
Where is Whitmore Omnitask Best Applied in Industrial Settings?
Because of its water resistance, high-temperature stability, and extreme pressure protection, Omnitask is ideal for harsh process environments. Key applications include steel mill work rolls, paper machine wet section rolls, de-watering press bearings, and crusher bearings where moisture and heavy vibrations are constant threat. It is also highly effective on belt conveyor pulley bearings and bucket wheel excavators that operate continuously outdoors.
Summary
- Extreme Pressure Protection: Formulated with MoS2, graphite, and an EP package to achieve a 620 kg weld point, preventing metal welding and scoring.
- High-Temperature Performance: Utilizes an aluminum complex thickener to maintain an operating range of 0°F to 400°F with a dropping point over 480°F.
- Contaminant Exclusion: Cohesive synthetic polymers form a protective collar around bearing seals, sealing out dirt, dust, and process moisture.
- Water Washout Resistance: Exhibits less than 5% loss in both water spray-off and water washout tests, extending grease service life in wet environments.
- System Compatibility: Omnitask EP is suitable for central lubrication systems, whereas the higher-polymer Omnitask TK EP is not.
Products discussed in this episode
- OMNITASK TK EP 2 50 CARTRIDGE Greases
- OMNITASK EP 2 FL Keg Greases
- WHITMORE OMNITASK TK EP 2 Pail Greases
- OMNITASK TK EP 2 Keg Greases
- OMNITASK TK EP
- WHITMORE OMNITASK EP 2 50CT CARTRIDGE Greases
- OMNITASK EP 2 W/LINERS Keg Greases
- OMNITASK EP
- WHITMORE OMNITASK EP 2 Keg Greases
- OMNITASK EP 2 Drum Greases
- OMNITASK EP 1 50CT CARTRIDGE Greases
- WHITMORE OMNITASK EP 1 Pail Greases
- OMNITASK EP 1 Keg Greases
- OMNITASK EP
- WHITMORE OMNITASK EP 0 Drum Greases
Browse all Whitmore products on PE Energy Industrial Supply.
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