Oil’s the Answer for Pipe Processor’s Energy Savings

These days, processors are looking to cut energy costs by virtually any means possible. German pipe extruder Ostendorf found a somewhat surprising means to that end: a new synthetic oil for its gearbox. Ostendorf reportedly achieved significant improvements in energy efficiency while  extending oil drain intervals with SHC Gear 220 oil from ExxonMobil (U.S. office in Fairfax, Va.). Mobil SHC Gear 220 is one of ExxonMobil’s new high-performance, synthetic industrial gear oils.

Ostendorf conducted a test with the new lubricant and compared it with the existing lubricant, a competitor’s mineral ISO 220 gear oil. The test examined the existing gearbox lubricant across two
different production cycles, using varied power-consumption levels and material throughputs. Then the oil was drained and the gearbox was flushed and refilled with Mobil SHC Gear 220. The machine was then operated at the same levels and throughputs as with the mineral oil.

Mobil SHC Gear 220 demonstrated an average energy saving of 3.3% compared with the previous lubricant, as well as an average gearbox temperature reduction of about 40° F. This lower operating temperature will contribute to considerable savings over the gearbox and machine lifecycle, helping to reduce unscheduled downtime and component wear.

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