Mobil SHC 632 achieves up to 6.5 percent energy efficiency improvement in an industrial gearbox  

  • Energy efficiency benefits of Mobil SHC 600 help to support Smurfit Kappa’s sustainability objectives
  • The Mobil SHC 600 Series can help to reduce equipment operating temperatures, helping to extend component life
  • Mobil SHC 600 Series oils can deliver a service life up to six times longer than conventional mineral oils

Smurfit Kappa, one the world’s leading producers of paper-based packaging, has reported a gearbox energy efficiency saving of approximately 6.5 percent following a field trial using the new Mobil SHC 600 Series. These high-performance synthetic gear circulating and bearing oils have been engineered to help pulp and paper companies increase productivity, reduce costs and deliver sustainability-related benefits.

As part of Smurfit Kappa’s on-going commitment to improving the productivity and sustainability of its operations, the business recently undertook a field trial to monitor the performance of the new Mobil SHC 600 Series.  ExxonMobil engineers visited Smurfit Kappa’s plant in Snodland, Kent, and ran Mobil SHC 632 against the mineral-based oil already used in a Santasalo 2S56 double reduction gearbox in the 2nd press drive on its PM7.  ExxonMobil engineers recorded temperature and power usage data from the gearbox with both the previous oil and the new Mobil SHC 600 Series over a six month period. The gearbox was operated at a constant load throughout this reference period.

The introduction of the new Mobil SHC 600 Series achieved significant results compared to the previous lubricant. For example, the lower traction coefficient and superior viscometrics of the fluid enabled the

customer to report an average energy efficient saving up to 6.5 percent. In addition, an operating temperature drop of 8.40C was also realised, which can help to prolong the life of both the oil and equipment.

Rainer Lange, Mobil SHC Brand Advisor for Europe, Africa and Middle East, ExxonMobil Lubricants and Petroleum Specialties Company said, “As the pulp and paper industry continues to face challenging market conditions with high competition and rising costs, Mobil SHC 600 Series lubricants are expertly formulated to help large scale industrial operators like Smurfit Kappa meet their application-specific goals and provide valuable sustainability-related benefits, such as enhanced energy efficiency, extended oil drain intervals and prolonged equipment life.”

In addition to potential energy efficiency benefits, the enhanced Mobil SHC 600 Series oils can deliver a service life up to six times longer than competitive mineral oil based gear and bearing lubricants.  Further benefits of the Mobil SHC 600 Series include outstanding low temperature fluidity which enable start up and operations at low temperatures and excellent resistance to rusting and corrosion for equipment protection. The multi-purpose potential of Mobil SHC 600 Series oils can enable companies to reduce their overall lubricant inventory, delivering additional cost-savings and storage benefits.

Advanced Grease Lubrication for the Pulp & Paper Industry

Alongside industrial oils, greases have a crucial role in helping pulp and paper operators to maximise productivity and reduce unscheduled downtime.  Paper machine greases have multiple purposes, from lubricating moving parts and helping to remove heat and contamination, to protecting against rust and corrosion.  They also provide anti-wear performance to prevent premature machinery wear and provide protection for softer metal components.

As such, paper machine greases need to tolerate a wide variety of corrosive and aggressive process waters and particulate contamination without significant impact on the performance of the grease.  Additionally, a grease should help to keep the system clean and free of deposits which can build up in bearings.  These deposits can reduce lubrication, cause overheating and result in premature failures of bearings leading to unscheduled shutdowns and loss of production.

The Mobil SHC Polyrex Series Industrial greases can offer performance advantages to pulp and paper operators as this range of synthetic high performance greases are designed to improve productivity by solving high temperature lubrication problems in pulp and paper applications.

Developed using advanced polyurea technology, these synthetic, polymer-enhanced greases are capable of providing excellent high temperature lubrication up to 170°C.  Mobil SHC Polyrex resists oxidation and loss of structural stability allowing re-lubrication intervals to be extended while maintaining equipment protection.

The carefully balanced combination of thickener, base oils, and additives yields a grease with excellent load-carrying capabilities and rust protection.  Mobil SHC Polyrex is also highly resistant in humid environments and has excellent corrosion protection, providing added safe-guarding to equipment in wet, humid environments.

For more information about Mobil SHC branded synthetic lubricants, such as Mobil SHC 600, or any other Mobil-branded products and services, visit mobilindustrial.com.

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Mobil, Mobil SHC and the energy efficiency design are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.

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