Resources for industrial lubricants

Global Petrochemical Prices Drop

2013-05-16T09:21:58-05:00

Prices in the $3-trillion-plus global petrochemicals market fell 5 percent to $1,309 per metric ton in April according to the monthly Platts Global Petrochemical Index (PGPI), a benchmark of seven widely used petrochemicals.

The PGPI showed a similar 5 percent month-over-month decrease from February to March. On a year-over-year basis, the data showed petrochemical prices last month were down 9 percent from the April 2012 average price of $1,444 per metric ton.

Olefins

Olefins, which are a group of hydrocarbon compounds that are the building blocks to many petrochemicals, saw the greatest price declines of the PGPI last month.

"Ethylene was particularly weak," said Jim Foster, Platts’ senior petrochemicals analyst. "Not surprising since crude oil prices declined, as did naphtha prices. With naphtha determining the marginal price for ethylene, ethylene prices had to follow."

The average price of ethylene in Asia

Chem Arrow Plans Expansion in Mexico

2013-04-09T08:47:42-05:00

California-based lubricant manufacturer Chem Arrow recently announced plans to expand in Mexico through a number of strategic initiatives. The independently owned company currently has manufacturing capabilities on three continents and will be actively targeting specific global markets over the coming months and years. Chem Arrow's southern California manufacturing facility coupled with Mexico's growing economy made Mexico the ideal location to begin the company's push for global expansion.

Area sales manager Arturo Guerrero has joined Chem Arrow to continue to grow the company's HVAC business in Mexico. International marketing will also play an increased role to support Chem Arrow's development plans. In recognition of the importance of reaching a Spanish-speaking audience, Chem Arrow has launched a Spanish translation of its website to support the company's regional search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.

"The Spanish translation has been

Brenntag to Acquire Lubrication Services

2013-03-14T08:52:25-05:00

Brenntag recently agreed to acquire the assets of Lubrication Services LLC (LSi). Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Lubrication Services is a multi-regional distributor of lubricants and chemicals, serving the oil and gas industry through a network of facilities in six states that cover many of the U.S. shale gas plays. The acquisition is subject to contractually agreed closing conditions.

"LSi has a market position, expertise and infrastructure that will allow us to further increase our participation in the expected rapid growth related to the shale plays," said Anthony Gerace, executive vice president of Brenntag North America. "The acquisition is an excellent addition to the core product offering of our subsidiary, Coastal Chemical Co. LLC. Furthermore, LSi will strengthen existing distribution relationships with key supply partners and key customers in an expanded geography."

In 2012, LSi generated sales of $135 million with a gross profit of $16 mi

PetroChoice Acquires US Lubes South

2013-03-12T08:05:36-05:00

PetroChoice recently announced the acquisition of US Lubes' Southern division, further expanding the company's geographic presence with a location in Wakefield, Va. The announcement comes on the heels of PetroChoice acquiring the New Jersey division of US Lubes in December.

US Lubes chief executive officer Bill Packer and his team will work closely with PetroChoice to facilitate a smooth and seamless transition.

"At US Lubes, our customers' satisfaction was always our No. 1 objective," said Packer. "Based on the ease of transition with our previously divested New Jersey business, we quickly agreed that PetroChoice was and is the best solution to continue our commitment to all of our customers."

A provider of petroleum-based lubrication products and services in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions, PetroChoice distributes lubricants, coolants, metalworking fluids, equipment, auto-lube and filtration systems, and contamination-con

Universal Lubricants Opens New Facility in Dallas

2013-02-28T09:07:18-06:00

Universal Lubricants recently opened a new 52,000-square-foot oil warehouse and distribution center in Dallas. When fully staffed, the center will create more than two dozen new jobs and house more than 35 employees.

Universal Lubricants has been offering a diverse product line of high-performance lubricants for a wide range of engines and equipment to customers in the Dallas area for more than 20 years. This new facility will allow the company to serve as the primary distributor of Valvoline lubricants in the Dallas market. Universal Lubricants already distributes Valvoline lubricants and chemicals in Kansas City and Wichita, Kan.

"We are excited to expand our partnership with Valvoline to the Dallas area where we have been building relationships with local customers for more than two decades," said Rick Palmore, Universal Lubricants' vice president of distribution and sales. "This area represents a great growth market for both our companies, and we l

Pettit Oil Acquires PNEC Assets

2013-02-22T12:17:16-06:00

Pettit Oil Co. recently acquired the heating oil, commercial fuel and lubricant distribution assets held within PNEC Corp., which does business as SC Fuels in Tacoma, Wash. The acquisition also includes PNEC distribution facilities in Bremerton and Everett, Wash.

Established in 1930 as Southern Counties Oil Co., SC Fuels is the oldest and largest petroleum distributor on the West Coast. The company delivers commercial bulk fuels, wholesale branded fuels and alternative fuels. The company is also a leading supplier of bulk and packaged lubricants in the United States, offering a full line of premium products, including Chevron, Shell, 76, Phillips 66, Kendall and Castrol to commercial, industrial and automotive trades.

"The decision to sell PNEC fits within our larger plan to strategically reposition our company," said SC Fuels' chief operating officer Steven Greinke. "However, the decision is not taken lightly by our family. Since taking ownership of t

Lubrizol Expands Bowling Green Plant

2013-02-20T09:09:13-06:00

The Lubrizol Corporation recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new building at the company's facility in Bowling Green, Ohio. The estimated $11-million investment in the new building will add 60,000 square feet to the facility.

Designed to include new process equipment for surfactants as well as four finished goods storage tanks, the new building also will have space to accommodate two additional finished goods storage tanks for future expansion needs.

"The Bowling Green community is a supportive partner of Lubrizol, and we are pleased to further expand our footprint in the community," stated Sean Stadler, Lubrizol Bowling Green plant manager. "Through this important facility investment, we are confident we will be well-positioned to provide our personal and home-care customers with differentiated products well into the future."

Working with Bowling Green's Community Development Foundation, Lubrizol was able to obtain benefi

How Temperature Affects Lubricants

2013-02-19T08:57:52-06:00

The primary physical characteristics of lubricants that are affected by temperature include viscosity, viscosity index, pour point and the base oil. Let's deal with these individually.

Viscosity

The viscosity of an oil has been said to be the most important consideration when selecting a lubricant. The viscosity of an oil is its ability to flow or its internal resistance to flow.

For example, when an oil film forms between a bearing and a shaft, some of the oil's molecules are attracted to the surface of the shaft, while other oil molecules are attracted to the bearing surface. This is called the shear rate and is directly affected by the oil's viscosity and operating temperatures. A multi-grade oil with a lower (thinner) viscosity will generally have a higher potential

Shell, Hyundai to Build Base Oil Manufacturing Plant in South Korea

2013-01-15T08:58:55-06:00

Shell and Hyundai Oil Bank (HDO) recently announced plans to construct a new base oil manufacturing plant in Daesan, South Korea, significantly increasing lubricant supply across the region.

Commissioning, start-up and operation of the plant will be managed by a joint venture between the two companies. Once the plant is fully operational, which is expected in the second half of 2014, it will produce 650 kilotons of API Group II base oils a year. A formal ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of this cooperation is scheduled for Jan. 22 at Hyundai's refinery in Daesan.

The new plant is being built in response to an expected growth in high-quality lubricant demand in the region, driven by new vehicle ownership and production, construction and industrial activity, especially in the power generation and oil and gas production sectors.

The plant's location is close to key lubricant markets and has strong infrastructure. This will be Shell&#

Understanding the Re-refining Process

2013-01-09T10:02:49-06:00

"Our organization has been offered the opportunity to purchase re-refined oil at a significant discount. Can you explain the re-refining process and whether re-refined oil is as good as virgin base oil?"

Re-refining is a process used to refurbish used oil and return it to a high-quality base oil. In the United States, approximately 40 percent of used oil is captured and recycled in some manner, while 60 percent is lost. Nearly 14 percent of the captured and recycled oil is re-refined.

An expression commonly used to explain the gradual process of oil contamination, additive depletion and viscosity increase (thickening) is that the oil is "breaking down" and may no longer be able to maintain its lubricating qualities. Even though the additive package h

Universal Lubricants Opens Distribution Center in Denver

2013-01-04T08:55:26-06:00

Universal Lubricants recently announced the opening of a new 15,000-square-foot distribution center in the Denver area along with the expansion of two existing centers in Chicago and St. Louis.

Driven by increased demand for the company's re-refined products, the additional capacity expands the Universal Lubricants' network for offering high-quality lubricants, new oil delivery, used oil recovery services, and comprehensive industrial and environmental services throughout the U.S.

Through its proprietary closed-loop process, Universal Lubricants collects, re-refines, blends and redistributes its own motor oil, including the Eco Ultra line of high-performance lubricants.

"The new distribution center in Denver positions us to serve new customers throughout Colorado and in Wyoming," said John Wesley, Universal Lubricants' CEO. "Coupled with our renewed commitment to Chicago and St. Louis, these facilities expand and strengthen our solid

Advice for Using Water-in-Oil Emulsions

2013-01-03T13:24:49-06:00

When oil is used as the main fluid and 40-percent water is added (emulsified) into the oil, it is described as a water-in-oil emulsion. These types of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids are often referred to as invert emulsions, which is to say, tiny droplets of water are suspended in the oil. This type of fluid will have better lubricating abilities than a fluid that is 95-percent water and 5-percent mineral oil with additives, but will not be as fire resistant.

Maintenance of the water content of these fluids is critical. Generally, the percentage of water must remain between 35 to 45 percent, as these fluids begin to lose their fire-resistant properties at water levels of less than 35 percent. If the water content is increased above 45 percent, the anti-wear characteristics of the fluid will be reduced.

Ridgemont Acquires J.A.M. Distributing

2013-01-02T09:39:35-06:00

Lubricant distributor J.A.M. Distributing Company was recently acquired by Ridgemont Equity Partners. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, with additional terminal operations in Dallas, Beaumont, Lufkin, Clute and Galveston, J.A.M. has been a leading lubricant distributor of ExxonMobil products for more than 40 years, serving the industrial, commercial vehicle, passenger vehicle and marine markets.

"We are pleased to partner with senior management of J.A.M. and continue upon the company's long history of providing industry-leading products and services to its customers in several markets throughout the state of Texas," said Ridgemont's Rob Edwards.

A Charlotte-based middle-market buyout and growth equity investor, Ridgemont Equity Partners focuses on investments of $25 million to $75 million in industries in which it has expertise, including basic industries and services, energy, healthca

Hazards of Changing Lubricant Brands

2013-01-02T08:44:05-06:00

It goes without saying that lubricants aren’t indiscriminately interchangeable, even if they are in the same product class. This is especially true with industrial lubricants, and there are very few exceptions. From experience, we’ve learned that lubricant change is too often the precursor to sudden and unexpected machine failure.

Don’t get me wrong. Noria is all about challenging the status quo and promoting change. While change brings the potential for considerable opportunity, it also can introduce considerable risk. This is probably where the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” originated. The opportunity is what we seek, and fortunately when it comes to a lubricant changeover, we have considerable control over the risk.

