Citgo Enters the Low-vis Arena
Citgos latest is Supergard Synthetic 0W-20 motor oil, meeting ILSAC GF-4 and API SM/CF and designed to meet the most advanced emissions and fuel economy standards in U.S. engines which use SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 oils. This new oil lets drivers maximize drain intervals and reduce vehicle maintenance, says Citgo, because the synthetic formula resists oxidation and neutralizes acids that can cause conventional oils to breakdown and need more frequent oil changes. The light viscosity reduces drag and lowers friction between engine parts, to improve fuel economy. In hybrid engines, the low viscosity also ensures rapid oil flow to critical motor parts, important for the frequent start-ups that occur in these electric/gasoline engines. Web: www.citgo.com
Get Foam Under Control
The Foam Control Division of Emerald Performance Materials has a new Sales & Technical Center in Greer, S.C., which expands its activities and works with customers to understand their processes and the nature and chemical make-up of their foam. It has also established a toll-free number, 800-688-FOAM (3626), giving customers a direct line to the technical service group. Emerald Foam Controls predecessor was the Lubrizol Performance Products business, built from acquisitions of silicone and non-silicone antifoam technologies, including the Ross, Foam Blast, Masil, and KFO brands. Web: www. emeraldmaterials.com
New Look for a Champion
Champion Racing XP 20W-50 motor oil is rolling out an attention-getting new look in January 2009. The revamped design aims to express the main attributes of this purpose-built oil, says Champion Brands Mike Reddick. The oil has been extensively formulated and tested, he added, using desirable levels of ZDDP for high-performance competition, including injected, supercharged, turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines, whether theyre running on high-octane gasoline or exotic fuels. Web: www. championbrands.com
Dont Let Leaks Spread
Leaks that are too large for an absorbent pad, that occur in tight spaces such as under machinery and pipes, are said to be easily handled by the new Oil Eater absorbent drip pan. The drip pan is made of sturdy plastic and houses an ecologically acceptable absorbent pillow, made of plant fibers and reusable resources. When soiled, the pillow is easily removed and replaced with a new one. The drip pan measures 10x12x4 inches. Sample available upon request. Web: www.oileater.com
Forge On!
Many forging operations rely on martempering to prevent cracking of distortion-prone parts such as shafts, gears and bearings. Houghton Internationals Mar-Temp Oil 355 is now available to forgers, giving them a low-viscosity martempering oil that can quench parts directly from the forging press. The solvent-refined paraffinic mineral oil boasts a selected additive package that extends fluid life, enhances thermal and oxidative properties, and assists in obtaining the desired quenching speed. Its suitable for tempering ferrous metals (case-hardened or through-hardened steel), as well as nonferrous, and handles temperatures up to 400 degrees F. Web: www.houghtonintl.com
Drums for Less
Direct Packaging Solutions LLC of Alsip, Ill., has a new, state-of-the-art drum-rebuilding operation that it says is unlike any in the country. The company pays for and collects used steel drums, removes the heads, and incinerates the drums. It then shot-blasts them inside and out, dedents and re-expands the body and hoops, and rust-inhibits them. A new head with new closures is seamed on, and a high-gloss enamel completes the final step. The bottom line is we turn a sows ear into a silk purse, says company representative Ed Gunn. Our product is indistinguishable from a new steel drum, and we sell it for 75 percent of the cost of a new steel drum. Phone: (708) 489-8000
Lube for the Digital Age
Dow Cornings Molykote brand now includes a series of semi-dry lubricants specially formulated for use in DVD players, mobile phones, camcorders, digital cameras and other electronic devices where traditional lubricants may be limited in performance. Molykote L-8011, L-8001, L-8033 and PD930 are said to be easy to apply and provide a transparent, nonstick coating that is well-suited for electronic sliding mechanisms. The semi-dry lubes can be used with a variety of elastomer rubbers and plastics, and perform under extreme temperatures (-60 degrees C to 150 C). Additionally, they are made with a nonflammable fluoro-solvent that is safer for workers, points out Dow Cornings Joyce Meng. Web: www.molykote.com
Boost Rust Resistance
Over time, water-based metal cutting fluids can lose their ability to protect machines and parts against corrosion, causing the coolant itself to require premature change-out or risking expensive damage to machines and parts. New Rustlick Long-Term Rust Preventative can help by reinforcing the fluids original rust preventives. Adding Rustlicks formula to a water-based cutting fluid helps protect against corrosion and costly waste disposal or coolant replacement, says the maker, ITW Rocol. Its available in 1-gallon jugs; the recommended dilution ratio is 5 oz. to every 10 gallons of water. Web: www. rocolnorthamerica.com
Spotlight on Lubrication
Need ideas on how to boost lubrication performance in your industrial operation? Generation Systems, which makes Lube-It software for tracking and managing lube tasks, offers a free 30-minute webinar that describes the complexities and benefits of viewing lubrication reliability as a unique discipline, separate from other maintenance skills. Better lubrication reliability can mean reduced equipment failure, less downtime and greater productivity, points out Generation Systems. The webinar is offered every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m., Pacific Time, and requires only a phone and a computer to participate. Register for the next session at http://www. generationsystems.com/aspnet/ webinar.aspx
Solution for Shop Towels
Even freshly laundered shop towels can contain oil, grease and other contaminants, but disposal of throw-away wipers can be a headache. Now Kimberly-Clark Professional has partnered with Safety-Kleen to provide customers with convenient and regulatory-compliant disposal of its used WypAll wipers. Customers in the program can have their used wipers delivered to a waste-to-energy facility for incineration, or they can assure the wipers are properly disposed in a landfill. They get either a 30- or 55-gallon drum for the accumulation, storage and transport of used WypAll wipers, which then is picked up either on request or according to a prearranged schedule. Web: www.kcprofessional.com