Mobil SHC™ Gear Helps WEPA Reduce Electricity Consumption on Tissue Paper Machines

Reductions of up to 5 % with same production speed possible

WEPA, a German paper manufacturer, has experienced a  5 per cent reduction in electricity consumption on a paper machine following a switch to the high performance gear oil, Mobil SHC™ Gear.  Mobil SHC Gear has been engineered to help pulp and paper operators to optimise the performance of their operations by increasing productivity, reducing unscheduled downtime and improving the energy efficiency of equipment.

The company made the switch to Mobil SHC™ Gear 220 to help rectify lubrication issues in its PM5 paper machine which operates at up to 1850 m/min. Its operational speed was boosted by an increase in drying capacity and the installation of a new press roll, a 600°C drying hood, a creping cylinder and new gears. However, factory operators noticed wear of the hollow shaft bearings on the creping cylinder. The damage was being caused by micro-movements between the contact surfaces due to insufficient gear lubrication, further hampered by increased vibrations and high temperatures. To avoid further issues, ExxonMobil Field Engineers recommended switching to a higher viscosity gear oil, Mobil SHC™ Gear 220 – a synthetic lubricant that offers greater gear bearings protection at high operating temperatures.

After a seven month field trial with Mobil SHC Gear 220, WEPA recorded a noticeable reduction in gear vibration and a significant decline in the Giershagen paper machine electricity costs. This came as a result of extended service life of the gear unit and oil drain intervals. Furthermore, the diminished need for frequent replacement parts as well as associated labour and repair costs helped to limit unscheduled downtime at the plant.

“We a thrilled to see our customer, WEPA, secure  5 per cent reduction in electricity consumption with Mobil SHC Gear, a new generation lubricant recommended by major OEMs. By switching to Mobil SHC Gear Series operators worldwide can not only secure energy savings but also extend gear and bearing life in enclosed gear drives operating under extreme conditions of load, speed and temperature,” explained Carsten Heck, Industrial Lubricants Business Manager at ExxonMobil.