Mobil SHC™ Gear 220 synthetic gear oil helps prevent vibration related gearbox damage

Situation

A German tissue paper manufacturer has a Yankee dryer roll driven by a shaft-mounted Flender gearbox. The customer experienced roller bearing damage due to strong vibrations. A lubrication expert had determined that the lubricant film thickness of their ISO VG 220 mineral oil was insufficient and recommended changing to an ISO VG 320 oil.

Recommendation

The ExxonMobil Field Engineer performed an EHL calculation for the required oil film thickness and recommended switching to Mobil SHC™ Gear 220 synthetic gear oil to decrease gearbox vibrations.

Mobil SHC™ Gear 220 is a synthetic gear oil designed to provide protection for gears and bearings, extend oil life even under extreme conditions and help enable problem-free operation. The high viscosity index enables a wider operating temperature range. Mobil SHC™ Gear Series oils have inherently low traction properties that result in low fluid friction in the load zone of non-conforming surfaces such as gears and rolling element bearings. Reduced fluid friction produces lower operating temperatures and can help improve gear efficiency.

Result

After switching to Mobil SHC™ Gear 220 synthetic gear oil the customer has not experienced any vibration related bearing failures, decreasing spare parts and related maintenance costs compared to operation with the prior mineral oil. The customer also reported a 7% energy savings with the use of the synthetic gear oil.

“*This proof of performance is based on the experience of a single customer. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used.