Exploration • Drilling • Field Services
Advanced lubrication: unlocking improvements in oil and gas operations
By combining the use of the latest high quality lubricants and an effective oil and equipment monitoring programme, companies can look to achieve a competitive advantage in their operation. Akram Reda reports.
D
ue to the tough operating conditions of oil and gas rigs the last thing companies want is unplanned downtime because if the machinery stops pumping, so do the profits.
A typical oil and gas rig is reliant on a number of lubricants to ensure an efficient operation. Turbines and reciprocating engines provides
primary and auxiliary power, gears and bearings are crucial in draw works, cranes, mud circulating, top drive and rotary tables, and compressors power refrigeration and air systems. Whether it’s an engine oil, turbine oil, gear lubricant, hydraulic fluid or grease, one equipment failure can bring the entire operation to a halt. Te good news is that advancements in lubricant technology, especially fully-synthetic based products, has seen significant breakthroughs in regards to
extending equipment life, oil drain intervals and improving the energy efficiency of equipment. For example, Mobil SHC fully synthetic lubricants can last up to six times longer, with upper operating temperature limits that can typically reach 50°C (90°F) higher than mineral oils. Other research and development areas that leading lubricant providers have focused on in recent times is improving the energy efficiency of equipment while maintaining these extended operating periods. Recent breakthroughs from Mobil Industrial Lubricants include lubricants to improve the energy efficiency of natural gas engines used to power drilling and production rigs in addition to hydraulic and gear oils which are used in a variety of applications. Te natural gas engine oil, Mobil SHC Pegasus, uses breakthrough technologies to optimise
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