HIGH PROFILE
Oiling the wheels
Paul Moore visited ExxonMobil’ s lubricant analysis laboratory in Pernis, Rotterdam, to see how its new oil analysis program can help mines increase their oil change intervals
Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis( MSLA) is a new addition to the Mobil Serv SM family, ExxonMobil’ s new lubricants services brand launched in late 2015. The challenges for oil performance in mining are, if anything, increasing, rather than decreasing. As engines get smaller in size but with higher power output demands, a lot of stress in the form of higher pressure and temperature means oil performance is also under much scrutiny. When major mining engine overhauls come around, internal parts stay in much better condition if the level of oil quality has been properly maintained through an oil analysis system.
ExxonMobil says MSLA can help engineers address operating challenges and help them take a proactive approach to maintenance.“ By examining changes in oil analysis data over time, also known as‘ trending’, it is possible to better assess the condition of both the oil and the machine. This can help to proactively address undesirable conditions before they become serious problems.”
The program, which replaces ExxonMobil’ s Signum SM Oil Analysis, offers a whole new platform and website,“ helping to provide a more intuitive and efficient user experience.” Designed to streamline the entire used oil analysis process from initial sample gathering to final reporting, the service leverages scanand-go technology with QR Codes so customers can easily deliver used oil samples to ExxonMobil’ s oil analysis laboratory. Over 50 % of its mining, marine and other customers are now using the MSLA sample bottles, which have coloured caps that denote the type of tests required: white for basic tests; blue for in-depth tests and silver for some other niche tests.
Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis is easily accessible from all mobile devices and once logged in, mining customers can access a range of important information about their equipment, including: n Latest UOA results, as well as results from past n Equipment performance trend insights to inform the performance of equipment over time n Tailored recommendations for equipment based n Administrative actions for the customer’ s account Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis also offers an extensive analysis allowing customers to track productivity and spot typical anomalies. With 25
testing options available users are able to pick and choose the right test package for their operation. The company states:“ Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis can play a vital role in helping engineers maintain a healthy and reliable operation. When monitored regularly, the used oil analysis program can enhance equipment reliability and durability which can help to reduce maintenance costs; reduce unscheduled downtime; reduce lubricant consumption; and extend oil drain intervals, which in turn improves safety by minimising intervention with machinery.”
In terms of mining specifically, ExxonMobil states that mining customers require frequent oil sampling due to the constant risk of dirt / mud / water ingress to engines; and often oil drainage is recommended in standard mining engine manuals to be carried out every 150 hours. So if this interval can be extended through accurate oil analysis it can be a big mining
fleet productivity advantage and cost advantage in terms of operations. But as stated, it also means improved environmental performance as less waste oil disposal is carried out, so there is less risk of spillage in sensitive areas.
The global network of labs offering the MSLA program for oil analysis includes Pernis but also Kansas City, Bogota, Shanghai and Alexandria. The labs have a focus on quality and are all certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 standards. Data integrity is a core value; and no revisions to oil analysis results can be made to figures coming out of the labs. The company told IM that analysis equipment and calibration is a cornerstone of operation; and the labs verify and validate their results against counterpart labs for quality assurance. Automation is also an important part of analysis efficiency at Pernis, and robots are used in a number of areas, for
example to carry out dynamic viscosity sampling. Other important tests include water content, infrared, particle analysis, XRF, metal content and others.
How MSLA works
Instead of transcribing critical information on a paper form, customers can use the scan and go technology to designate a sample and pair it to their equipment without filling in a label. A scan of the bottle QR code followed by a scan of the equipment QR pairs them together.“ Sample bottles are then delivered hassle-free, with no data labels, to ExxonMobil’ s lubricant analysis laboratory in Pernis, Rotterdam. The lab then analyses the samples and delivers the results directly to the customer by email.”
This process helps reduce the time it takes the customer to gather and document the lubricant samples. Further, it also improves accuracy of the equipment’ s sample data provided by the customer, eliminating potential human error. Better data allows for improved trending and insights when assessing the sample results.
The new services package can also eliminate labels and paperwork and facilitates real-time communication of sampling scheduling and results. However, customers will still be able to manage and assess their reporting manually. In addition to the new, userfriendly interface, the system also offers improved response time – all to help operators protect their equipment and business. Existing Signum Oil Analysis customers are being transitioned, along with their history, to the new platform.
In terms of comparison with other oil analysis services, the company adds:“ While many oil analysis programs are limited to one test slate for a given application, Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis offers a range of applicationspecific analysis options. For example, industrial customers are offered different levels of services that include hydraulic analysis to gearbox analysis to natural gas engine analysis to gas / steam turbine analysis and more.” For mining customers, hydraulic oil testing is an important focus in addition to engine oils.
Prior to its launch in the EAME region, Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis was tested with select customers over a six-month period. Customers who have started using this service have provided positive feedback. In the US, the program has already proven to deliver significant benefits. In Texas, Mobil Serv Lubricant Analysis has helped an alumina production plant improve sample process efficiency, while reducing monthly labour associated with oil analysis to eight hours per month, which has helped deliver a total cost saving of $ 9,600, according to ExxonMobil. IM
66 International Mining | JANUARY 2017