Lubricant brand or type changes should always be viewed as machine and system disturbances. Never forget the lessons of Murphy’s law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” Therefor

Equity Firm Buys DuBois Chemicals

2012-12-27T09:02:37-06:00

Los Angeles-based private equity firm Aurora Capital Group recently announced that it has acquired DuBois Chemicals Inc. from the Riverside Company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1920 and based in Sharonville, Ohio, DuBois makes specialty chemical solutions for the manufacturing industry in North America and is expanding into selected markets around the world. The company specializes in the areas of metal finishing/paint pretreatment, metalworking/lubricants, water/wastewater treatment, maintenance/equipment cleaning, paper chemicals, food processing cleaning/sanitizing and transportation cleaning.

"We look forward to working closely with Jeff Welsh and DuBois' management team to build the company and help DuBois achieve its business objectives," said Aurora's Mark D. Rosenbaum. "With opportunities to accelerate expansion and product innovation in the specialty chemical solutions and services market, DuBois has a promising

PetroChoice Acquires US Lubes

2012-12-21T09:15:35-06:00

PetroChoice recently announced the acquisition of the New Jersey division of US Lubes, complementing its Mid-Atlantic distribution efforts. The acquisition is the fifth this year for PetroChoice, which is focused on acquiring best-in-class lubricant distributors to expand its product and service offerings, as well as its geographic footprint.

"We believe that combining the efforts of US Lubes with PetroChoice's current mission will allow us to offer our Mid-Atlantic customers unparalleled sales, service and distribution capabilities," said Bob Mills, president of PetroChoice's Mid-Atlantic division. "The multi-product lines US Lubes offers are a welcome addition to our extensive portfolio."

Located in Blue Bell, Pa., US Lubes distributes lubricants to the automotive, commercial and industrial segments. Key brands include CAM2, Gulf, Petro-Canada and Old World Industries products. US Lubes chief executive officer Bill Packer and his team w

Lubrizol Introduces New Gear Oils

2012-12-11T08:30:03-06:00

The Lubrizol Corporation recently introduced a series of fully formulated industrial lubricants that meet the Siemens MD specification, formerly known as the Flender specification. The Lubrizol gear oils, FM2205A, FM2206A and FM2207A, are designed to ensure trouble-free performance in heavy-duty gearbox applications in industries such as mining, metal fabrication and general manufacturing.

With many of today's industrial gearboxes operating with higher power densities, reduced oil volumes and increased temperatures, further stress is put on gear teeth, bearings, elastomer seals and other components. The stringent Siemens MD specification for helical, bevel and planetary gear units exemplifies the challenge for gear oil formulators by demanding a high level of micropitting and dynamic foam resistance, as well as compatibility with the advanced materials now being used for the internal paint, elastomeric seals and liquid sealants in industrial gearboxes.

The specificat

The Disadvantages of Using Anti-Friction Metal Conditioners

2012-12-05T11:55:37-06:00

"We recently discovered a product that promises to reduce heat and friction between moving metal component parts without changing the tolerance of the parts. This particular anti-friction metal conditioner claims to save energy, reduce operational costs, increase power and torque, lower operating temperatures, decrease wear and downtime, and provide easier cold-weather operation.

Of course, we know this could all just be marketing hype, but the technology behind the product sounded different than some of the other similar types of metal conditioners on the market. It is new, so there are very few unbiased reviews of the product available, which made us a little hesitant to use it. Would you recommend the use of these types of anti-friction metal conditioners? Why or why not?

PetroChoice Acquires Craft Oil

2012-12-04T08:10:26-06:00

PetroChoice recently announced the acquisition of Craft Oil Corp., continuing the expansion of its distribution efforts throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.

This is the fourth acquisition in 2012 for PetroChoice, which is focused on acquiring best-in-class lubricant distributors that are a strategic fit with its business model to expand its product and service offerings to customers and its geographic footprint.

Headquartered in Avoca, Pa., and established in 1925, Craft Oil Corp. distributes lubricants, equipment and a wide range of related services to the commercial, automotive, industrial and aviation markets. Key brands represented include ExxonMobil, Shell, Pennzoil, Quaker State, Service Pro, CAM2, Air1 DEF, Clean Burn, Wynn's and Rotary Lift.

"We have great respect for Craft Oil," said Shane O'Kelly, CEO of PetroChoice. "We have much in common, and each company brings unique talents and expertise to the combined organization. Toget

Engineered Custom Lubricants Forms German Subsidiary

2012-11-20T08:43:09-06:00

Engineered Custom Lubricants (ECL) recently announced the formation of a new subsidiary in Hamburg, Germany. ECL Engineered Custom Lubricants GmbH will serve as ECL's new EU headquarters.

"Our customers are asking us to expand to support their global operations, which makes a European footprint very important to ECL," said Ian Rowell, president of ECL.

Ulf Herrmann will be the managing director of the new subsidiary. With nearly 20 years of experience in automotive lubrication, Herrmann has worked closely with many global equipment manufacturers, including BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford and General Motors.

"Our global business has tripled since the 2008 recession," said Paul Bedford, ECL's vice president of sales and marketing. "In support of this growth, ECL continues to expand its manufacturing, sales and marketing presence globally. We have aggressive growth goals that are focused on technology leadership, customer satisfactio

Gulf Oil to Acquire Houghton

2012-11-15T10:42:27-06:00

Gulf Oil recently reached an agreement to acquire Houghton International. A global supplier of metalworking fluids, Houghton will join a portfolio of brands owned by the Hinduja Group, including Ashok Leyland and Gulf Oil International, which produces and markets gasoline, lubricants, greases and other materials for industrial applications.

"This is an extremely exciting development, and we are delighted to welcome Houghton International and its highly talented and committed staff to the global Gulf family," said Frank Rutten, Gulf Oil International vice president. "The Houghton brand, its products and its global market leadership position in metalworking fluids are all outstanding. Our aim is to leverage capabilities of Houghton and Gulf to expand geographic coverage, grow sales and distribution networks, and strengthen our manufacturing footprint for improved service and support to our customer networks. We look forward to a great future together."

Shell to Build Lubricant Blending Plant in Indonesia

2012-11-14T14:38:35-06:00

Shell has announced plans to build a new lubricant blending plant in Indonesia, with construction to begin after completion of a tender process over the coming months.

The plant will be located just north of Jakarta and will produce a range of high-quality consumer, transport, industrial and marine lubricants. It is expected to have a capacity of 120,000 tons per year, making it the country's largest lubricant blending plant operated by an international oil company.

"We are delighted to confirm this significant new investment in our supply chain in Indonesia, a fast-growing lubricant market," said Mark Gainsborough, executive vice president for Shell Global Commercial. "We continue to implement our strategy of being close to our lubricant customers, driving business growth by offering the right products and services in the right places."

Strong growth in lubricant demand is expected from Indonesia, driven by new vehicle

Understanding the Differences in Base Oil Groups

2012-10-09T15:01:21-05:00

Almost every lubricant used in plants today started off as just a base oil. The American Petroleum Institute (API) has categorized base oils into five categories (API 1509, Appendix E). The first three groups are refined from petroleum crude oil. Group IV base oils are full synthetic (polyalphaolefin) oils. Group V is for all other base oils not included in Groups I through IV. Before all the additives are added to the mixture, lubricating oils begin as one or more of these five API groups.

Group I

Group I base oils are classified as less than 90 percent saturates, greater than 0.03 percent sulfur and with a viscosity-index range of 80 to 120. The temperature range for these oils is from 32 to 150 degrees F. Group I base oils are solvent-refined, which is a simpler refining pr

Shell Opens New Lubricant Blending Plant in Russia

2012-10-09T09:29:27-05:00

Shell recently opened a new lubricant blending plant in Russia that will supply a range of finished consumer, transport and industrial lubricants. The new plant, which is located in Torzhok in the Tver region northwest of Moscow, can blend more than 52 million gallons of lubricants a year and will create 150 jobs when at full capacity.

"Shell is proud to open this impressive new plant in an important growth market for lubricants," said Mark Gainsborough, Shell executive vice president. "My thanks and congratulations to all those involved in the safe construction and testing of the plant, and I welcome the start of commercial operations."

Shell's industrial lubricant customers in Russia will now be able to receive bulk delivery of finished lubricants, speeding up delivery times and reducing storage costs. As the plant ramps up to full capacity, there may also be potential to serve neighboring countries.

The plant was constructed to

Chemetall to Open New Michigan Facility

2012-09-27T08:16:33-05:00

Chemetall recently announced that it will open a new chemical manufacturing plant next month in Blackman Township, Mich. When completed, the $25-million facility will cover 200,000 square feet and house administrative, manufacturing, warehousing operations and a physical testing laboratory. More than 900 Chemetall products will be produced at the 40-acre Blackman site for applications in surface treatment, metal fabrication, cleaning and sanitizing.

Automation advancements including bulk material-handling systems, mixing vessels and packaging lines have been incorporated into the new facility to increase productivity. As a measure of its dedication to environmental sustainability, Chemetall has installed a semi-automated waste-treatment system to reduce process wastewater by 90 percent.

"High-tech additions to the new Blackman Township site ensure the efficiency of operations for the manufacture of the finest quality chemistries," said Dr. Ron Felber, CEO of Ch

Millers Oils Unveils Oil-free Lubricant

2012-09-13T08:19:19-05:00

Millers Oils recently introduced an oil-free lubricant to improve manufacturing efficiency by eliminating the need to degrease manipulated tubes before welding. Solform 135 is a water-based gel that is designed to replace conventional oil- and soap-based tube-bending lubricants.

"Solform 135 has been specifically designed to solve a common manufacturing issue in the industry," said Martyn Mann, technical director for Millers Oils. "Our product enables our customers to eliminate a manufacturing process. By simplifying production, this gel can reduce costs, improve quality and increase efficiency."

Conventional products contain chlorinated paraffins that lead to corrosion of steel tubes after welding due to hydrochloric acid formation with moisture from the air. The standard solution to the problem has been to include a degreasing stage in the production process. Since it is water-based, Solform 135 gel eliminates this issue, so tubes can be welded imme

The Advantages of Lubricant Conditioners

2012-09-12T10:25:00-05:00

Are lubricant conditioners a good idea? If so, when should they be used?

The effective use of special additives or conditioners depends entirely on the application in which they are used. For example, graphite and molybdenum disulfide (often called moly) are referred to as solid lubricants. Graphite is most effective when utilized as an anti‑seize compound, grease additive or in bearing applications in the presence of moisture. Moly is best used as a solid lubricant that is applied by special processes where the lubricant is impregnated into the surfaces of the metal parts.

Some molybdenum compounds are also used as special additives in lubricating oils that are attracted to the metal surfaces as an anti‑wear surface coating. However, when moly is used in this application, it may hav

Strong Growth Predicted for Metalworking Fluid Market

2012-09-11T08:49:31-05:00

According to a recent study on the metalworking fluid industry by Kline & Company, robust revenue growth is anticipated from increased interest in higher quality metalworking fluids such as synthetics, semi-synthetics/synthetic blends and water-soluble products. Asia (primarily China, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan), Russia and Brazil are expected to be the growth engines of the industry in the near future.

