Nye Lubricants Hot On the Trail of 'Synthetic ANDOK C'

    FAIRHAVEN, Mass.--March 5, 2001--In their search for a replacement for Exxon's ANDOK(R)C, several leading US bearing manufacturers are reporting that a new experimental grease by Nye Lubricants is the most promising candidate to date.
    ANDOK is Exxon's registered trademark for a line of greases formulated for rolling-contact bearings in severe operating conditions. ANDOK C, one of three greases in the line, was recently discontinued by Exxon, sparking a search by bearing manufacturers for an alternative before existing ANDOK C supplies are depleted.
    "We are cautiously optimistic that we have developed a synthetic replacement for ANDOK C," said Dr. Michael Dube, Nye Lubricants' manager of research and development. "Our laboratory tests show that its characteristics are equal or superior to ANDOK C, and several bearing manufacturers who are now evaluating our grease seem ready to give it the definitive thumbs-up."
    ANDOK C is a Grade 4, petroleum-napthene, sodium-soap, dark brown, buttery grease typically used for factory-fill of high-speed ball bearings and for hand-pack replenishment in the field. It was prized for its excellent channeling characteristics, which improve bearing performance by reducing torque and lowering internal bearing temperatures. Like other sodium-soap greases, ANDOK greases are not water resistant, however they still provide rust protection in damp locations because of their ability to absorb water.
    Nye's proposed replacement for ANDOK C is a polyalphaolefin, lithium-complex grease -- light tan in color, buttery in consistency. In comparative laboratory tests, key characteristics of Nye's experimental grease equaled or exceeded those of ANDOK C. Nye's grease exhibited comparable oil separation (0.44% vs. ANDOK's 0% at 150(degree)C); improved evaporation rates (0.9% vs. ANDOK's 6.9% at 150(degree)C); and improved Four-Ball Wear Scar results (0.6mm vs. ANDOK's 0.97mm). In addition, Nye's complex-lithium thickener offers excellent protection against water washout -- something sodium thickeners cannot offer. When subjected to water washout testing (1 hour at 80(degree)C), 99.5% of the ANDOK C had washed out, compared to 2.8% of the Nye grease.
    "Further," Dr. Dube added, "we believe our version of the grease contains less thickener than ANDOC C -- and less thickener means quieter bearing performance."
    Nye is currently taking preliminary steps toward the commercialization of its synthetic alternative to ANDOK C.