which this happens to an oil is called its Viscosity Index (VI). A low VI can result in an oil having insufficient resistance to temperature changes, which can have a detrimental effect on its performance and can result in costly and avoidable wear. Synthetic lubricants with a high VI can protect mining equipment across a wide range of operating conditions.
Viscosity also plays a role in helping protect equipment against cold start issues. Mineral oils are especially prone to increases in viscosity when temperatures fall. When this happens it compromises a lubricant’s ability to perform, which can lead to start-up wear and costly maintenance issues. Synthetic lubricants can be formulated to resist a change of viscosity in extreme temperature conditions – both low and high.
Most applications have specific viscosity requirements so mining operators should always check Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEM) oil recommendations. However, it also advisable to talk to your oil supplier’s field engineers in order to ensure the use of the best performance lubricants.
Improve productivity
Optimising the performance of mining equipment is an essential part of maintaining productivity. For example, high performance hydraulic oils can improve the cycle efficiency of shovels, excavators and haulage equipment while helping cut energy consumption and maintenance issues. Lubricants can also help ensure the efficient running of compressors, open gears and mobile mining machinery, even in harsh environments. It is therefore important to ensure that your mining and mine-side equipment is using the most appropriate oils and greases.
The use of high performance lubricants not only enhances equipment reliability, it can also increase re-greasing and oil drain intervals. This cuts the need for hands-on maintenance, which decreases the potential risks for employees by limiting human-machine interaction (HMI). It also reduces the possibility of lubricant-related spills and leaks.
Combining experience with innovation Working closely with OEMs, ExxonMobil has developed a range of high performance oils and greases that meet the needs of mine operations. Many of these lubricants have been formulated to address specific mining issues.
For example, a Brazilian mining company’s fleet of 19,000 open gondola ore cars was suffering from premature axle bearing wear. An operating temperature as high as 194ºF (90ºC) was reducing lubricant viscosity, which was causing leaks within the bearing assemblies. To help extend bearing life and improve productivity the company approached Cosan Lubrificantes e Especialidades, ExxonMobil’s exclusive local distributor, for help.
Cosan recommended a switch to Mobilith SHC™ 220, a high performance synthetic grease designed to perform in demanding applications and at extreme temperatures. As a result of the change, the company saved more than US $4.2M over four years due to reduced lubricant consumption and the prevention of premature equipment failure.
A machinery health check A carefully managed used oil analysis program can provide detailed insights into the condition and performance of both the lubricant and the equipment it helps to protect. This information can help users detect issues, such as contamination, deposit build-up and wear, before they become problems, helping improve equipment reliability.
The Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis service from ExxonMobil takes predictive maintenance to a new level. In addition to its 25 testing options, the service features a mobile app, scan-and-go bottles and flexible analysis capabilities. All of which are designed to provide a platform that is fast, convenient and easy to use.
Mining expertise and product knowledge The mining industry faces a host of challenges, including fluctuating commodity prices and tightening margins. It is therefore essential that mine operators optimise productivity through the most cost effective and efficient use of their mining equipment. ExxonMobil possess wide-ranging knowledge of the lubrication needs of the mining industry as well as the products and services to support its customers realise their operational objectives.
LINK
www.corporate.exxonmobil.com
LUBE MAGAZINE NO.146 AUGUST 2018
27
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