The metalworking fluid market currently accounts for approximately 6 percent of the total estimated 38-million-ton global lubricants market. Significant contractions in automotive and metals production as a result of the global economic crisis led to depressed metalworking fluid demand. However, the recent rebound of the automotive industry has brought a significant uptick in demand for metalworking fluid products.

Market drivers such as regulation, application and innovation are expected to have an impact on the metalworking fluid industry in t

Afton Receives Energy Efficiency Award

2012-09-05T09:12:49-05:00

Petroleum additive manufacturer Afton Chemical Corporation was recently honored with the American Chemistry Council’s (ACC) 2012 Responsible Care Energy Efficiency Award.

Afton’s plant in Port Arthur, Texas, received the award that recognizes technical innovations, creative projects or novel procedures. By making logistical changes in 2011, the Port Arthur plant was able to achieve significant energy savings.

Member companies who participate in the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care program subscribe to the highest standards of operational excellence in health, safety, the environment and sustainability. The ACC recognizes Responsible Care companies for specific areas of achievement.

Afton Chemical received the energy efficiency award in the category entitled, "Significant Improvement in Manufacturing — Plant Site." The award was announced at the ACC’s Responsible Care Conference and Expo in Hollywood, Fla.

When to Use Solid-film Lubricants

2012-08-27T14:09:03-05:00

When should solid lubricants be used and what are their advantages?

A variety of solid materials with inherent lubricating capability are available for use in solid‑film lubricants. The most commonly used are molybdenum disulfide, graphite and polytetrafluoroethylene. While these are the most common, you also may see such materials as tungsten disulfide, boron nitride, lead oxide, antimony oxide, lead, tin, silver, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy copolymer (PFA), etc.

No one formulation can satisfy all of the requirements on a cost‑effective basis. Properties that should be considered are coefficient of friction, load‑carrying capacity, corrosion resistance (susceptibility to galvanic corrosion) and electrical conductivity. Furthermore, one must consider the env

Calumet to Acquire Montana Refining

2012-08-23T09:45:57-05:00

Calumet Specialty Products Partners has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Montana Refining Company Inc. for approximately $120 million. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

Montana Refining owns and operates a refinery in Great Falls, Mont., which produces gasoline, middle distillates and asphalt for predominantly local markets in Washington, Montana, Idaho and Canada. The refinery has a crude oil throughput capacity of approximately 9,800 barrels per day with its crude oil feedstocks sourced primarily from Canada.

"Calumet is pleased to add the Montana refinery to our portfolio of niche assets," said Calumet's chief executive officer Bill Grube. “This acquisition further develops our long-term strategy of diversifying our crude slate and geographic presence. We expect this acquisition to be immediately accretive to our distr

Consider Base Oil and Refining Method When Selecting Lubricants

2012-08-20T08:30:32-05:00

How important is the base oil in the selection of lubricants?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no doubt that the type of base oil and the refining method used must be considered when selecting lubricants, particularly for unique or unusual applications. In order to understand why base oils exhibit different qualities, it is necessary to briefly describe the various refining processes.

Acid/Clay Refining

This process involves the treatment of crude oil distillates with sulfuric acid or oleum. It initially improves the color and aging tendencies while increasing density and viscosity index. Today, the use of acid/clay refining processes is limited to the manufacturing of some white oils and sulfonates along with the regeneration of some waste oils. This process has, to

Machinery Lubrication India Now Available

2012-08-17T11:12:31-05:00

Featuring the same expertise that has made Machinery Lubrication the standard for lubricant professionals around the world, Machinery Lubrication India is now being offered for Indian readers. The new magazine will include articles from international experts as well as local content and news contributed by Indian authors from industry and academia.

Designed for lubrication professionals, manufacturers and research scientists, Machinery Lubrication India will provide Indian experts’ views, experiences and studies on subjects related to all aspects of machinery lubrication, from lubrication fundamentals and best practices for lubricant storage and handling to lubrication process development and lubricant analysis and interpretation.

Each issue of the magazine will cover in detail one industry sector, such as cement, power, steel, automotive, etc., with analysis of trends, systems, processes and procedures. The industry and product news sect

Shell to Build Blending Plant in China

2012-08-16T09:46:48-05:00

Shell has announced its plan to build a new state-of-the-art lubricants blending plant in Beijing, China. The plant, which brings Shell’s total in China’s mainland to seven, will supply a range of consumer, transport, industrial and marine lubricants to northern China. It will have a capacity of 300 million liters per year initially, with the potential to expand to 500 million liters. The official ground-breaking took place Aug. 16 at the new site in Nangang, Tianjin.

“We are delighted to confirm this significant new investment in our supply chain in China, which is the fastest growing lubricants market globally,” said Mark Gainsborough, executive vice president for Shell Global Commercial. “Success in the lubricants business is about being close to the customer and offering the right products and services in the right places. Shell’s new investments in the supply chain, innovation and brand are what this is all about.”

The Hidden Dangers of Lubricant Starvation

2012-08-14T15:47:17-05:00

For those who strive for lubrication-enabled reliability (LER), more than 95 percent of the opportunity comes from paying close attention to the “Big Four.” These are critical attributes to the optimum reference state (ORS) needed to achieve lubrication excellence. The “Big Four” individually and collectively influence the state of lubrication, and are largely controllable by machinery maintainers. They are well-known but frequently not well-achieved. The “Big Four” are:

Correct lubricant selection

Stabilized lubricant health

Contamination control

Adequate and sustained lubricant level/supply

The first three of the “Big Four” have benefited from considerable industry attention, especially in recent years. Conversely, the last one has gone relatively

Limitations of Extreme Pressure Additives

2012-08-13T10:17:32-05:00

Chlorine, potassium-borate and sulfur-phosphorus extreme pressure (EP) additives are primarily used for industrial gear lubricants. These additives are temperature-activated and react with metal asperities to form a sacrificial film. Unfortunately, these types of EP additives have some limitations, such as:

1. They can be detrimental to slow-speed gear applications (less than 10 feet per minute), causing high rates of wear known as “polishing.”

2. Extreme pressure additives like sulfur‑phosphorus types can be “too chemically reactive,” resulting in polishing wear. This type of wear is undesirable because it reduces gear accuracy by wearing away the tooth profiles. In these cases, potassium-borate ad

Kluber to Expand in New Hampshire

2012-07-31T09:41:51-05:00

Kluber Lubrication, which is part of Freudenberg Chemical Specialties, recently announced plans to hire additional workers by 2014 and pursue potential building expansion at its location in Londonderry, N.H.

The plan is part of a growth strategy by Freudenberg North America Limited Partnership (FNALP) to hire up to 100 new employees and invest millions in capital expenditures over the next two years in New Hampshire.

"We are looking to partner with the state to help us develop technical resources, apprenticeship, internship training programs and a level playing field," said FNALP president Leesa Smith. "Our competence and business in New Hampshire has grown, and we need to establish meaningful partnerships in order address challenges and leverage opportunities across the state's manufacturing base."

Freudenberg operates three companies, seven industrial facilities and employs 1,300 associates in New Hampshire. The organization pr

Fourth Edition of Practical Machinery Lubrication Handbook Now Available

2012-07-23T11:33:36-05:00

Twenty years after the original release date and two minor editions later, The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication is now available in a completely rewritten fourth edition.

The Practical Handbook of Machinery Lubrication was first authored by Lloyd “Tex” Leugner, president of Maintenance Technology International Inc., to provide the industry with a blueprint for lubrication fundamentals.

Robert Scott, a Noria course instructor and 30-year thought leader in the lubrication industry, authored much of the most recent installment of the book, which addresses specific new topics such as oil properties and testing, oil analysis, grease applications, journal bearings, compressors, contamination control, storage and handling, wear

How Lubricants Combat Friction and Wear

2012-07-18T11:18:45-05:00

In order to comprehend how temperatures and other operating conditions affect lubrication, we must first understand how lubricants behave in combating friction and wear.

Boundary Lubrication

During initial start-up or under heavily loaded conditions such as in gearsets, the metal surfaces in a lubricated system may actually come into contact with each other. To eliminate (or reduce) frictional wear during this lubrication condition, lubricants must have the correct viscosity as well as the appropriate anti-wear or extreme-pressure additive chemistry.

In boundary conditions, the chemical properties of the additive package will be just as important as the physical properties of the oil, particularly viscosity, but both will be affected by operating conditions such as temperature.

Advice for Improving Oil with Additives

2012-07-13T09:01:19-05:00

We’ve always heard that increasing the percentage of a certain additive can improve one property of an oil while at the same time degrade another. Is this true?

The old saying, “If a little bit of something is good, then more of the same is better,” is not necessarily true when using oil additives.

Anti-wear additives and extreme-pressure agents form a large group of chemical additives that carry out their function of protecting wear surfaces during boundary lubrication by forming a protective film or barrier on the wear surfaces. As long as the hydrodynamic oil film is maintained between the wear surfaces, boundary lubrication will not occur and these “boundary lubrication” additives will not be required to perform their function. When the oil film does br

The Critical Role of Additives in Lubrication

2012-07-10T08:03:50-05:00

Lubrication professionals often become very familiar with the base oil viscosity of their lubricants. After all, viscosity is the most important property of a base oil. Baselines for incoming oils are set and the health of the lubricant is monitored based on viscosity alone. However, there is more to lubricants than just viscosity. It’s crucial to understand the role of additives and their function(s) within the lubricant.

Additives are organic or inorganic compounds dissolved or suspended as solids in oil. They typically range between 0.1 to 30 percent of the oil volume, depending on the machine.

Additives have three basic roles:

1) Enhance existing base oil properties with antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, anti-foam agents and demulsifying agents.

2) Suppress undesirable base oil properties with pour-point depressants and viscosity index (VI) improvers.

3) Impart new properties to base oils with extreme pressure

The Fundamentals of Mineral Base Oil Refining

2012-06-27T16:18:35-05:00

Approximately 95 percent of the current lubricant market share is comprised of conventional (mineral-based) oils. Most people know these mineral oils are derived from a crude stock, but how much do you really know about the refining process?

The petroleum that flows from a well in the form of crude oil comes in many varieties and types, ranging from light-colored oils containing mostly small hydrocarbon molecular chains to black, nearly solid asphalt-like large hydrocarbon chains. These crude oils are very complex mixtures containing a plethora of different compounds made of hydrogen and carbon. These compounds (known as hydrocarbons) can range in size from methane (containing one carbon and four hydrogen atoms) to massive structures with 60 or more carbon atoms. This molecular size distribution can be used to our advantage.

The Importance of Refineries

Most lubricating oils come from petr

Alexis Oil Opens New Phoenix Location

2012-06-21T09:26:46-05:00

Alexis Oil Company recently opened its newest location in Phoenix, Ariz. The 6,700-square-foot warehouse will house Chevron lubricants and equipment along with filters, collectors and breathers. The new branch office and warehouse became fully operational on June 1, 2012.

“With our increased focus on the Phoenix area market, it was absolutely necessary to start our growth with a brick and mortar facility,” said Diana Leara Jackson, general manager of Alexis Oil Company.

Global Industrial Solutions (GIS), which is a subsidiary of Alexis Oil Company, will also operate out of the new location. GIS is a full-service contamination control company that offers solutions such as vacuum dehydration, high-velocity oil flushing and varnish mitigation for lubricating systems.

