Switch to Mobil SHC™ Gear oil results in energy savings for Çimko

Turkish cement producer Çimko Cement experienced significant reductions in both energy consumption and gearbox operating temperatures at the company’s Narli plant following a switch to the high performance gear oil, Mobil SHC™ Gear. As a result of this, Çimko has decided to use the gear oil in all elevator gearboxes and in the rotary kiln gearboxes to help reduce unscheduled downtime, improve the energy efficiency of equipment and increase productivity.

The company was looking to reduce operating costs and improve the energy efficiency of their equipment. An initial 26-month trial with Mobil SHC™ Gear 460 was conducted on the plant’s limestone conveyor driver, which resulted in significant reductions in energy consumption. A second 16-month trial on two gearboxes driving the raw material silo elevator delivered average energy savings of 2.3% using Mobil SHC™ Gear 320, compared to a competitor’s fully synthetic oil.

A reduction in gearbox temperature was also achieved using the gear oil. The trial revealed an average 5 °C reduction in gearbox temperatures after 11 000 hours of service. The low traction properties of the synthetic base stocks used in Mobil SHC™ Gear oils result in a reduction of fluid friction in the gears, leading to lower operating temperatures and improved gear efficiency. This will help to reduce unscheduled downtime, component wear and machinery life.

In addition, the high viscosity index of Mobil SHC™ Gear oils results in less variation in viscosity as the temperature changes. During the initial Mobil SHC™ Gear 460 field trial, no change in viscosity was recorded after 16 000 hours of service. Due to this, a broader operating temperature range and improved low temperature startup were achieved. Furthermore, there was no indication of oxidation after 16 000 hours of service, which can help to extend oil drain intervals, reducing oil consumption and lowering maintenance costs.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/product-news/10012014/switch_to_mobil_shc_gear_oil_results_in_energy_savings_for_%C3%87imko_07/