AGMA 12FTM04

Global energy demand is predicted to be about 30 percent higherin 2040 compared to 2010 (1). Energy demand growth will slow aseconomies mature, population growth moderates and efficiency gainsaccelerate. This paper will focus on the third factor: energyefficiency. The industrial sector consumes almost 48% of globalenergy, with the remainder being used for residential/commercialand transportation. Clearly, improvements in energy efficiency inthe industrial setting can have a major impact on overall globalenergy use and resultant CO₂ emissions.

There aremultiple sources of lubricant-related energy loss inindustrial equipment in general, and gearboxes in particular. Theseinclude frictional losses due to metal-to-metal contact, frictionaltraction losses under elasto-hydrodynamic lubrication conditionsand windage/churning loses in the bulk oil. All three of thesefactors can be improved by using a properly formulated lubricant,with carefully selected base oils and additives to improveefficiency.

ExxonMobil has developed a series of industrial lubricants thatcan reduce energy usage by up to 4%relative to conventionallubricants. These savings have been documented in both carefullycontrolled laboratory testing and in extensive evaluations inactual industrial equipment in the field. Experiments to measurelubricant-related energy efficiency benefits are inherentlychallenging. Valid determinations of these benefits require precisemeasurements and controls, meticulous attention to detail andappropriate statistical analysis. In addition to the energyefficiency benefits, these oils can reduce equipment operatingtemperatures, resulting in increased component and lubricant life.This leads to longer oil drain intervals, and less used oildisposal.

ExxonMobil defines sustainability as having three components:social development, economic growth and environmental protection.In addition to discussing all of the points above, this paper willalso describe how the new energy efficient lubricants contribute toeach of these sustainability attributes.

Edition:

12

Published:

10/01/2012

Number of Pages:

16

File Size:

1 file , 970 KB