Chapter

B i t

L u b r i c a n t s

Refractory Metals
Molybdenum disulfide is used traditionally in greases for bit lubrication. In addition, polymers of 2-methylpropene (i.e., isobutene) and metal soaps are used to formulate synthetic greases [475]. A viscosity of 600 to 750 cP at 120 C is desirable. However, in the severe environment of a rock bit bearing, the viscosity of the composition should be at least 200 cP at 100 C [472]. Other heavy-duty greases based on molybdenum sulfide also contain calcium fluoride [1058,1059] and metal soaps as thickeners. Specialized lubricating greases were developed for the bearing assemblies of roller bits. The greases are prepared from petroleum oils that are thickened with alkali and alkalineearth metal soaps [1136]. The greases contain additives and fillers, such as synthetic dichalcogenides of refractory metals, which exhibit the necessary service characteristics. Tests have shown that such greases exceed the initial grease by 7 to 12 times with respect to performance time.

Natural Compounds
Phosphatides or phospholipids are environmentally safe lubricating additives [678].

Table 4-1 Compounds Suitable as Lubricants Compound Carbon black glycol esters of synthetic 21-25C fatty acids Sodium ethyl siliconate, diethylene glycol, graphite powder, and fatty acidsa Polyacrylamide, carboxymethylcellulose, gypsumb Olefinsc 2,4,8,10-tetra-oxaspiro-5, 5-undecaned Phosphatides or phospholipidse Polypropylene glycolf Fluoropolymers and zinc dioctyl-phenyl-dithiophosphateg
a) Sealing lubricant down to 40 C. b) Sealing lubricant. c) With metal soaps and aerosil as thickener. d) Reaction product from pentaerythrite and paraformalehyde. e) Environmentally safe lubricating additives. f) As mud additive for lubrication. g) Antioxidizing and anticorrosion additive to lubricating oils.

References [1537] [712] [928] [767,987,988] [648] [678] [555,573,1553] [349]