Precise analysis and informed recommendations are at the core of lubrication services, and Mobil Serv^SM– the dedicated service team of ExxonMobil brings its 40 years of expertise in oil analysis to give cutting-edge solutions to its customers across the world. Backed by the strong support and technical knowledge of its formulators, scientists and engineers, the Mobil Serv team specialises in early detection of potential damage in machine operations, ensuring minimum operational downtime and peak productivity for maximum profitability.

Expert intervention
Lubricant is the lifeblood of machines and oil analysis is akin to a doctor testing a blood sample to assess one’s health and detect ailments that require treatment. In-service oil analysis is essential for assessing the health of a machine’s operation. A sample of oil provides crucial information that can help increase productivity, reduce unscheduled downtime, improve equipment durability and lessen lubricant consumption. Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis, armed with the in-depth understanding of Mobil products, brings a thorough knowledge of applications and equipment by working closely with original equipment manufacturers. Drawing on this extensive product and equipment expertise, Mobil Serv delivers precise analysis and detailed, actionable recommendations, resulting in cost savings, strong productivity and peace of mind.

Committed to helping companies be safer, more productive and more aware of environmental care practices, Mobil takes a proactive, predictive approach to maintenance through Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis. The efforts enhances safety through long oil drain intervals and strong component protection, which can reduce the need for employee-equipment interaction, enhances environmental care through reduced waste due to long lubricant and equipment life and enhances productivity through improved maintenance planning, which helps avoid unplanned equipment downtime.

Fast mover advantage
Time is of essence in an industrial set-up and Mobil Serv offers a distinct advantage, conducting oil sampling up to 66 per cent faster than industry peers – which translates into sampling activity in just one-third the usual time. The conventional process of collecting and labelling the samples typically requires 24 labour hours per month, with a significant portion of that time dedicated to printing and filling out sample labels. In an effort to streamline the sampling and labelling process, Mobil has developed an alternative maintenance solution. The Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis program eliminates the time consuming sample labelling process through the use of pre-labelled sample bottles with QR codes and a unique number identifier. These QR codes and number identifiers allow the sample bottle to be quickly paired with a piece of equipment in the Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis System with no additional sample labelling, improving sample process efficiency, while reducing labour associated with oil analysis and cutting time by 66 per cent.

When the sample is processed, the laboratory handles each bottle as a unique item. Each sample is coded, labelled and tracked through the entire process. By the time test results are available, the equipment sample has directly benefitted from Mobil’s knowledge of lubricants, decades of OEM relationships and a strong heritage of hands-on application expertise. Sample comments are provided to help identify potential problems, list possible causes and recommend actions for follow-up.

Core competencies
Mobil. Serv Technical Services offers an extensive range of industrial services that are designed to help customers optimise their lubrication programs and machine availability.

Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis (MSLA): While bringing its 140-year experience in making high-quality synthetic lubricants, operators are advised to incorporate an oil and equipment condition monitoring program to maximise the productivity of machinery and reduce costs. MSLA enables companies to conduct the entire process virtually on their mobile or tablet device through scan-and-go oil sampling bottles. It provides informative reports on the condition of the customer’s equipment and lubricant.

Engine Inspection: This service encompasses expert inspections by Mobil’s well-trained engineers using borescopes and specialised tools, helping diesel engines run efficiently with potentially extended life. The engineers use their expertise to inspect, report and document the condition of the internal components of diesel engines. They conduct complete engine inspections during engine overhaul and partial inspections during component replacement or repair.

Hydraulic Inspection: This Mobil Serv competency details critical hydraulic equipment, revealing opportunities to improve performance. The engineers inspect, report and document the condition of critical plant hydraulic systems. They use inspection data to establish the optimum time to replace critical hydraulic components such as pumps, valves, heat exchangers, filters and lubricants and then recommend maintenance practices to help improve system reliability.

Lubricant Recommendation: This service provides expert guidance in selecting proper lubricants for the equipment, which can help minimise costly maintenance and repairs, while providing optimum protection to the assets. Experienced ExxonMobil engineers assess current lubricants and recommend, when required, more effective product choices to help maximise equipment reliability for optimum productivity.

Gas and Stream Turbine Analysis: Turbine analysis is applicable for gas and steam turbines operating in continuous or intermittent service. It includes testing to help improve turbine reliability by monitoring system cleanliness and lubricant performance. The extended service analysis helps determine oxidation stability, identify potential varnish build up and monitor system condition.

Landfill Gas Engine Analysis: Landfill gas presents a unique set of challenges for engines; early detection of premature engine wear, coolant leaks and lubricant contamination is necessary for continued operation and Mobil Serv has traditional expertise in this sphere.

Paper Machine Oil Analysis: This service provides necessary equipment and lubricant-specific testing designed to help optimise the customer’s lubrication program, as well as detect equipment problems before they cause expensive unplanned outages. The applicable equipment includes dryer-bearing lubrication systems, press lubrication systems and controlled-crown roll systems.

Powertrain Analysis: This Mobil Serv service monitors transmission, differential and final drive oils for premature wear, contamination and oil condition. Powertrain analysis helps detect gear or transmission problems and lubricant contamination before they can result in costly downtime or repairs. Mobil Serv brings its expertise to each of these services, offering customers cutting-edge solutions for their specific needs.

Box: Averting a crisis at Modern Mould Ltd.
Injection moulding major Modern Mould charged new hydraulic oil in their machine and a heat exchanger malfunction resulted in water entering the oil. To manage the high production demand, the machine could not be stopped for oil replacement and running with contaminated oil would damage the pump and machine components.

Offering a solution to Modern Mould, ExxonMobil’s Mobil Serv team proposed to opt for online water removal with a low vacuum dehydrator. After completing the water removal procedure, the oil’s suitability for use was tested under Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis program and it was found fit for further use. Thanks to Mobil Serv’s predictive maintenance and corrective action, the potential damage to the machine components was averted, the oil disposal was avoided and the high productivity was maintained, potentially saving 36 hours, 2200 litre of oil and revenue of ₹670, 800!

Industry-leading team of formulators, scientists and engineers help customers optimise lubrication programmes, maximise productivity.

Authored by:
Shankar Karnik,
General Manager – Industrial
ExxonMobil Lubricants Private Limited