A team of field engineers helped MPact Polymers reduce the energy used by processing equipment at its Pinetown site by 7%1 by switching to Mobil DTE™ 10 Excel hydraulic fluid. The move also helped optimise equipment performance, which reduced unscheduled maintenance, while the hydraulic fluid’s long life cut waste oil disposal costs.
The South African plastics packaging manufacturer was looking for ways to improve the efficiency of its plastics processing equipment. Following a site inspection, ExxonMobil’s Field Engineering Services (FES) team recommended switching the company’s 22 injection moulding machines and 13 blow moulding lines to Mobil DTE 10 Excel 46 hydraulic fluid.
ExxonMobil also recommended that MPact Polymers implement Mobil Serv℠ Lubricant Analysis. The used oil analysis programme can detect issues before they become problems, helping reduce unplanned maintenance.
The high performance oil’s excellent shear stability and wide operating temperature range helped deliver a 7% average reduction in energy consumption. Data from Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis confirmed the oil’s long in-service life, which reduced hydraulic fluid consumption by 200 litres. This extended oil drain intervals, reducing human-machine interaction by 27 hours over the space of a year.
“In addition to spiralling energy costs and tough competition, plastics processors have to keep pace with increasingly stringent environmental legislation. That’s why saving energy while safely reducing oil consumption is a significant achievement,” said Andreas Hadjidimitriadis, Field Marketing Adviser SA - ExxonMobil.
“High performance hydraulic fluids can play a significant role in enhancing productivity and competiveness. We’re delighted in the savings we could deliver for MPact Polymers. It shows that a small change can make a valuable difference.”
To help plastics processors achieve their energy saving goals, ExxonMobil has produced an ‘Energy Saving Guide for Injection Moulding Companies’, in partnership with Applied Market Information (AMI), a leading research consultancy for the global plastics industry. The free guide can be downloaded here.
For more information about the Mobil DTE 10 Excel Series and other Mobil-branded lubricants and services, visit mobilindustrial.com
1 Based on the experience of a single customer. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used.
