Thriving in a harsh environment - Part II

By Umut Urkun

BRUSSELS, Dec. 5, 2011 (RISI) - The lubricants that serve the pulp and paper industry must satisfy the increasing demands of multiple system components. Following the look at specialized oils in Part I, the author now examines the crucial role of industrial greases. To read Part I, click here.

Alongside industrial oils, greases have a crucial role in helping paper and pulp operators to maximize productivity and reduce unscheduled downtime. Paper machine greases have multiple purposes, from lubricating moving parts and helping to remove heat and contamination, to protecting against rust and corrosion. They also provide anti-wear performance to prevent premature machinery wear and provide protection for softer metal components.

As such, paper machine greases need to tolerate a wide variety of corrosive and aggressive process waters and particulate contamination without significant impact on the performance of the grease. Additionally, a grease should help to keep the system clean and free of deposits which can build up in bearings. These deposits can reduce lubrication, cause overheating and result in premature failures of bearings leading to unscheduled shutdowns and loss of production.

Mobil SHC Polyrex Series synthetic high performance greases are designed to improve productivity by solving high temperature lubrication problems in paper and pulp applications. Developed using advanced Polyurea technology, these synthetic, polymer-enhanced greases are capable of providing excellent high temperature lubrication up to 170°C. Mobil SHC Polyrex resists oxidation and loss of structural stability allowing re-lubrication intervals to be extended while maintaining equipment protection.

The carefully balanced combination of thickener, base oils, and additives yields a grease with excellent load-carrying capabilities and rust protection. Mobil SHC Polyrex is also highly resistant in humid environments and has excellent corrosion protection, providing added safe-guarding to equipment in wet, humid environments.

The Mobilith SHC PM Series comprises synthetic high performance paper machine greases for wet- and dry-end bearing applications. Engineered for the harsh operating environments of paper machine bearing applications, it is designed specifically for severe paper machine applications where high-temperature environments and exposure to different qualities of water are prevalent.

The Mobilith SHC PM Series helps maximize relubrication intervals and bearing life in high-temperature felt-roll and calendar stack bearings up to 130ºC, resulting in optimum machine life and lower maintenance costs - ultimately increasing machine availability.

One leading carton manufacturer improved production efficiency by reducing unscheduled downtime due to bearing failure, resulting in a direct saving on maintenance related costs.

Capable of working alongside steam-heated press machine rollers operating at up to 180°C, the Mobilith SHC PM Series was employed to replace a standard mineral grease, which was shown to be ineffective at containing the bearing oil at high temperatures.

The Mobilith SHC PM Series enabled the thickener to contain the oil within the bearing, even at a high operating temperature, thereby maintaining effective bearing lubrication and reducing downtime associated with bearing failure. As a result of the lubricant switch, the bearing service life has been extended to more than two years.

Making the right choice

Looble simplifies the lubricant selection process by providing targeted Mobil-branded product recommendations with performance ratings based upon users' specific industries, applications and equipment.

Looble enables users to access:

• Lubricant recommendations and application guidance based on their specific applications and operating conditions
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• Detailed descriptions and five-star performance ratings for each recommended lubricant.