Lubrication innovation can drive energy-efficient operations
What are the major factors a construction equipment customer looks for in a lubricant?
Customers require construction equipment to perform efficiently and reliably for long durations without suffering from unexpected breakdowns. When friction and wear occur, heating can cause damage to the equipment, negatively affecting performance. To prevent metal-on-metal damage and corrosion that may harm the equipment while ensuring prolonged oil longevity, effective lubrication is vital. Here, lubricants significantly contribute to construction operations by protecting equipment in adverse circumstances.
In today’s economy, the expanding demand for heavy-duty machinery like excavators, dumpers, high-capacity cranes, crash barriers, etc., encourages operators to invest in supplies and technologies that boost the power and performance of their equipment. Lubricants consist ingredients with various additions to the base oil which are deliberately chosen based on their intended use. Viscosity grade too is relevant while choosing a grease or lubricant for a specific application. Good quality lubricants supply protection against oil thickening, contaminants, elevated temperature deposits, sludge build-up, oil degradation and corrosion. Quality lubricants prevent machine breakdowns, curtail loss of labor, improve efficiency per unit of output, and boost productivity.
How is your company contributing to energy-efficiency in India?
Lubricants help companies achieve energy-efficiency in operations by increasing output, enhancing productivity and prolonging equipment life. As an industry leader, MobilTM Lubricants has been at the forefront of formulating superior industrial lubricants and technologies that help increase energy-efficiency and oil life. Mobil’s complete line of hydraulic oils, gear and compressor oils, fluids, and greases has been formulated to support efficient operations and assure the competence of machinery - enabling the industry to match demand and play a driving role in further optimisation of processes to achieve greater efficiency.
For instance, the Mobil DTE 10 ExcelTM Series consists of lubricants that supply a high degree of fluid durability, reduce power consumption, and increase machine output to suit the needs of modern mobile equipment hydraulic systems. Compared to other commercial lubricants, this range supplies hydraulic pump efficiency (with benefits up to 6 percent when compared with a typical reference hydraulic fluid) and shows great oxidation and thermal stability allowing for long oil life and minimised deposit formation in several hydraulic systems*. Promising fewer breakdowns, a high viscosity index (running in temperatures as low as -34°C), lower maintenance costs, increased efficiency, and long oil life, these lubricants are formulated to meet the challenges faced by both large and small enterprises of a rapidly developing country like India.
The new emission regulations are already in force in the commercial vehicles market. What are the new features added to your lubricant range to meet the new emission regulations?
To keep up with the norms of BS VI standards, setting the precedent for in-use emissions standards and monitoring and requirements in heavy duty commercial vehicles, certain features present in Mobil’s wide range of innovative products help users yield sufficient benefits and adapt to the prevailing industry requirements. For instance, our premium synthetic diesel engine oil such as the Mobil Delvac 1TM ESP 5W-40 has been formulated with qualities that can extend engine life while ensuring long drain capability and the ability to sustain severe applications.
Additionally, Mobil’s fully synthetic, high performance commercial gear lubricant, the MobilubeTM 1 SHC 75W-90 has been formulated for heavy duty manual transmissions and rear axles where operations require gear lubricants with excellent load-carrying capability over wide operating temperatures, and where extreme pressures and shock loading are expected. The Mobilube 1 SHC 75W-90 has excellent thermal and oxidation stability, a high inherent Viscosity Index (VI), extremely low pour point, and outstanding low temperature fluidity.
In line with the BS VI norms in India, we have also developed superior performance compressor oils, such as the Mobil Rarus SHCTM 1025, that are tailor-made for severe service where mineral oil-based products fail expectations when subjected to high final compression temperatures or where oil drain intervals extended are desired. They lubricate the compressor's internal components, and act as a sealing agent for rubber components by absorbing heat. In some hybrid vehicles, they also prevent electrical damage to the compressor. Lubricants from this range significantly reduce the potential for fires and explosions and show a virtual absence of deposit formation.
What are the other innovations happening in lubricants sector for off-highway applications?
The widest aera of innovation today is in the adoption of digitalisation, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML). Data interpretation has proven to be challenging – largely due to the lack of real-time monitoring, inaccuracy in measurement, and absence of precise predictive analytics that prevent the optimisation of performance. By developing the technology to digitally monitor oil health and equipment performance, at Mobil, we are taking innovation further by integrating AI/ML and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to overcome the challenges of insufficient equipment effectiveness and downtime.
For instance, the Mobil ServSM Lubricant Analysis (MSLA) programme is combining services that supply reports, analyses, and solutions to help professionals make effective business decisions by limiting unscheduled downtime, equipment repair and lost productivity. Further, Mobil ServSM IIoT Insights helps users understand the mechanics of their equipment and provides precise data, enabling them to direct manpower elsewhere – while automated machinery handles tasks such as alerting customers to potential problems before they arise and providing solutions to deal with them.
Further, the Mobil ServSM Real Time, the next-generation oil condition monitoring tool, is enabling instant access to oil diagnostics and performance issues, preventing users from paying for costly repairs later. By making this kind of information accessible, Mobil is driving the optimisation of resources and protecting critical assets through technological advancement.
Footnote:
*The energy efficiency of Mobil DTE 10 Excel relates solely to the fluid performance when compared to conventional Mobil-branded hydraulic fluids. The technology used allows up to 6% increase in hydraulic pump efficiency when tested in standard hydraulic applications under controlled conditions. The energy efficiency claim for this product is based on test results on the use of the fluid conducted in accordance with all applicable industry standards and protocol. Results may vary based on operating conditions and equipment.
For more information, visit www.mobil.co.in/business
(Exxon Mobil Corporation has numerous affiliates, many with names that include ExxonMobil, Exxon, Esso and Mobil. For convenience and simplicity, those terms and references to “corporation”, “company”, “ExxonMobil”, “EM”, and other similar terms are used for convenience and may refer to one or more specific affiliates or affiliate groups.)