The introduction of oils and lubricants manufacturer ExxonMobil’s high-performance synthetic grease, Mobilith SHC 220, at a Brazil-based mine has delivered significant performance benefits, leading to an estimated cost saving of $4.2-million over four years as a result of extended component life and reduced maintenance-related labour.

ExxonMobil states that, although this proof of performance is based on the experience of a single customer, actual results can vary depending on the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and the environment, as well as any prior lubricant used.

Mobilith SHC 220 is part of ExxonMobil’s range of high-performance lubricants which have been designed to enhance the productivity and efficiency of mine site operations.

The Brazilian mining company operates a fleet of 19 000 open gondola cars, which use a total of 152 000 roller bearings, across the fleet. Carrying an average of 465 000 t of iron-ore a day, the axle bearings are commonly subjected to temperatures as high as 90 °C, representing severe conditions, which can reduce lubricant viscosity and lead to leaks within the bearing assembly, thereby increasing the risk of premature bearing failure.

Since introducing Mobilith SHC 220, the mining company has experienced a reduction in the operating temperature of the bearings from 90 °C to 70 °C, and has reported that the grease’s high viscosity index has helped reduce equipment wear and corrosion. As a result, the miner has been able to safely extend equipment bearing life by 43%, thereby reducing the need for replacement parts and maintenance-related labour.

“In these challenging economic times, a small thing such as switching to a high-performance lubricant can make a huge difference to a mine site’s productivity and profitability,” says ExxonMobil Europe, Africa and Middle East industrial marketing adviser Mohamed Mourad.