Lift Off for Nye and Lockheed

Lockheed Martin, a leading designer and manufacturer in the Aerospace industry, was launching a new generation of high definition satellite cameras. Lockheed wanted to use Nye’s Rheolube® 2000 and Rheolube® 2004 products to lubricate bearings in the satellite camera, but needed to decrease the outgassing rate of both greases. They were working with The Aerospace Corporation on the project to reduce volatile contaminants close to the camera’s lens.

Both companies were concerned that the cameras would be compromised if lubricant volatiles settled near the lens, potentially fogging it up. Nye had to not only decrease outgassing, but testing, manufacturing and verification all had to be completed in time for the satellite launch date. It was a race against the clock.

Challenge

The first challenge was to develop a process that would eliminate volatiles from the grease without compromising the additive package. Several procedures were developed using precise controls over several processes. Daily samples were rushed to The Aerospace Corporation, which was followed by afternoon conference calls regarding the results. With a procedure selected and verified, Nye still needed to scale up the process to fulfill the volume of grease needed for the launch date.

The next obstacle involved scale up equipment. Nye did not have the proper equipment that was large enough or one that could pull the required vacuum level to process the lubricant, so equipment was purchased. Due to the precise nature of the vacuum treatment process, the new equipment had to be modified to control and monitor heat very precisely.

Solution: Rheolube® 2000-LO & 2004-LO

Finally, Nye was ready to produce low outgassing batches of Rheolube® 2000 and Rheolube® 2004. Processing two batches per shift kept this project on track. Tests to confirm the extreme requirements of the lubricants were performed by Nye, Lockheed Martin and The Aerospace Corporation.