Application of thermodynamics to industrial grease production
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2024
Abstract
In-situ measurement technology is developed for the first time to monitor the complex reaction process involved in the reactors during the manufacturing of grease. The evolving rheological properties of the grease with raw material variations, environmental factors, and human errors demand precise control of process parameters. These complexities result in batch-to-batch inconsistencies, causing increased costs and lost manufacturing time. In-situ measurement of rheological properties during grease manufacturing can contribute to achieving a repeatable process by providing real-time feedback to the operator for timely adjustments as process deviations occur. In this paper, the rheological properties of grease are measured and displayed as the accumulated entropy generated (AEG), a parameter derived from the principles of irreversible thermodynamics. A process sensor unit (PSU) was developed to determine the AEG values of a 5000 kg grease kettle by measuring the real-time current and voltage of the kettle agitator and mill drives and the grease process temperature. The AEG value was determined for ten batches of NLGI grade 2 and five batches of NLGI grade 1.5 greases. The results confirmed a linear correlation between grease consistency and AEG values. A linear model is developed and programmed in the PSU to predict grease consistency.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Chemical Engineering Journal
Recommended Citation
Lijesh, K., Miller, R., Sanford, A., Carroll, J., & Khonsari, M. (2024). Application of thermodynamics to industrial grease production. Chemical Engineering Journal, 489 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.151306