Wit

Calumet to Acquire Royal Purple

2012-06-14T10:18:32-05:00

Calumet Specialty Products Partners has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire high-performance lubricant manufacturer Royal Purple Inc. for approximately $335 million. The acquisition is expected to close by the middle of July 2012, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.

"Calumet is very excited to be adding the Royal Purple product line to our portfolio of specialty products," said Bill Grube, Calumet's chief executive officer. "Royal Purple has an extensive specialty product line serving the industrial and consumer automotive markets. They also have a very experienced and dedicated workforce, and we are looking forward to working with them."

"Everyone at Royal Purple is excited about becoming part of Calumet," said Lee Culbertson, Royal Purple's president and chief executive officer. "We believe Calumet shares Royal Purple's vision and commitment to excellence and will gre

PetroChoice Acquires Lorenz Lubricant

2012-05-24T08:23:03-05:00

PetroChoice recently announced that it has acquired the assets of Lorenz Lubricant Company Inc. as part of its plan to expand both its product and service offering to customers as well as its geographic footprint.

“Lorenz brings a group of very talented people with deep expertise to PetroChoice," said Steve King, president of PetroChoice, Midwest Division. "We believe the partnership between PetroChoice and Lorenz, along with our recent acquisition of Rapids Hydraulics, will be very complementary given both companies' focus on providing unmatched service and reliability, and we are excited about the growth opportunities for the combined businesses. We are also looking forward to increasing our presence in the expanded geographic footprint that Lorenz will provide."

Headquartered in Northfield, Minn., Lorenz is a leading distributor of automated lubrication systems and lubricants serving the commercial and industrial sectors in the upper Midwest r

Millers Oils Earns Queen’s Award

2012-04-27T08:21:44-05:00

Specialist oil blender Millers Oils has been awarded the Queen’s Award for international trade. The business award is in recognition of the international growth the company has experienced in the past three years.

“Despite the difficult economic conditions of the past three years, Millers Oils has produced consistent, strong growth in its business, both domestically and internationally,” said Steve Woollven, sales and joint managing director for Millers Oils. “Receiving the Queen’s Award for enterprise is an enormous honor for the company and will help open doors for us as we continue to develop our export business.”

The Queen's Awards for enterprise celebrate companies that have made an outstanding contribution to the British economy and have played a significant role in promoting enterprise skills and attitudes. Recognized worldwide, the award for international trade is presented to companies demonstrating outstanding achievement

Plews Unveils UltraLube Greases for Rail Curves and Switch Plates

2012-04-17T11:02:32-05:00

Plews Inc. recently introduced UltraLube Rail Curve Greases and Switch Plate Lubricants featuring a biodegradable formula that is ideal for use in environmentally sensitive areas near waterways. Formulated from U.S.-grown vegetable oils, the bio-based greases and lubricants are available in high-viscosity and low-viscosity formulations.

The UltraLube Rail Curve Greases contain advanced extreme-pressure additives to guard against wheel and rail wear. Both the high-viscosity and low-viscosity formulations are available with added molybdenum disulphide for enhanced protection. All formulations reduce friction and wear between the track and wheel flange, and their lubricity helps improve train fuel efficiency.

The greases are formulated to resist port plugging in wiping bars and provide longer carry down track from the lubricator. They also offer better gauge face coefficient of friction and less migration to the top of the rail than petroleum-based grease.

Recomm

CIMCOOL Offers Online Fluid Advisor

2012-04-12T09:59:41-05:00

CIMCOOL is now offering an online fluid advisor to answer metalworking questions at its website, www.cimcool.com. The step-by-step, problem-solving guide is presented in an easy-to-use question-and-answer format and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The fluid advisor addresses category-specific issues for machining, grinding, forming, parts washing and more with basic troubleshooting and problem-solving information.

If the online fluid advisor does not help solve a customer’s problem, CIMCOOL can arrange for a metalworking fluid expert to analyze the metalworking-related problem and offer a solution.

For more information, visit www.CIMCOOL.com.

Advice for Chain Lubrication

2012-04-11T12:19:21-05:00

"What is your advice for open roller chain lubrication?"

Effective lubrication of chains operating in a harsh, abrasive atmosphere can be challenging. The objective with chain lubrication is to place a small quantity of lubricant between the pin and the barrel in each link. Because it is impossible to directly inject the lubricant to the correct locations, practitioners try other methods, including running the chain through a bath, spraying, pouring and painting lubricant on the chain's outer surfaces.

For slowly turning chains, the oil bath is a practical, useful approach. Some attention is required to maintain an appropriate sump level and clean any excess lubricant off machine surfaces. Chains tend to be lubricated with whatever is handy.

Slowly turning, h

LE Launches New Website

2012-04-05T09:14:12-05:00

Lubrication Engineers (LE) Inc. recently launched a new website at www.LElubricants.com, offering a wealth of information to help customers with their decision-making process.

The most noticeable benefit of the new site is product information being easy to find upfront on product pages rather than buried in PDFs, which also makes the content more search-engine friendly.

Visitor numbers have remained consistently high since the new site went live. One week after turning the switch, LE experienced its highest per-day visitor number in company history. In addition, the average number of page views per visitor has doubled, as has the average length of time each visitor spends on the site.

“Our goal was to create a platform that allowed u

Elemental Analysis of Industrial Lubricants

2012-03-29T08:41:16-05:00

As the most fundamental test used in oil analysis today, elemental analysis can detect between 15 and 25 different elements that are related to wear metals, contaminant metals and oil additives. In this 6-minute, 59-second video, you will learn how elemental analysis works through atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), the results you can expect to see, why you want to run elemental analysis on used and new oil, and why you can’t completely rely on elemental analysis to get a true indication of overall machine condition. You will also gain an understanding of parts-per-million values, the two types of AES methods, the various alarms and much more.

What are Friction Modifiers?

2012-03-23T08:35:41-05:00

"What is a friction modifier? How do these modifiers help in industrial gear oil?"

Friction modifiers and mild anti-wear agents are polar molecules added to lubricants for the purpose of minimizing light surface contacts (sliding and rolling) that may occur in a given machine design. These are also called boundary lubrication additives.

Esters, natural and synthetic fatty acids as well as some solid materials such as graphite and molybdenum disulfide are used for these purposes. These molecules have a polar end (head) and an oil-soluble end (tail). Once placed into service, the polar end of the molecule finds a metal surface and attaches itself. If you could see the orientation of the molecules on the surface, it would appear something like the fibers of a carpet, with each

Quaker Develops Products for New VOC Regulations

2012-03-22T09:55:10-05:00

Addressing the new volatile organic compound (VOC) limits established by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), Quaker Chemical Corporation has developed four new products to specifically comply with the new restrictions.

Quaker’s new corrosion preventives, FERROCOTE 26V LD and FERROCOTE 30V MD, meet both the SCAQMD VOC emissions requirement as well as the needs of customers opting to use oil or synthetic-based materials. These new Quaker products are available to customers who are not looking to change to water-based or water-dilutable products.

Quaker has also modified two of its current machining and grinding products to address the new restrictions. Two new cutting oils, QUAKERCUT 010 VES and QUAKERCUT 026 VPE, can be used without dilution and are designed to perform in various machining, tapping, grinding and drilling operations. They have been modified to preserve their performance characteristics while maintaining VOC levels less than

Bel-Ray Expands Online Lubricant Advisor

2012-03-21T16:12:57-05:00

Bel-Ray recently announced the expansion of its lubricant advisor, which is a tool that allows customers to identify the ideal lubricant solution for any application. Located on the company’s website, the lubricant advisor caters to the motorcycle, ATV, marine, industrial and mining market segments.

“Our goal with further developing our lubricant advisor functionality is to remove the mystery in our industry that compels users to provide information before receiving information,” said Jennifer Liquori, Bel-Ray’s chief operation officer. “We are a solutions-orientated company, focused on making the process of sourcing a lubricant user-friendly. Our lubricant advisor is all about empowering our customers with information that allows them to make informed decisions. Our hope is that this level of transparency will establish credibility with customers, who may then reach out to us to provide the product technology.”

The marine lubric

Lubrication of High-Temperature Chains

2012-03-07T08:38:03-06:00

High-temperature chain oils are used in the plasterboard industry, insulation material industry and in all other industries where conveyor and drive chains are exposed to high temperatures. This article covers only the most important and common requirements and test methods. Additional specific tests can be conducted if required.

Requirements for High-Temperature Chain Oils

In general, requirements for high-temperature chain oils are the same as for standard chain oils that are used at room temperature. Friction and wear have to be reduced to a minimum. However, special base fluids and specific additives must be used in order to achieve optimum performance at elevated temperatures.

Good penetration ability and adhesiveness are basic requirements for chain oils. Both p

ELM to Offer Contract Blending of Greases and Lubricants

2012-03-06T09:03:11-06:00

Environmental Lubricants Manufacturing Inc. (ELM) recently announced its decision to offer contract blending and packaging services to the industry in addition to handling the manufacturing for its branded and private label customers.

“ELM has an excess production capacity of between 5 to 10 million pounds at this time, and we would like to put that to good use,” said Alan Burgess, ELM’s operations manager. “We’ve found that offering these new services is a win-win. We’re very pleased to be able to offer these services as a viable option for businesses that don’t have a need for huge batch orders and can’t wait for weeks on end to get their orders delivered.”

Since 2000, ELM has been the only U.S.-based manufacturer and packager exclusively focused on bio-based lubricants and greases. Historically, ELM manufactured and packaged its proprietary and private label products for leading lubricant retailers in the United St

Keyuan Petrochemicals Signs Agreement with Shell

2012-02-28T09:04:09-06:00

Keyuan Petrochemicals Inc. recently announced that it has signed a long-term supplier agreement with Shell Petrochemicals Company Limited to purchase butadiene, an essential raw material used in the production of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS).

The one-year agreement ensures Keyuan has adequate supply of butadiene to meet its 70,000-ton SBS production target in 2012, which will be the first full year of commercial SBS production.

"This agreement provides important stability for one of our new business units," explained Chunfeng Tao, chairman and chief executive officer of Keyuan Petrochemicals Inc. "We have secured an adequate supply from a trusted partner and at a reasonable cost. Having recently secured strong orders for SBS, we can now focus on optimizing our production for the remainder of 2012."

With its butadiene production facilities located in China's Guangdong Province and annual production capacity of 165,000 metric tons

Dover Chemical, EPA Reach Settlement

2012-02-21T08:42:12-06:00

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice have announced that Dover Chemical Corporation has agreed to pay $1.4 million in civil penalties for the unauthorized manufacture of chemical substances at its facilities in Dover, Ohio, and Hammond, Ind.

Dover violated the Toxic Substances Control Act by manufacturing short-chained, medium-chained and long-chained chlorinated paraffins without first submitting a pre-manufacture notice to the EPA at least 90 days before manufacturing such a substance. Dover Chemical produces the vast majority of the chlorinated products sold in the United States.

As part of the settlement, Dover Chemical has ceased manufacturing short-chain chlorinated paraffins, which have persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) characteristics. PBTs pose a number of health risks, particularly for children, including genetic impacts, effects on the nervous system and cancer.

