Product News

ConocoPhillips has a new wireline grease that maintains a seal and prevents the escape of well-bore fluids in oil and gas completion services. The product is designed for use in high-pressure, high-temperature applications, such as cased-hole logging, pipe recovery service, production logging and reservoir analysis. The wireline lube resists degradation from well-bore fluids and is highly viscous and dripless, so it resists slinging that can create a worksite mess. Its clear formulation also permits visual inspection of parts. The wireline lube comes in eight viscosity grades to match seasonal and operating conditions, including ISO 68, 220, 460, 680, 1500, 5000, 7500 and 10000. Web: www.conocophillipslubricants.com

Gear Oil Plays it Cool

Mobil SHC Gear 220 has successfully completed a field test in which it improved energy efficiency at a plastics extruder by a reported average of 3.3 percent. Ostendorf, one of Germanys largest producers of plastic pipes and shaped products, said that using the gear oil also reduced the extruder gearboxs average temperature by 5 degrees C, helping to reduce wear and improve performance. The lower operating temperature also helps to reduce unscheduled downtime and component wear. The trial was conducted on a Weber extruder gearbox and compared SHC Gear 220 to a competing ISO 220 mineral gear oil. Web: www.mobilindustrial.com

Oil Analyzer Goes Where Needed

Kittiwake has unveiled the FTIR3 oil analyzer, a portable test system to provide fully compliant ASTM oil measurements in the field. The oil analyzer is preloaded with standard ASTM test parameters for lubricating oils. It consists of spectrometer, portable computer and carrying case, and requires oil samples of only 2 ml. The results provide general information about the identity and condition of the oil, such as degradation byproducts, additive depletion, contaminants, sulfonation, oxidation and nitration. The software allows users to monitor multiple machines and oil types, and define what parameters are measured on each sample. Data is stored on the machine and can be viewed numerically or graphically. Web: www.kittiwake.com

Canada Okays Food-grade Esters

Eight Lexolube synthetic esters from Inolex have been approved for use in food processing applications by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Said to be heat resistant up to 500 degrees F, these synthetic esters are used to produce lubricants used for food processing, textile manufacturing, metalworking fluids, and for hydraulic fluids, chain lubricants and low-temperature oils and greases. The eight products appear in the official CFIA Reference Guide for approved materials, and include Lexolube FG-68 H1 OCL, FG-100 H1 OCL, FG220 H1 OCL, FG350 H1 OCL, FG-68 HX1, FG-100 XH1, FG-220 HX1 and FG-350 HX1. Web: www.inolex.com

Cleaner Car-wash Hydraulics

Houghton Internationals Houghto-Safe 620 is designed to be a safer, water-soluble alternative to traditional petroleum based hydraulic fluids for car wash operations. Because the fluid dissolves in water, the company claims that it can eliminate costly downtime and lost profits from tunnel shutdowns in case of spills, as well as reducing the time and expense of equipment cleaning. In the event of a ruptured hydraulic line, Houghto-Safe 620s oil-free formulation does not leave residue on automobiles or equipment. It also wont contaminate cloths and brushes, and it eliminates the need to flush and clean out contaminated water systems. Web: www.houghtonintl.com

On-line Lubricant Advice

Bel-Ray has sharpened its Lubricant Advisor online tool for those seeking solutions for their application. Located on the companys website, each advisor caters to key end users: motorcycle and ATV owners, the marine market, industrial operations, and mining industries. The Marine Lubricant Advisor, for example, features lubrication details for 235 models from more than 40 manufacturers. The Motorcycle and ATV Lubricant Advisor covers nearly every motorcycle and ATV produced around the world. The Industrial tool contains information relating to many forms of industrial machinery, including gears, hydraulics, machine tools, pumps and compressors, and the Mining advice addresses heavy equipment lubricant needs. Web: www.belray.com

Synthetic Greases

Reformulated Amsoil has reformulated its synthetic multipurpose grease and synthetic water-resistant grease to offer better protection and performance in a wide range of applications. Both greases are formulated with calcium sulfonate complex thickeners that the company says assures improved extreme-pressure properties, corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance, high-temperature stability and water resistance. The water-resistant grease is for use in wet applications and resists water washout and spray off. The multipurpose grease is formulated with oil soluble extreme-pressure additives for heavy loads, and has excellent load-carrying and EP performance as well as thermal and oxidation resistance, Amsoil says. Web: www.amsoil.com

