SYNTHETIC LUBRICANT:

Synthetic lubricant development was stimulated by special purpose demands, such as extreme low or high temperature operations and the need for fire resistance, which could not be met by conventional mineral oil-based lubricants. Unlike mineral oils a complex mixture of synthetic hydrocarbons - synthetic base oils are the final result of a carefully controlled chemical reaction process yielding a 'pure' chemical of a preselected composition.

The   synthetic  base oil to   formulate   synthetic   lubricant   offer  certain advantages over conventional mineral oil based products :

Low pour point, i. e. wax free, under writing low temperature performance.

High Viscosity Index, i. e. relatively small viscosity changes with temperature and completely shear stable.

High oxidation stability i. e. excellent oxidation resistance, providing superior wear protection.

High flash and fire point, i. e. ability to operate at extremely high temperatures without degradation.

Low Volatility i. e. significantly low consumption.

Excellent hydrolytic stability, enhanced tolerance to water contamination, contribute to extended service fife.

Good corrosion protection, superior load carrying and anti-wear performance, resulting in reduced maintenance and longer equipment life.

Low toxicity.

Inspite of higher inital purchase price of synthetic based lubricants,  the above benefit reduces overall operating   costs and machinery downtime.

 SYNTHETIC LUBRICANT PRODUCT RANGES :

1. Mobil's SHC 600/630 - Specified for use on heavily loaded gear boxes, in purifiers, cp propeller, thruster and other marine gear applications. It promises a lifetime upto eight times longer than mineral oil. It is said to offer substantial anti-foam capability and 'out-standing' stability and performance in the presence of water while maintaining viscosity in extreme temperatures. The synthetic oil forms a corrosion-resistant coating on the toothed gearing and its properties reported by combine to yield up to four times the normal fatigue life in both bearings and gears. Its orange colour helps operators more easily to detect oil levels in machinery sight glasses.

2. Mobil's SHC  1  - Low chlorine, zinc-free Mobilgard SHC-1  is formulated as a crankcase oil for distillate - fuelled   high and medium speed engines in installation subject to low temperature and/or frequent starts, rapid loading after start-up and abrupt shutdown after high speed operation. It has demonstrated its ability to reduce engine wear, extend draining intervals and lower fuel consumption. Application in high speed ferries, reduced the fuel consumption by 3%, increased the time between overhauls and lowered waste oil disposal costs. As a result much lower ship operating costs.

3.                    Mobil's Rams 827/829 series - For reciprocating air compressors - protects against wear and corrosion and a reduced tendency to form deposits than mineral oil.

4.                    Mobil's   Rams  SHC   1024,1025  and   1026 -  For rotary  air compressors  and turbochargers.

5.                    Mobil's Gargoyle Arctic SHC 226,230 and 426 - For reciprocating and rotary refrigeration  compressors.

6.                    FAMM products  :-

a)                   Cetus PAO 46 and 68, polyalphaolefin oils can be used in rotary vane and screw-type air compressors and turbochargers.

b)                    Cetus DE100 - A compressor oil formulated with diesters for use in reciprocating starting air compressors.

c)         Pinnacle Marine Gear - a mixture of polyalphaolefin and diesters which is specially recommended for enclosed gears operating at extreme temperatures or under severe conditions.

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