The consent decree requires Dover

What Is Lubrication?

2012-02-16T14:08:53-06:00

Lubrication is a word that’s often used in regards to machinery reliability and maintenance, but what is lubrication? The dictionary defines lubrication as the application of some oily or greasy substance in order to diminish friction. Although this is a valid definition, it fails to realize all that lubrication actually achieves.

Many different substances can be used to lubricate a surface. Oil and grease are the most common. Grease is composed of oil and a thickening agent to obtain its consistency, while the oil is what actually lubricates. Oils can be synthetic, vegetable or mineral-based as well as a combination of these. The application determines which oil, commonly referred to as the base oil, should be used. In extreme conditions, synthetic oils can be beneficial. Where the environment is of concern, ve

Craft Oil Acquires Neslo Petroleum

2012-02-16T12:20:30-06:00

Lubricant and equipment distributor Craft Oil Corporation has announced the acquisition of Neslo Petroleum Products Inc. The acquisition will mean the relocation of the current Craft Oil operation in New Jersey to the current Neslo facilities in Fords, N.J.

Former Neslo owner Dave Olsen will help with the transition in a consulting role with Craft Oil to assure continuity for customers. Erik Olsen, Dave's son, will be joining Craft Oil on the operations team.

This is the fifth acquisition by Craft Oil in the last four years, as it continues to focus on strategic companies that fit into its current business model of contiguous growth and synergies with the Shell, ExxonMobil and Service Pro brands of lubricants.

"Neslo Petroleum gives Craft Oil the opportunity to continue growth in what we excel at – lubricant distribution to quality customers with our established suppliers," said Bob Mills, president and owner of Craft Oil Corp. "We con

Greenbriar Completes Acquisition of PetroChoice

2012-01-24T08:16:31-06:00

Greenbriar Equity Group LLC has announced the acquisition of PetroChoice, a leading distributor of petroleum lubricant solutions, from KRG Capital Partners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Headquartered in Riddlesburg, Pa., PetroChoice is the largest distributor of consumable commercial, industrial and passenger vehicle lubricants in the Mid-Atlantic and Upper Midwest regions of the United States. It serves a diverse set of customers across a range of industries, including original equipment manufacturing, off-highway construction, surface mining, energy, metalworking, food processing and passenger automotive. The company also offers value-added services such as on-site tank systems, in-plant and off-loading filtration, application engineering expertise, coolant program expertise and expert oil analysis.

"PetroChoice has grown significantly under the leadership of KRG Capital Partners," said Shane O'Kelly, CEO of PetroChoice. “We look for

Mixer Technologies Launches Rotary Mixer for Petrochemicals

2011-12-15T08:38:58-06:00

Mixer Technologies Inc. recently launched its new SA-400 Rotary Mixer, a self-actuating mixer designed for the petrochemical industry. The SA-400 allows for in-tank mixing and blending of large volumes of petrochemical material.

Able to be used with a wide variety of materials including crude oil, biodiesel, gasoline, diluted bitumen (synthetic crude) and heavy fuel oil, the mixer can be configured and customized to fit various tank sizes, product flow rates and material composition. The SA-400’s rotational speed also can be adjusted depending on system outputs and material composition.

"Inspired by the simple, but effective design of a rotary sprinkler, the SA-400 has few internal parts, making it ideal for mixing and blending applications that can prove to be problematic for other mixers," says Jeff Heath, president and CEO of Mixer Technologies Inc. "The well-known issues with traditional propeller-style mixers have led to an increase in the use o

Simrit Develops New Radial Shaft Seal Material for Industrial Gears

2011-12-13T08:30:16-06:00

Simrit has created an advanced fluoroelastomer material (75 FKM 260466) to address the compatibility requirements of synthetic lubricants used in industrial gears. The new material, a wear-resistant FKM, was developed for use in radial shaft seals that interact with aggressive oils in various industrial gearbox sealing applications.

FKM material blends are commonly used in applications containing synthetic oils because they offer superior high-temperature and chemical resistance compared to other material blends. However, when previous blends encountered synthetic oils, they could demonstrate wear and material degradation, reducing the service life of the entire application.

"In order to make full use of the advantages of high-performance polyglycol-based lubricants in industrial gears, we had to develop a solution that could withstand the aggressive nature of these oils," said Joel Johnson, Simrit’s global vice president of

Lubrizol to Acquire Chemtool

2011-12-06T13:17:06-06:00

The Lubrizol Corporation has announced that it has signed an agreement to purchase Chemtool Incorporated, a leading manufacturer and supplier of custom formulated greases to the lubricant industry. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011 following the completion of regulatory approvals.

Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Rockton, Ill., Chemtool offers a wide variety of lubricating greases to meet customer needs in markets ranging from aviation to transportation. The company has focused on providing its customers innovative technologies and services that improve performance, extend service life, support process improvements and reduce the overall cost of running their facilities.

The transaction supports Lubrizol's vision to help its customers be more successful and is consistent with its Lubrizol Additives Custom Solutions business model. With an ever-growing number of customers choosing to outsource the manufacture of their grease products, the

ExxonMobil Basestocks Enhances Global Product Availability

2011-09-08T10:49:55-05:00

ExxonMobil Basestocks has announced two distributor agreements that will enhance its global presence and boost the availability of its consistent-quality base stocks that serve as an enabler of performance for finished lubricants worldwide.

ExxonMobil Basestocks selected COSAN as an official distributor of its Group I and II base stocks in Brazil and appointed Quality Logistic Services Australia P/L (QLSA) as its authorized distributor of base stocks in Australia.

“Collaborating with these best-in-class channel partners will maintain and enhance our reach in key base stock markets and will enable customers to more easily access ExxonMobil’s CORE and EHC products,” said George W. Arndt Jr., director of global base stock and specialty sales for ExxonMobil Lubricants and Specialties. “We have established strong brand awareness for our products in Australia and Brazil and will remain dedicated to helping QLSA and COSAN support its customer

Are Lubricants Hazardous to Your Health?

2011-08-30T14:23:12-05:00

“Are lubricants a health risk? I’ve heard reports that lubricants can cause skin cancer.”

Material safety data sheets (MSDS) should be available in all work areas. Because they provide information relating to both health and environmental hazards, all personnel should have easy access to this important information. Use of appropriate safety protection is a must, including gloves and safety glasses when handling lubricants or greases. If lubricants accidentally contact the skin, wash immediately with an approved hand cleaner followed by normal soap.

With respect to skin cancer, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified mineral-based lubricants and rated them according to their risk. A summary of this system is given below. Note the grou

Sprayon Announces New Eco-Grade Multi-Metal Protectant

2011-08-30T10:55:42-05:00

Sprayon Products recently introduced the LU 787 Eco-Grade Multi-Metal Protectant to its line of industrial lubricants and protectants.

The light amber-colored protectant is a heavy-duty, biodegradable, dry-film corrosion preventative that penetrates into cracks and crevices of metal surfaces.

Formulated with 100-percent vegetable oils, Sprayon LU 787 Eco-Grade Multi-Metal Protectant offers an environmentally friendly alternative to mineral oil-based products. This unique protectant provides 24 months of outdoor protection and can be washed off with standard soap and water but does not come off in the rain.

An excellent water-displacer and rust inhibitor, the protectant is designed for use on mild steel, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, chrome p

Improving Vegetable Oil Properties for Lubrication Methods

2011-08-03T14:47:33-05:00

The inherent problems of vegetable oils, such as poor oxidation and low-temperature properties, can be improved by attaching functional groups at the sites of unsaturation through chemical modifications. In this article, you will see how functionalization helps overcome these disadvantages.

Five branched ester structures were prepared from commercially available methyl oleate and common organic acids. These branched esters are characterized as alpha-hydroxy ester derivatives of methyl oleate. Pour-point and cloud-point measurements have shown that this derivatization improved low-temperature properties over olefinic oleochemicals. The derivatization also increased thermo-oxidative stability, measured using Pressurized Differential Scanning Calorimetry (PDSC).

Tribological behaviors were evaluated as additives in hexadecane and polyalphaolefin, using four-ball and ball-on-disk configurations. These derivatives have good anti-wear and

Kroil Designed to Loosen Frozen Metal Parts

2011-07-29T11:50:44-05:00

Kroil penetrating oil was developed specifically to solve the common aggravation of frozen metal parts, saving time, aggravation and parts. Its unique molecular structure facilitates penetration while maintaining a structure that breaks bonds due to either corrosion or compression. Kroil creeps into tiny spaces, dissolves rust and lubricates to loosen frozen metal parts. The oil, which is based on scientific discoveries at Kano Laboratories, is now available in a new 16.5-ounce economical industrial size. For more information, visit www.kanolaboratories.com.

Questioning Lubricant Brand Recommendations

2011-07-13T14:47:34-05:00

"Should I follow the equipment manufacturer's recommendations on a specific brand of lubricant?"

This is an operational and monetary question as much as it is a mechanical maintenance question.

The fundamental issues are:

1. Is the machine still in warranty?

2. Are you required to use this particular lubricant to maintain warranty?

3. Do the instructions give you sufficient information regarding lubricant specifications so that you can use your own judgment in selecting a suitable alternative?

4. Do you have a product on-hand that has nearly identical fundamental characteristics, such as viscosity, viscosity index, oxidation resistance, wear resistance, demulsibility, corrosion protection, etc.?

ExxonMobil Introduces Online Industrial Lubricant Selector

2011-06-23T10:02:10-05:00

ExxonMobil Lubricants and Petroleum Specialties have introduced Looble, a user-friendly, online industrial-lubricant selector designed to help maintenance professionals make informed lubricant decisions for optimizing equipment performance and minimizing unplanned downtime.

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

With just a click of the computer mouse or a touch on most Internet-capable smartphones, Looble enables users to access lubricant recommendations and application guidance based on their specific applications and operating conditions for a wide range of industries; original equipment manufacturers’ recommended lubricants and schematics for numerous types of equipment makes and models; detailed descriptions and five-star performance ratings for each recommended lubricant and printable recommen

Sprayon Launches ‘Join The Revolution’ Sweepstakes

2011-06-22T08:50:05-05:00

Sprayon® Products is asking all industrial and MRO end-users to join its new industrial revolution at Sprayon.com for a chance to win $5,000 or one of five iPads.

To enter, simply fill out the online form (no purchase required) by Oct. 31, 2011. For more chances to win, forward an invitation to other members of your crew. In return, the company only asks that you spend a little time on its site to learn about Sprayon's high-performance products and how they have been integrated with the Sprayon System.

In 2010, Sprayon® Products integrated its high-performance lubricants and chemicals with revolutionary packaging and point-of-use elements based on the principles of 5S

Struktol Company Introduces New Lubricant for Nylon Compounds

2011-05-18T08:47:06-05:00

New Conveyor Lubricant Released by Ecolab

2011-05-03T08:46:26-05:00

Slow Steaming Brings Lubes, Fuels into Spotlight

2011-04-13T14:28:42-05:00

Worldwide Industrial adds grease, oil and lubricants to its marketplace

2011-04-08T08:52:48-05:00

Mobile lubrication system now available

2011-04-07T08:30:22-05:00

Lubrizol Explains Lubricant Fundamentals - Part 1

2011-01-20T08:53:01-06:00

Lubrizol provides this video course on lubricant fundamentals in automotive and Industrial applications. This is Part 1 of a two-part series.

