Tag Archives: ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil launches new synthetic lubricant for mining extremes

ExxonMobil says its new Mobil SHC™ Elite synthetic lubricant can help protect mining equipment operating at extreme hot and cold temperatures, while increasing energy efficiency and extending oil drain intervals.

The breakthrough synthetic lubricant offers class-leading performance benefits to mine operators, according to the company, explaining that extensive testing has shown Mobil SHC Elite can deliver double the oil life of traditional synthetic products and up to 12 times the oil life of mineral products.

The company added: “It can also help protect equipment operating at temperatures up to 150°C in intermittent service, meaning it is ideally suited for use in a range of mining equipment, such as in the gears and bearings of excavators, haul trucks, augers and conveyors.”

The synthetic lubricant is formulated to deliver wear protection and oxidation resistance without any of the compatibility challenges often associated with glycol-based products used in high temperature applications, it said.

In addition, Mobil SHC Elite has also demonstrated an “enhanced torque ratio”, enabling it to deliver a 3.6% energy efficiency improvement when compared with conventional mineral oils, ExxonMobil says.

Emre Noyan, Industrial Marketing Manager at ExxonMobil, said: “Demanding loads and tough conditions mean that every component of mining equipment must be optimised and protected from extreme in-service temperatures.

“Mobil SHC Elite’s extended oil life, wide temperature range performance and energy efficiency improvement can help operators increase uptime and cut costs – giving them a competitive edge.”

Mobil SHC Elite has already received approval for its performance from gearbox manufacturers including Siemens, whose FLENDER gear units depend on effective lubrication to ensure reliability in intense operating environments, the company said.

Mobil lubricant switch pays off for Russia limestone quarry

A Russia limestone quarry has achieved an annual saving of €7,900 ($8,764) after switching its Hitachi excavators to Mobil DTE 10 Excel™ 46 hydraulic oil, according to ExxonMobil.

The use of this hydraulic oil, which, the company says, is specifically formulated for use in modern mobile equipment, extended oil drain intervals by 25% and also reduced filter replacements.

ExxonMobil said: “The mining company was having to drain its existing hydraulic oil every 4,000 hours but was aware that a better performance might be possible for the excavators, which weighed between 80 t and 115 t. It therefore approached ExxonMobil in the hope of extending oil life while maintaining hydraulic pump efficiency.”

Sarp Degirmenci, EAME Offer Advisor at ExxonMobil, said the company’s field engineering services (FES) team worked with the customer to identify the most suitable lubricant.

“As a result of this, they suggested a switch to Mobil DTE 10 Excel 46 hydraulic oil, which was developed to provide a long oil life and minimise deposit formation, even in hydraulic systems operating in severe conditions.

“Our engineers also recommended implementing Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis to monitor the in-service performance of the oil.”

Regular testing revealed the optimal drain interval for Mobil DTE 10 Excel 46 hydraulic oil was 5,000 hours, an improvement of 25% on the previous grade, according to ExxonMobile. “It also revealed enhanced hydraulic pump efficiency, a reduction in deposit formation and reduced filter clogging.”

There was no unscheduled downtime during the test period, according to the company, which helped boost productivity and cut maintenance costs. The combined annual saving was estimated at €7,900.

Degirmenci said: “Mine owners need to ensure the reliable performance of all their equipment as any unscheduled downtime can damage bottom line performance. Using high performance oils and grease, in partnership with a next generation used oil analysis service, can help guarantee uptime, cut costs and improve equipment performance. This combination can help operators gain a competitive advantage in an increasingly competitive industry.”