Grease Sampling Procedures

In this article we will review the basic grease sampling procedures for thin/spreadable and thick/sticky greases.

Preparation

Clean the sample point to prevent cross contamination of grease from other components. Contamination and old grease should be removed using the wide end of the coring spatula.

Thin Greases

For thinner and spreadable greases, the slitted coring tube is often preferred.

• Insert the slitted coring tube into the sample point and rotate multiple times to core a representative sample. The tube should have greased plugged inside and residual grease on the outside.
• Place the grease filled coring tube into the empty syringe. Hold the combined tube / syringe in a gloved hand or with a paper towel.
• Using the hand firmly holding the syringe and tube together, pinch the tube above the point at which grease has accumulated on the tube.
• With the other hand, pull the coring tube away from the syringe extruding the collected grease on and in the coring tube, leaving it in the syringe barrel.
• Wipe clean any excess grease that may be on the outside of the open end, and ensure as much grease as possible is compacted into the syringe.
• With the grease sample packed into the syringe, align the rubber tipped syringe plunger, and re-insert it.
• Push the head space out of the syringe until the grease sample fills the dead space. Screw on the luer lock cap to the tip to seal the sample. 5 mL sample minimum required.

Thick Greases

For thicker and stickier greases, the plastic coring spatula will allow for more consistent retrieval of grease from the sampling point.

• Using the narrow end of the coring spatula, scoop out grease from the representative sampling location, and pack it in the empty syringe barrel. Continue this process until you’ve accumulated a minimum of approximately 5 mL minimum of grease.
• When finished, place the coring spatula into the syringe, and extrude the residual grease into the syringe barrel with the ‘pinch and pull’ method shown for the Slitted Coring Tube (above).
• Wipe away residual grease from the opening, and re-insert the rubber tipped syringe plunger. Push the head space out of the syringe until the grease sample fills the dead space of the syringe. Screw on the luer lock cap to the tip to seal the sample.

Sample Kits

Grease sampling test kits are available for purchase from Fluid Life. Contact the Order Desk at 877-962-2400 or via email. You can also purchase kits online.