Lubrizol Explains Lubricant Fundamentals - Part 2

2011-01-20T08:52:09-06:00

Lubrizol provides this video course on lubricant fundamentals in automotive and Industrial applications. This is Part 2 of a two-part series.

Lubrizol's Bardasz Shares Results of Trials Done with Ford Motor Company

2011-01-20T08:50:08-06:00

Dr. Ewa Bardasz of Lubrizol comments on lubricant trials that the company has done with Ford.

Ford's Romano Comments on Oil and Fuel Economy

2011-01-20T08:47:19-06:00

Ron Romano of the Ford Motor Company comments about lubricants, technology and fuel economy.

Universal Flow Monitors Upgrades Lubrication Flowmeter Line

2011-01-13T08:18:53-06:00

Universal Flow Monitors announces the addition of a transmitter to its entire lubrication flowmeter line. The three variable area lubrication meters in the line now have compact, noncontact magnetically coupled transmitters instead of potentiometers that can easily wear out.

Report: Global Functional Fluids Market to Reach $18 Billion by 2015

2011-01-06T09:07:07-06:00

Functional fluids, which include lubricant oils, are heavily dependent upon end-use industries like automotive, transportation and industrial machinery, among others. Industrial, commercial and consumer lubricants witnessed steady deterioration in business climate. While decline in industrial production, manufacturing output, automotive production, mining and construction activities negatively impacted industrial lubricants, decline in the number of vehicle miles traveled, and the resulting longer drain intervals, and lower new vehicle sales, as a result of weakening employment rates, consumer income and spending power elicited erosion in demand for consumer lubricants. Lower disposable incomes and higher fuel prices have kept consumers off-road with the passion for SUVs cooling, thus exacerbating the decline in vehicle miles driven.

Study: Re-refined Basestocks on Par with Virgin Basestocks

2010-12-03T10:17:45-06:00

Globally, approximately 69 percent of the finished lubricant demand is converted into used oil. Of the total used oil collected, 78 percent is consumed as industrial fuel and 16 percent is re-refined, finds the recently released study “Global Used Oil 2009: Market Analysis and Opportunities” from global consulting and research firm Kline & Company.

Photos Show How a Specific Fluid Defies Normal Activity

2010-12-01T12:35:45-06:00

An illustration showing a scientific phenomenon that defies common intuition has garnered Sunghwan (Sunny) Jung, assistant professor of engineering science and mechanics at Virginia Tech, and his doctoral student, Navish Wadhwa, of Blacksburg, Va., the international Milton Van Dyke Award. According to the engineering researchers, they worked with a specific fluid called silicone oil, often the base for hydraulic fluids or lubricants. This oil can also serve as an electrical insulator.

Conveyor Lubricant Reduces Water Usage in Beverage and Food Processing

2010-11-19T10:55:07-06:00

Ecolab Inc. on November 19 announced the launch of DryExx GS, a dry conveyor lubricant formulated for glass packaging on stainless steel or mixed conveyors used in the beverage, brewery and food processing industries. The patented, high-performance lubricant, when used in conjunction with Ecolab’s innovative control system, reduces water use in conveyor lines by as much as 97 percent and also helps enhance workplace safety. DryExx GS is the newest product in the DryExx Dry Conveyor Lubrication Program from Ecolab.

Houghton to Acquire Shell Metalworking and Metal Rolling Oils Business

2010-11-11T08:41:12-06:00

Houghton International Inc., a global manufacturer and supplier of industrial fluids and chemical management services, has signed an agreement to acquire the Shell Metalworking and Metal Rolling Oils business. The transaction, anticipated to close in early 2011, is subject to regulatory approval.

Kettering University Professor Publishes Definitive Book on Tribology

2010-11-03T08:21:28-05:00

Dr. Ilya Kudish, a professor of Applied Mathematics at Kettering University, has published what could be called the definitive book on tribology, a 900-plus page tome entitled “Modeling and Analytical Methods in Tribology.”

ASTM Wear and Erosion Committee to Visit UF Tribology Laboratory

2010-11-01T08:17:14-05:00

ASTM Committee G02 on Wear and Erosion is including a field trip in the plans for its December 8-9 meeting in Jacksonville, Fla. Committee members will be visiting the Tribology Laboratory in the mechanical engineering department at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

SKF Agrees to Acquire Lincoln Industrial for $1 Billion

2010-10-20T14:36:08-05:00

SKF has agreed to acquire U.S.-based lubrication systems provider Lincoln Holdings Enterprises Inc. for US$1 billion on a cash and debt-free basis from Harbour Group, a privately owned operating company based in St Louis, Mo. The transaction is subject to relevant regulatory approvals.

PBF to Acquire Valero Energy Refinery in Paulsboro, N.J.

2010-09-29T08:54:01-05:00

PBF Holding Company LLC on September 27 announced that it has entered into agreements to acquire the 185,000-barrel-per-day Paulsboro, N.J., refinery, a connecting natural gas pipeline and related assets from subsidiaries of Valero Energy Corporation. PBF will acquire the facility for approximately $180 million in cash and will enter into a note with the seller in the amount of $180 million. The purchase price is subject to certain adjustments at closing. In addition to the purchase price, PBF will acquire the hydrocarbon inventory at the facility at closing.

Interview with Lubrication Engineers Representative

2010-09-29T08:25:26-05:00

Stan Nelson of Lubrication Engineers is interviewed on the subject of industrial lubrication.

Shell Dominates Global Finished Lubricant Market Four Years Running

2010-09-23T13:58:14-05:00

Despite the negative impact of the 2008-2009 recession on the global consumption of lubricants, Shell has managed to retain its position as the global market share leader for the fourth consecutive year. The energy market front-runner accounts for 13.4 percent of all finished lubricant sales, according to latest study Global Lubricants 2009: Market Analysis and Assessment from worldwide consulting and research firm Kline & Company.

Chevron, Shell, Baker Hughes Win BSI Supply Chain Awards

2010-09-23T11:59:27-05:00

Boston Strategies International on September 23 announced that Chevron, Shell and Baker Hughes have won BSI's 2010 Oil and Gas Supply Chain Excellence Awards.

Study Shows Re-refined Basestocks Reach Par with Virgin Basestocks

2010-09-21T14:03:49-05:00

Globally, about 69 percent of the finished lubricant demand is converted into used oil. Of the total used oil collected, 78 percent is consumed as industrial fuel and 16 percent is re-refined, finds recently released study Global Used Oil 2009: Market Analysis and Opportunities from global consulting and research firm Kline & Company.

Harbour Group Reportedly Has Lincoln Industrial on Selling Block

2010-09-20T13:58:39-05:00

Lincoln Industrial Corporation, the 100-year-old maker of lubrication pumps, is for sale and may fetch as much as $1 billion, Bloomberg News reported on September 20.

Comparing Lubricants in a Test Machine

2010-09-15T10:34:28-05:00

Petro-Canada Makes Enhancements to Line of Food-Grade Lubricants

2010-09-15T10:28:48-05:00

Petro-Canada on September 15 announced enhancements to the PURITY FG with MICROL product line with the introduction of PURITY FG2 with MICROL MAX grease. As part of the first industrial strength food grade lubricant line to contain MICROL – an antimicrobial preservative registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in food grade lubricants – PURITY FG2 with MICROL MAX has the required industry credentials and fits perfectly in HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) plans.

ExxonMobil celebrates 50 years of supporting technology show

2010-09-15T10:13:58-05:00

ExxonMobil is celebrating its 50-year anniversary as the official lubricant supplier for exhibitors at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago (September 13-18). This half-century partnership demonstrates ExxonMobil’s longstanding commitment to engineering products that help companies in the machine shop industry optimize equipment performance.

Demonstration of Plews LubriMagic Green

2010-08-25T08:52:52-05:00

Gordon Hoffman tests multiple lubricants to show the performance of LubriMagic Green.

Colfax Expands Lubrication Systems Business with Acquisition of Baric

2010-08-20T08:19:27-05:00

Colfax Corporation, a global leader in fluid-handling solutions for critical applications, on August 20 announced that it has acquired Baric Group. Headquartered in Morpeth, United Kingdom, Baric is a premier supplier of highly engineered fluid-handling systems primarily for lubrication applications in the oil & gas, petrochemical and power generation markets. Annual pro forma sales for 2010 are projected to be about 14 million pounds Sterling and current backlog, which has been increasing, is about 28 million pounds Sterling. Colfax expects the transaction to be accretive over the next 12 months.

Report on Lubricant Manufacturer Hydrotex

2010-08-16T13:10:42-05:00

Hydrotex is a manufacturer and distributor of high performance lubricant and fuel improver solutions. As an employee-owned company, it helps customers develop sustainable solutions designed to improve system reliability, save energy, limit pollution, extend fixed asset life, reduce maintenance costs and improve fuel efficiency.

Ultrachem Updates Online Resource on Synthetic Lubricants

2010-08-16T12:09:56-05:00

An extensive synthetic lubricants cross-reference guide makes it easy for knowledgeable professionals to select the proper oil for a particular application, cross-referencing Ultrachem’s solutions with the products offered by dozens of competitors. The site also lists Ultrachem’s range of military specification and NSN lubricants, including assembly fluid, fire-resistant hydraulic fluid and petroleum base hydraulic fluid, along with a variety of lubricating oils.

Underlying Strength in Q2 Earnings Masks Deeper Woes for Major Oil Producers

2010-08-11T09:38:46-05:00

On the face of it, the major oil producers (Majors) turned in some pretty good results in the second quarter. Most companies reported substantially higher earnings than in the second quarter of the previous year off the back of higher oil and gas price realizations. Moreover, the trend for the group has been steadily upward since early 2009, albeit starting at a lower overall level than the heady days of 2008 when bloated oil prices swelled company coffers.

How Do You Know if You're Using the Right Hydraulic Oil?

2010-08-06T14:22:23-05:00
Specifying the right hydraulic oil for your system can have a big impact on component life. Following OEM specifications may not meet your applications demands.

'Marketing 101' Principles Guide Royal Purple to Lubrication Success

2010-07-26T08:24:26-05:00

Little more than eight years ago, Royal Purple was a growing company whose focus was making high-performance synthetic lubricants for the industrial market. Today, Royal Purple is more likely to be known for its consumer automotive products.

Petro-Canada Lubricants Wins International Award

2010-07-22T09:52:38-05:00

Petro-Canada Lubricants has once again won an International Stevie Award for Best New Product or Service of the Year in the manufacturing category in The 2010 International Business Awards. The award recognized recent breakthroughs in the PURITY FG food lubricant line.

ExxonMobil, Caterpillar Announce Multi-Year Lubrication Supply Agreement

2010-07-19T15:27:08-05:00

As part of a multi-year agreement, ExxonMobil will manufacture and supply Caterpillar branded lubricants to Caterpillar factories and dealers worldwide. With this agreement, ExxonMobil continues as the exclusive worldwide supplier for 33 Caterpillar lubricants used in engines, transmissions, hydraulics and final drives.

