Mobil SHC™ 626 gear oil can help to improve marine gearbox thermal and mechanical efficiency when compared to mineral oils, according to recent tests. The fully synthetic lubricant was proven to reduce energy losses and cut fuel consumption.
ExxonMobil’s Equipment Builder team and distributor partner Den Hartog conducted the tests with gearbox manufactuer REINTJES.
Using state-of-the art power and torque monitoring devices, a selection of representive oils were tested on a marine gearbox Type WAF 364 at the REINTJES TEV development test facility in Hameln, Germany.
Results indicated that Mobil SHC 626 gear oil helped improve gearbox thermal and mechanical efficiency by 0.27% compared with Mobil Delvac 1330 engine oil. While seemingly a small figure, for a fully mechanically optimised gearbox, this equates to a significant reduction in total energy losses of 10% and an approximate saving of €1,400 per year.
In addition, further examination showed that thermal and mechanical stress on all gearbox components had decreased while used oil analysis indicated that all oils were in near-new condition without any sign of wear.
These findings point to further potential savings from extended component and oil life, plus increased maintenance intervals.
Rainer Lange, Mobil SHC Brand Advisor – EAME, ExxonMobil, comments: “This is a great example of how a comparatively small change, such as changing a lubricant, can deliver significant energy efficiency benefits and cost savings”.
For more information about Mobil-branded lubricants and services, visit mobilindustrial.com.
* Actual results may vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used.
