Abstract: A method for evaluating the condition of grease includes submitting a sample of grease to light from a spectrophotometer, passing the light through the sample along a light path, and analyzing the color or spectrum of the light after emerging from the light path. The length of the light path can be varied as needed to enable translucent or very light-colored greases and greases that are dark provide useable data from the light passing through the grease.

Abstract: A method for greasing the mated threads of a valve stem and a stem nut of a motor-operated valve without the need to actuate the valve and without the need for an internal grease path within the stem nut includes pressurizing one end of the thread interface defined by the mating threads with pressurized grease. A device for carrying out the method may include a thread lubricator that has a bore that receives the free end of the valve stem and an adapter nut that attaches the thread lubricator to the valve housing. Pressurized grease flows into the thread lubricator and to the one end of the tread interface.

Abstract: A method for greasing the mated threads of a valve stem and a stem nut of a motor-operated valve without the need to actuate the valve and without the need for an internal grease path within the stem nut includes pressurizing one end of the thread interface defined by the mating threads with pressurized grease. A device for carrying out the method may include a thread lubricator that has a bore that receives the free end of the valve stem and an adapter nut that attaches the thread lubricator to the valve housing. Pressurized grease flows into the thread lubricator and to the one end of the tread interface.