Quaker Chemical Acquires D.A. Stuart's U.S. Aluminum Hot Rolling Oil Business

2010-07-19T08:23:01-05:00

Quaker Chemical Corporation announced on July 16 that it has acquired D.A. Stuart's U.S. aluminum hot rolling oil business from Houghton International, including the rights to sell the product portfolio internationally. With this acquisition, Quaker becomes a leading player in the US aluminum hot rolling market, serving some of the largest reversing mills, single and multi-stand tandem finishing mills, and combination mill systems in the country. The acquired business had net sales in 2009 of approximately $7 million.

Lubrication Expert Among Recipients of Argonne National Laboratory Honor

2010-06-18T08:15:23-05:00

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory has named scientists Amanda Petford-Long, Orlando Auciello and Ali Erdemir as Distinguished Fellows, the laboratory’s highest scientific and engineering rank.

Noria Offers Limited-Time Discount on Video-Based Lubrication Training

2010-06-09T09:10:42-05:00

Now you can provide best practice lubrication training plant- or company-wide with Noria's five training videos - and save up to 30% when you purchase by June 30, 2010.

When to Grease a Bearing and How Much to Apply

2010-06-01T09:37:53-05:00
Use the Ultra-Lube from UVLM and instantly know when a bearing needs grease and, if grease is needed, how much. Now you can answer the age-old grease lubrication question, "How much and how often"?

Shell LubeExpert Service Helps Customers Meet Lubricant Challenges

2010-05-26T10:43:53-05:00

Critical applications and challenging lubrication problems sometimes require special help. The Shell LubeExpert technical consultation service is available to industrial customers who want a higher level of technical support for specialty applications, product support and inspection services. Through the Shell LubeExpert service, Shell Lubricants can offer value to customers by providing sector- and application-specific knowledge.

Evonik RohMax USA receives AIChE Energy Initiative Award

2010-05-24T15:29:13-05:00

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) have distinguished the Maximum Efficiency Hydraulic Fluid (MEHF) concept of Evonik RohMax with recognition in a national challenge on energy efficiency. At the annual AIChE meeting in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Amory Lovins, director of RMI, presented the subsidiary of Evonik Industries with an honorable mention “for the meritorious entry in the inaugural AIChE-RMI 10xE Challenge with Energy Efficient Hydraulic Fluids”. The Energy Initiative 10xE Challenge is a competition on radical energy saving technologies, sponsored by AIChE and RMI.

Energy Efficiency, Preventive Maintenance, Lubrication and the Bottom Line

2010-05-20T13:35:46-05:00

In an industry where energy costs represent a significant percentage of total operating costs, emissions regulations are becoming more stringent and where engine reliability is crucial, what impact can maintenance practices and selection of lubricants have in helping power operators meet these challenges?

ARO Brand Celebrates 80 Years of Industrial Success

2010-05-13T08:50:02-05:00

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the world-renowned ARO brand, known throughout global industrial markets as the emblem of premier fluid handling and fluid power products. Incorporated on January 23, 1930 in Bryan, Ohio, the ARO Equipment Corporation initially offered a line of lubrication equipment for automotive service garages and farming equipment. Following decades of expansion into new businesses including pumps, power tools, and material handling equipment, the ARO Corporation was acquired by Ingersoll Rand in 1990.

NanoMech Receives DOE Grant to Expand Nanolubricant Production

2010-05-11T08:23:48-05:00

The Office of Science in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded NanoMech LLC a grant for $150,000 to demonstrate the viability of large-scale manufacturing of NanoGlide. NanoGlide is a platform technology lubricant with unique properties that significantly reduces friction and mechanical component wear in extreme pressure conditions in applications ranging from earth movers to helicopters and automobiles. Created from nanoparticle research at the University of Arkansas under the direction of NanoMech CTO and UA professor Dr. Ajay P. Malshe, NanoMech has an exclusive license to commercialize this patent-pending technology.

Quaker Chemical Rolls Out 'Green' Hot Mill Lubricants

2010-04-20T08:22:41-05:00

Over the past five years, major breakthroughs in hot mill lubrication technology and application methods have helped to reduce the primary carbon footprints of steel mills. Quaker Chemical, a global leader in process chemicals, recently conducted studies on roll bite lubrication in hot strip mills which demonstrated how today's "greener" formulation techniques can reduce the carbon footprint of a mill.

Lubrication Basics

2010-04-19T22:48:03-05:00

One of the most important things an operator can do for his machinery is to make sure it is properly lubricated. So what is a lubricant and how does it affect operations when used properly? This paper will answer these questions and more by covering the fundamentals of lubrication. We will discuss how a lubricant works to remove friction, the physical and chemical properties of the lubricant, and the many functions of a lubricant.

Many people believe that a lubricant is simply used to make things “slippery.” While it is the primary function, there are more advantages to using the right lubricant. In addition to friction reduction, it also reduces the amount of wear that occurs during operation, reduces operating temperatures, minimizes corrosion of metal surfaces, and assists in keeping contaminants out of the system. Lubricants have many properties that can be mixed and matched to meet your operating needs. For example, there are different chemicals that can be added t

An Introduction to the Principles of Lubrication

2010-04-14T08:47:32-05:00

This video a describes the importance and methods of mechanical lubrication of various equipment.

Access this 4-minute, 2-second video by clicking on the link below.

Royal Purple Unveils Mobile Accessible Web Site and Downloadable Game

2010-04-13T09:33:24-05:00

High-performance lubricant company Royal Purple has entered the rapidly growing mobile app world with its new game iRev. The game challenges players to identify the sounds of a variety of high-performance engines.

How Oil Drums are Manufactured

2010-03-30T07:45:57-05:00

Ever wonder how steel drums (like those used to hold and ship oil) are manufactured? Find out by watching this episode of the Discovery Channel's "How It's Made" series.

View this 5-minute, 4-second video below.

ILMA President Testifies at U.S. Department of Labor

2010-03-11T08:20:40-06:00

Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association president Cathy Novak delivered testimony in Washington, D.C. on March 4 to a panel of representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at the Department of Labor. Her testimony on behalf of ILMA concerned OSHA's proposed rulemaking to update the Hazard Communication Standard consistent with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).

Boca Bearing Announces New, Expanded Industrial Lube Products

2010-03-11T08:17:00-06:00

Ball bearing supplier Boca Bearings is putting a new line of lubricants and coatings at the heart of its plans to become a respected name in industrial lubrication markets. After 20 years of success as an innovative supplier of specialty ceramic bearing products, Boca Bearings is now targeting industrial lubrication with a full range of oils, greases, coatings and solid lube. Boca Bearings’ new line of industrial lubricants is fueled by response from its current customer base that is constantly seeking out new ways to extend the life of moving parts and machinery.

International Lubricants Gets Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Leadership

2010-03-04T08:21:31-06:00

International Lubricants Inc. (ILI) announced that it received a lubricant technology award from the research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan.

Lubricating a Demco piston pump

2010-03-03T14:51:07-06:00

This brief video will show how to check a Demco piston pump for proper oil level.

Access this 1-minute, 20-second video by clicking on the link below.

Kaman to Acquire Distributor of Fluid Power and Lubrication Products

2010-02-25T08:23:32-06:00

Kaman Corporation on February 25 announced that its subsidiary, Kaman Industrial Technologies Corporation (KIT), has agreed to acquire the assets of Fawick de Mexico, S.A. de C. V. (Fawick) of Mexico City, Mexico. Fawick will become part of Delamac de Mexico, Kaman's Industrial Distribution Mexican subsidiary. Terms were not disclosed. Fawick, founded in 1965, is a distributor of fluid power and lubrication products, equipment and systems to a wide variety of industries throughout Mexico.

Warren Oil Becomes Platinum Sponsor of Petroleum Quality Institute of America

2010-02-23T14:48:42-06:00

The Petroleum Quality Institute of America announced February 23 that Warren Oil has become its first lubricant manufacturer sponsor.

Keynote Speaker Announced for Ultrasound World VI Conference

2010-02-19T09:35:36-06:00

Going on its sixth year as the industry’s only international predictive maintenance conference focused on ultrasonic and complementary technologies, Ultrasound World has offered plant maintenance professionals the unique ability to share inspection challenges and learn about real world, proven strategies that result in immediate return on investment.

How Much Cash Is Your Poor Lube Practices Costing You?

2010-02-19T09:17:01-06:00

An important part of lubrication excellence is being able to identify the fiscal opportunity that a well-designed and properly executed lubrication program will provide.

Valero Energy's Lubrication Transformation

2010-02-19T09:10:01-06:00

Valero Energy’s 950-acre refinery in Paulsboro, N.J., was preoccupied, busy, absorbed with its primary task of converting more than 175,000 barrels of sour crude oil every day into polished lubricant base-stocks, liquefied petroleum gases, gasolines, jet fuels, mid-distillate products, asphalt, petroleum coke and molten sulfur. The management mantra “nothing is wasted from a barrel of crude” was established to underscore the business goals of efficiency, productivity and profitability. Valero paid great attention to the oil products being refined and then sold by the company. However, opportunities existed to upgrade the refinery’s system for purchasing, storing and dispensing oil products for use in production equipment at the site.

Phosphate Ester Fluids - Benefits and Limitations

2010-02-19T08:40:17-06:00

Since the discovery of their excellent anti-wear and fire resistance properties in the 1940s, the use of phosphate esters by industry has steadily increased.

Phosphate esters are used primarily as fire-resistant basestocks in several applications including hydraulic systems, turbines and compressors. The first commercial products were synthesized from coal-tar derivatives and were consequently composed of a mixture of various isomeric aryl phosphates, including the neurotoxic orthotolyl phosphate. Today, other raw materials are used for the synthesis of phosphate esters. Modern technology affects better control of the manufacturing process, and the toxicity of the final product is normally low.

Fire-Resistant Fluid
Phosphate esters are the most fire resistant of the non-aqueous synthetic basestocks in common use. Their high ignition temperatures, excellent oxidation stability and very low vapor pres

Demand for Refined Products Will Increase Over Next Five Years

2010-02-18T09:16:18-06:00

The economic downturn has had a pronounced impact on demand and the price of refined products. Despite this, all indications are that demand for energy and refined products will increase over the next five years. In response, refiners will need to increase capacity and/or refining agility, either of which will benefit automation suppliers. Automation expenditures by the refining sector are expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly five percent over the next five years, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.

Outdoor Lubricant Storage Tip

2010-02-18T07:24:09-06:00

To minimize water and particulate contamination from entering new drums of oil, it is preferred to keep drums indoors and stacked horizontally. However, when it is necessary to store drums outdoors and uncovered, here is a technique that may be used to remove water from the top of a drum:

Attach a paper towel to the top of the drum. In the accompanying photo, a magnetic clip was used. Allow the paper towel to hang over the edge of the drum so that the water wicks through the towel and down the side of the drum. Water will continue to travel from the top of the drum to the ground, so that breathing of water through the bungs is reduced.

