Proper understanding of lubrication applications, filtration including storage and handling play a critical role in terms of selection of right lubricants

Lubricant technology plays a vital role in keeping the machines running reliably and efficiently. The customers today are constantly striving to improve fuel efficiency, energy savings, operational reliability, and enhance competitiveness by avoiding lost output and maintenance costs. Poor lubricants and lubrication practices can cause equipment downtime which can lead a firm to losses.

Product meets specifications
One of the main criteria of buying the most appropriate lubricants is to ensure if the product meets the key performance specifications and standards (including BIS, DIN, AGMA, ASTM specifications etc). Apart from this OEM approvals play a key role in terms of selection of the right lubricant. These performance specifications and OEM endorsements can certainly assure that the product meets different challenging applications and bench tests. Besides the key performance specifications, OEM approvals etc, it is also pertinent to understand how the lubricants can offer value in different applications. Appropriate understanding of lubrication applications, filtration including storage and handling play a critical role in terms of selection of right lubricants, according to Siva Kasturi, Asia Pacific Regional OEM Manager, Shell Lubricants.

Shell Lubricants have a deep understanding of the product demands in the construction Industry. Additionally, the company is aware of the pressing need to ensure enhanced protection of critical components to reduce replacement costs; extend component life; and improve operational efficiency through next generation lubricant technology and services.

Choosing fluid for application
While considering purchase of lubricants, many purchasers only consider unit price of the product.

“Choosing right lubricants start in meeting technical specification. There are many industry bodies which specifies lubricant specifications for different applications like API, ASTM, ISO , IEC , DIN etc or as specified by OEMs. Next comes choosing right fluid for right application,” says Jayanta Ray, GM – Industrial and OEM, GS Caltex India Pvt Ltd. He adds, “In order to recommend matching specifications with correct application, expert advice may help optimise costs thereby ensuringsavings.”

Apart from technical support, trainings, periodic oil testing, quality assurance, secured logistics, handling and storage and even disposal can affect the lubrication budget.

Measures to improve performance
Machinery is becoming more advanced and lubricants are changing to meet the new challenges. Keeping abreast of these changes is just one of the tactics that will set one on the path to lubrication excellence, according to Kasturi.

Some of the tips for end users are:
Implement training
Injection moulding will adopt different technologies and different pumps which, in turn, need different specifications of lubricant. Engage with suppliers to create a continuous learning and education framework.

Hire lubrication specialists
Having someone dedicated to understanding and implementing lubrication strategy in a plant is essential. If no-one owns the area, standards slip, to understand the lubricant regulations.

Establish internal lines of communication
Companies can be siloed with finance and procurement operating in isolation from engineering and innovation. As a result, there isn’t much understanding of the bigger picture and how some purchasing decisions can affect the success of a project and bring down TCO. Bring departments together regularly so everyone understands the common goal – as well as the shared challenges.

Schedule auditing
Regular monitoring as a part of one or more people’s role is vital but regular auditing of site health and processes is also critical to achieving lubricant excellence. This helps identify issues that have been missed or have grown so incrementally as to not be noticed on a day-to-day level. Predictive maintenance can help sort any issues before they surface and prevent machine downtime. Assessments involving external suppliers such as Shell and manufacturers also bring industry expertise to the table, allowing for quick resolutions and additional education.

Choosing right products and applications
There are several different variables that need to be taken into consideration by users who are in search of improving the lubricants performance and health of their machines, says Ray.

In very broad terms lubricants plays the role of protection, reducing friction, cooling and cleaning machine parts. Choosing right lubricants plays a significant role in improving the performance of operation.For example,synthetic oils from GS Caltex (Kixx Range of Engine oils and GS Hydraulic Oils) not only help reduce friction but they also help machines live longer. Synthetic lubricants create better lubrication between moving parts than conventional oils do. They don’t break down in high-heat, high-stress situations which areneeded inhigh-performance applications. They also offer excellent cold weather performance and extreme temperature protection. These oils are designedto be more robust in terms of low-temperature pumpability, high-temperature stability and protection against deposits in engines.

He adds, “Apart from choosing right products and applications, pro-active maintenance of lubrication systems goes a long way to improve machine performance.”

Latest offerings
Shell Omala S2 GX
Shell Lubricants have launched many new technology products which offer significant reliability and protection, enhanced component life and better efficiency. Few of the recent products which the company have launched include Shell Omala S2 GX, which is advanced next generation gear oil for all industrial applications. “Shell Omala S2GX is designed to decrease thermal and chemical breakdown during usage. It offers high-resistance to micro-pitting, which causes deterioration of the surface, as well as a higher foaming resistance to chemical build-up than the industry standard and can also withstand contaminants such as sand, dust and cement. More importantly, switching to the new formula doesn’t require an oil drain, as Shell Omala S2GX can be used together with the original Shell Omala S2G or Shell Omala F,” Kasturi said.

GS Caltex smart lubricants
“GS Caltex offerings of premium lubricating oils can help increase equipment operating efficiency and engine fuel economy, and help contribute to reduced energy and resource use, lower emissions, and cost savings for industrial equipment and machinery, as well as passenger and commercial vehicle engines,” says Ray.

GS Caltex premium range of lubricants
#Kixxrange engine oils high-performance synthetic engine oil that can help increase engine efficiency and improve engine fuel economy, compared with other engine oil grades most commonly used.

#KixxGeartecbranded synthetic driveline products can help to provide outstanding performance as well as to reduce mechanical energy losses.

#KixxHydro HD Series of hydraulic oils provides quantifiable increases in hydraulic equipment efficiencies and output, resulting in the potential for reduced energy consumption and operating costs.

One of the main criteria of buying appropriate lubricants is to ensure if the product meets specifications and standards.
Siva Kasturi, Asia Pacific Regional OEM Manager, Shell Lubricants

GS Caltex offerings of premium lubricating oils can help increase equipment operating efficiency and engine fuel economy.
Jayanta Ray, GM – Industrial and OEM, GS Caltex India Pvt Ltd