Organoclay for High-Temperature Grease

Q: What grease is best for high temperature applications?

For continuous high-temperature service above 180°C: organoclay (clay-based, bentone-type) grease is the best choice — it has no measurable drop point (clay mineral decomposes above 600°C), maintains consistency indefinitely above 260°C, and provides water washout resistance (ASTM D1264 <5% at 79°C). For intermittent high-temperature exposure up to 180°C: lithium complex grease is usually sufficient and more economical. For continuous service above 200°C — furnace chains, kiln bearings, steel mill roll necks: only organoclay clay grease provides reliable performance.

Q: What is the difference between clay grease and lithium grease?

Clay grease (organoclay thickener): no drop point (clay does not melt), continuous service above 200°C, excellent water washout resistance, wider operating temperature range (-30°C to >200°C). Lithium grease: drop point ~190°C, max continuous service ~120°C, good water resistance, most common industrial multipurpose grease. Clay greases are preferred for extreme high-temperature applications where lithium soap melting would cause lubrication failure; lithium greases are more economical for standard industrial applications.

Q: What organoclay is used in high-temperature grease?

For lubricating grease thickening: CP-EL and CP-GL (low-polarity conventional grades for mineral and PAO base oils — 6–10 wt% for NLGI 2 in mineral oil); CP-EDS (fine particle, for ester-based and high-polarity synthetic oils); CP-34 and CP-40 (broader base oil compatibility for mixed formulations). All require a polar activator (propylene carbonate at 25–35% of organoclay weight, or ethanol at 30–40%) and colloid mill processing for full platelet delamination and consistent NLGI grade.

Why Clay Greases Outperform Soap Greases at High Temperature

Conventional soap-based greases (lithium, calcium, sodium soap) have a defined dropping point — the temperature at which the soap thickener melts and the grease loses its structure. Most lithium complex greases have dropping points of 260–290°C, but in service, performance begins deteriorating at temperatures 50–80°C below the dropping point.

Organoclay (bentone) greases have no true dropping point. The clay platelet network does not melt — it maintains structural integrity at temperatures exceeding 260°C, making organoclay greases inherently more suitable for continuous high-temperature service.

High-Temperature Grease Applications

Steel mill roll neck bearings (200–250°C)
Kiln trunnion bearings (180–220°C)
Dryer cylinder bearings in paper mills
Conveyor oven bearings
Centralized lubrication systems at elevated temperature

Formulating Organoclay Grease with CP-250A

CP-250A is the recommended organoclay grade for high-temperature grease formulations:

Component	Typical Range
CP-250A organoclay	8–15%
Mineral or synthetic base oil	76–88%
Propylene carbonate (activator)	2–3% of organoclay weight
Water (activation aid)	1–2% of organoclay weight
Additives (antioxidant, EP, corrosion inhibitor)	2–5%

Key Performance Targets

NLGI Grade: 2 (target penetration 265–295 × 10⁻¹ mm)
Dropping point: >260°C (ASTM D566/D2265)
Water washout (ASTM D1264 at 79°C): <5%
Oxidation stability (ASTM D942 at 99°C, 100h): pressure drop <5 psi

Frequently Asked Questions

What grease is best for high temperature applications?

For continuous service above 180°C: organoclay clay grease — no drop point, maintains consistency above 260°C, water washout resistance ASTM D1264 <5%. For intermittent high temperature up to 180°C: lithium complex is sufficient and more economical. For furnace chains, kiln bearings, steel mill roll necks: clay grease is the standard. Full grease guide →

What is the difference between clay grease and lithium grease?

Clay grease: no drop point, continuous service above 200°C, excellent water washout resistance. Lithium grease: drop point ~190°C, max continuous service ~120°C, most common industrial multipurpose grease, more economical. Clay greases are preferred for extreme high-temperature applications where soap melting would cause failure.

What organoclay is used in high-temperature grease?

CP-EL or CP-GL (mineral and PAO base oils, 6–10 wt% for NLGI 2); CP-EDS (ester-based and synthetic oils); CP-34 or CP-40 (mixed formulations). All require polar activator (propylene carbonate 25–35%) and colloid mill processing for consistent NLGI grade.

Why Clay Greases Outperform Soap Greases at High Temperature

High-Temperature Grease Applications

Formulating Organoclay Grease with CP-250A

Key Performance Targets

Frequently Asked Questions

Get CP-250A for High-Temperature Grease