Articles
Who
ExxonMobil has developed synthetic gear oil for the wind turbine industry.
Technology
Mobilgear SHC XMP 320 oil is said to exceed the performance of conventional mineral-based oils by extending the interval between oil changes from 18 months to three years or more. It features a proprietary “balanced additive” system.
Exxon Mobil said: “The balanced additive technology in Mobilgear SHC XMP 320 provides excellent balanced performance on all oil performance dimensions that are important in the lubrication of wind turbine gearboxes.
“These properties include micropitting protection, gear scuffing and bearing wear protection, oxidative stability, low-temperature fluidity and high-viscosity index, filterability, demulsibility, foam and air release, rust and corrosion protection and materials compatibility – paints, sealants, and elastomers.”
Balanced performance is critical to windfarm operators to reduce costs and maximise availability of their turbines, the company added.
“Achieving excellent balanced performance without compromise on any performance dimensions is a tremendous technical challenge,” the company said. “Some gear oils deliver good performance on a few measures but have serious deficiencies on others.”
Application
Exxon Mobil said that the technology has become the initial oil fill of choice for the majority of the 12 major wind turbine manufacturers.
It is also being chosen for second fill applications.
The oil is used in more than 30,000 wind turbines worldwide, the company claimed.