In the extreme environment of wood pellet production, grease is a critical investment. A mill producing 2,040 tons of pellets per day can consume over 130 pounds of grease daily, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars a year in lubrication costs alone.

Faced with such significant expenses, it’s no surprise that some plant managers look to cut costs by purchasing the cheapest grease available. While this may offer short-term savings, it often leads to costly long-term consequences. Using the wrong grease can accelerate equipment wear, cause excessive grease waste and even cause premature equipment failure.

When it comes to machinery efficiency, grease quality matters. Pellet mills operate under intense heat, heavy loads and constant exposure to moisture—especially in roller bearings, jackshafts and main shafts. These conditions demand a specialized, high-performance, high-temperature lubricant designed to ensure optimal efficiency and machine reliability

While most OEMs specify recommended lubricants, operators can use alternatives—provided these greases match performance specs like temperature range, viscosity, extreme pressure and additive packages. All factors considered, an NLGI 2 high-temperature grease with extreme pressure properties is the recommended lubricant for pellet mill applications. However, alternative greases may require OEM approval to keep equipment warranties.

Grease is composed of base oil, thickener and performance-enhancing additives. Common thickeners include aluminum, calcium, lithium (and their complexes), calcium sulfonate and polyurea. To prevent issues like oxidation, oil separation and contamination, it’s important to use a high-quality grease like Mystik® LithoPlex Pellet Mill #2 Grease, as well as relubricate at proper intervals and use the right volume of grease.

Investing in the right grease pays off. By prioritizing quality before price, pellet plant operators can extend equipment life, reduce downtime and improve their bottom lines.

Author: CITGO

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