Lubrication Expert Receives ASTM International Charles B. Dudley Medal Award

2010-02-16T14:03:08-06:00

ASTM International has presented the 2009 Charles B. Dudley Medal to Alan Riga, Ph.D., president and CEO of TechCon Inc. in Cleveland.

Detecting Wear Metals Using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

2010-02-16T08:50:20-06:00

In order to determine the health of large industrial equipment such as engines or turbines, samples of oil are taken from the equipment and analyzed for wear materials. Currently, the oil is sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using bulky and expensive inductively coupled plasma equipment. The results tend to come back several days later, a delay that can result in long downtimes, or even equipment failure.

Preliminary research has shown that a q-switched solid state laser can be constructed and is able to produce the desired pulse characteristics required for LIBS. This is possible while still maintaining a sufficiently small size to allow integration with the probe.

With the current design for the spectrometer, the desired resolution and wavelength range has been achieved. Construction of the spectrometer will begin in the near future.

By integrating the probe laser and the spectrometer, it is possible to achieve both goals of on-site, real-time oil analysis while maintaining a relatively low cost.

Access this 3-minute, 2-second video by clicking on the link below.

Mineral-Based Turbine Fluid Pre-Varnish Solubility Demonstration

2010-02-16T08:46:37-06:00

This video shows two mineral-based lubricating fluid samples from the same gas turbine lubricant reservoir. The lubricant is approximately 3 years old and has an MPC value of 35, which is typical for average gas turbines. The sample on the right is "as found" in the reservoir and accurately demonstrates how pre-varnish compounds can be soluble or insoluble depending on the fluid temperature. At operating temperatures, the fluid can retain large portions of pre-varnish compounds. However, as the fluid cools, such as during an turbine outage or shut-down, the fluid loses it solvency and the pre-varnish compounds crash-out of the fluid. The sample of the left has been treated with ICB, which has removed the oxidation by-products (pre-varnish compounds) and does so successfully at normal operating temperatures.

Access this 1-minute, 9-second video by clicking on the link below

Lubrizol Revenues in Fourth Quarter of 2009 Increased 9.0%

2010-02-04T08:47:57-06:00

The Lubrizol Corporation on February 4 announced consolidated earnings for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2009, of $134 million, or $1.92 per diluted share, including after-tax restructuring and impairment charges of $2 million, or $.03 per diluted share.

Useful Tips on Applying Knowledge Logistics to Lubrication PMs

2010-01-19T14:23:33-06:00

In Part 1 of this column series in Machinery Lubrication magazine, I examined what makes a good lubrication preventive maintenance (PM) task as well as the importance of task-specific information, not just generic "how-to" guides. In Part 2, I talked about how to organize and execute lubrication tasks in the most efficient way - through lube routes or multi-technology PMs. In the third and final part of the series, I will explore what type of information we need to provide as part of the lubrication PM and how to make that information available to those that need it at the point of use.

Getting Lubrication Knowledge to the Point of Use
In the past several years, a new catchphrase has emerged around the field of maintenance and reliability: knowledge logistics. By definition, logistics refers to the transport of goods, supplies or people from a point of origin to a point where they are to be us

Exelon Lubrication Coordinator Juggles Host of PdM Responsibilities

2010-01-19T14:21:37-06:00

Keith Swearingen, our second "Get to Know ..." subject, is the lubrication coordinator at Exelon Corporation's Braidwood Generating Station, a nuclear power plant located in Braceville, Ill., 60 miles southwest of Chicago. He has been an Exelon employee for 33 years, including the past 14 on the nuclear side.

What has been your range of roles with Exelon?: My career began in fossil plants in the technical/engineering staff. We were responsible for efficiency testing of major electrical generating equipment. This position was discontinued in the fossil division after 19 years and I transferred to the results section of system engineering for the Braidwood nuclear facility 14 years ago. Coincidently, the results section also performs efficiency testing of major in-plant electrical generating equipment. One of the results section responsibilities is lubrication analysis for equipment condition asse

Council's Growing Presence in Japan and Around the World

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

When we say that we are the International Council for Machinery Lubrication, we really mean international. ICML's certification program and its credentials, such as the Machine Lubrication Technician and Machine Lubricant Analyst designations, are synonyms with knowledgeable, skilled, pioneering lubrication and analysis professionals worldwide. In fact, more than 4,700 such professionals from over 1,000 companies in over 50 countries on every major continent have obtained ICML credentials. It is very common for lubrication program champions worldwide to be involved with and certified by ICML. And a great majority of these professionals have been certified by ICML through testing in their native languages.

ICML and Shikoku Electric
These ICML-certified lubrication and analysis professionals are employed by visionary companies worldwide and are in charge of bringing positive change to their country's maintenance and reliability industry

35-year Eastman Vet Calls Lube Work 'Most Interesting Job I've Ever Held'

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Earl Edens, the subject of this issue's "Get to Know ..." section, is more than deserving of a moment in the spotlight. Earl is a lubrication technician at Eastman Chemical's plant in Kingsport, Tenn. He has worked the past 35 years at Eastman, starting off as a maintenance mechanic apprentice before holding roles in the power generation, wastewater treatment and incinerator areas over the next 23 years. His first assignment in predictive maintenance came in the late 1990s, spending eight years as a vibration analyst and then two years as a reliability contact. In 2007, he began his present assignment as the Kingsport plant's lubrication technician. Let's find out more about Earl Edens.

When did you get your start in machinery lubrication, and how did it happen?: I began my journey into the lubrication side of predictive maintenance in early 2007 when I was selected to replace the previous technician due to his planned retirement.

Nuclear Power Plant in Japan Shares its Best Practices

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Reliability is increased and equipment life is extended through practice and a continuous pursuit of best practices. That is the mind-set of Shikoku Electric Power Company. And, it is the credo of four maintenance professionals who are leading meaningful change at the company's Ikata nuclear power plant.

The team's work is shown in this article through its efforts to transform the Ikata plant's lubrication storage room as well as the site's overall maintenance strategy.

Land of Rising Uptime
Shikoku is the smallest (140 miles long and between 30 and 95 miles wide) and least populous (4.14 million residents) of the four main islands of Japan. It is located south of Honshu and east of the island of Kyushu. The Shikoku region, comprising Shikoku and surrounding islets, covers more than 7,250 square miles and consists of four prefectures (sub-national jurisdictions): Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi and Tokushima.

These

Noria Delivers Info-packed Event

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

More than 1,000 industrial professionals attended RELIABLE PLANT 2009, Noria Corporation's annual conference and exhibition, held August 31-September 3 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Attendees represented companies from 42 states and 17 countries. This year's event included five co-located trade shows:

Lubrication Excellence

Reliability World

Lean Manufacturing

Plant Energy/Sustainability

Plant Safety

RELIABLE PLANT 2009 marked the ninth year of Lubrication Excellence, the fifth year of Reliability World and the fourth year of Lean Manufacturing, as well as the first installment of Plant Energy/Sustainability and Plant Safety.

"Many attendees commented that this was Noria's biggest and best conference ever from a content perspective," said Paul V. Arnold, the editor-in-chief of Noria Publishing. "The lineup of speakers provided

Lube Routes vs. Combo PMs: What's Best? What Are the Issues?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

In Part 1 of this three-part series, published in the July-August 2009 edition of Machinery Lubrication, I talked about what makes a good preventive maintenance (PM) task and how we need to capture explicit knowledge about each task so that it can be executed with consistent and continuity. Key to this is to ensure that the work instructions include sufficient detail such as grease type and quantity to take the guesswork out of lubrication. In Part 2, I will explore the way in which lubrication PMs are actually provided to the technician, mechanic or operator. Specifically, I will outline what I like to call "hybrid" PMs and the problems they create for controlled management of change.

In theory, each lubrication task should have a work order associated with it. The work order is raised, the work is executed and the work order is closed. However, in an average-sized plant, the number of routine lubrication activities that must be executed on an annual

Auto Exec Shares Lessons Learned, Keys to Succeed

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Attendees of Noria's RELIABLE PLANT 2009 conference, held earlier this month in Columbus, Ohio, received expert analysis on the state of manufacturing, the health of the auto industry and the future of uber-role model Toyota during a keynote address and interactive session presented by Mike DaPrile.

DaPrile, a 47-year auto industry veteran, recently retired from his role as vice president of manufacturing and operations support at Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America. Prior to his 22 years as an executive with Toyota, he spent 25 years as a manager and senior manager at General Motors. In "retirement", DaPrile will retain his role as chief operating officer and executive vice president at Shiroki-North America, a position he has held for several years as part of Toyota's supplier executive exchange program. He is also considering an offer from the University of North Florida to serve as an educator and consultant for its manufacturing programs.

What You Need to Know When Changing Lube Suppliers and Contracts

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

In this tough economy, we are all doing what we can to reduce costs, improve uptime and maintain reliability. One of the ways that industrial facilities are coping with the economic meltdown is to negotiate new contracts with new lubricant suppliers in hopes that the new deals will have more savings built into them.

Often, the name of the game when sourcing new lubricant suppliers and writing new contracts is leverage. What's your annual lube consumption? Is this a corporate contract or is it applicable to one plant? Buying power always comes when negotiating large volumes. The more demand for product on one contract, the more leverage you'll have overall.

Size Matters
Obviously, the most maneuverable contract is the corporate contract. If all of your plants in all divisions have lubrication needs that can be covered by a single supplier, that supplier is likely to offer deep discounts based on the total a

Lubrication Certification: Hard to Earn and Well Worth Keeping

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Earning your ICML certification has acknowledged your expertise in machinery lubrication and/or oil analysis to troubleshoot and ensure reliability of lubricated equipment. The lubrication and oil analysis community, your employer, clients and peers worldwide recognize your ICML credential as a symbol of the skills and knowledge you've gained through experience. Your certification shows that you are a professional with the ability to successfully utilize machinery lubrication and/or oil analysis for your organization or client.

Before earning your ICML certification, you had to meet both experience and training requirements, and more so, you had to take a three-hour examination in which your skills were tested over a series of 100 multiple-choice questions in the different subjects of the body of knowledge of your certification type. Most humans dread the idea of having to endure any exam, especially closed-book ones, naturally. Your ICML certificate was hard-earned, and you ca

The Basics of Lubrication PM Procedures

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

According to a recent poll, as much as 60 percent of all plant problems can be attributed directly to "human factors" (Figure 1), specifically a lack of proper procedure (23.78 percent), a lack of training (15.05 percent) or personnel/human error (22.54 percent), which, though not always, is typically due to either a lack of proper documentation (procedure) or a lack of adequate training. What's clear from this is that machines are failing because we either don't know how to maintain them or haven't adequately trained our staff to do so.

So, how does lubrication stack up? In this column, the first of a three-part series, I will look at the basics of lubrication preventive maintenance (PM) procedures. In Part 2, I'll talk about what I call "hybrid PMs", PMs that span multiple technologies. In Part 3, I'll discuss how you should use the information in the PM to maximum effect in the field.

Knowled

Take the First Step Toward Lubrication Excellence

2009-09-22T00:00:00-05:00

Noria's Machinery Lubrication Level I training is coming to:

Nashville, Tennessee
October 27-29, 2009

Phoenix, Arizona
December 1-3, 2009

If yours is like most companies, you're winging your way around lubric