Rust Preventives OK in CA

With stringent VOC reductions mandated in Southern California and proposed for New Jersey and Illinois, many users need to eliminate solvents from their rust preventives. Aqualox 2335, a new additive from Lubrizol, can help with this. The water-based product is suitable for many industrial metal manufacturing applications, such as truck and trailer frames, farm machinery, tube and pipe, sheet and coil, small parts, wire rope, cables and more. Its creates a waxy, non-staining and easy-to-remove film on the metal, shielding it from corrosive atmospheres such as salt-spray, humidity and acid fumes. Used as-is or formulated to specific requirements, its said to protect metals against heavy-duty outdoor exposure and moderate-duty indoor storage conditions. Web: www.lubrizol.com

Spill Kit Rides Along

New Pig has introduced a spill kit that mounts to a trucks exterior to provide quick access to the absorbents and other cleanup supplies which the company supplies. It is designed to help clean up after leaks and spills that may occur at fuel islands and other spill-prone areas. The kit is constructed from heavy-duty, UV-resistant polyethylene to protect its contents from harsh weather. A hinged lid provides fast, easy access to supplies. Slots on the kits base allow easy mounting to vehicles or other flat surfaces at point-of-use locations. The kit includes oil-only absorbents, repair putty, a containment pool, shovel and personal protective equipment. Web: www.newpig.com

Outsourcing Option for Biobased Lubes

Lubricant marketers who seek a fast way to add biobased products to their catalogs have a new resource: Environmental Lubricants Manufacturing has added contract blending and packaging to its capabilities. ELMs state-of-the-art plant in Iowa exclusively makes biobased lubricants and greases, which it supplied until now under its own and private-label brands for retailers. Its substantial manufacturing and packaging capacity means it can be a low-cost source for others too, says the companys Alan Burgess, even of small-batch specialty greases. Biobased hydraulic fluids, penetrants, gear oils, dust suppressants and other specialty lubricants are also available, in a wide choice of packaging options. Website: www.elmusa.com

Lube Aids PVC Processing

Struktol has expanded its V-Series line of lubricant additives for rigid PVC used in calendered or extruded sheet and profiles. Struktol VLB 602 combines internal and external lubricants, and is designed for clear extrusions that will require printing, laminating or bonding, such as packaging. The ester lubricant blend promises maximum clarity along with a very wide processing window. VLB 602 provides compounders and processors with a cost-effective, versatile lubricant that can replace higher-cost packages or single-component lubricants, said the companys Mike Fulmer. Theres also vegetable-based Struktol VLB 618, for those requiring non-animal-based formulations. It provides the same processing and visual characteristics as the VLB 602 grade. Website: www.struktol.com/PVCadditives.asp

Simplify Grease, Lube Dispensing

Dont let lube service hoses for machines and implements get out of control. Hannay Reels N500 Series spring rewind dual hose reel is designed for efficient hose han-dling in applications such as hydraulics, air/water and chassis grease. Said to be ideal for greases and oils, the compact frame and narrow mounting base allow easy installation into almost any location. Equipped with a heavy-duty spring motor with self-contained rewind power and a four-way roller assembly, the N500 Series handles single 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch I.D. hose. Its non-sparking ratchet assembly locks the reel at the desired hose length, a tug on the hose unlocks the reel for retraction, and the declutching arbor guards against damage from reverse winding. Website: www.hannay.com

Training Supports Lube Practices

Proper lubrication is fundamental to an effective preventive maintenance program, and computer-based training from New Standard Institute covers the essentials on lubrication methods, lubricant choices, and oil analysis. The broad range of topics covered in its Lubrication training module include properties of lubricants; types of lubricants; oil properties and terms; hydraulic fluids; greases; oil analysis; delivery and maintenance of lubes, and more. The interactive e-learning program uses text, narration and animations to present information in an interesting and effective way, and practical applications and examples reinforce the lessons. The training is available as CD, download or web based. Web: www.newstandardinstitute.com

Batch Process Software Updated

Deacom has issued Version 14.3 of its enterprise resource planning software system for mid- to large-size batch process manufacturers. This release is designed to boost the efficiency of current functions and also adds capabilities to improve clients warehouse operations. While every area of the system has been upgraded, the most substantial enhancements came in areas of inventory management, scheduling and quality control, the company said. Deacom software upgrades are supplied at no charge to all existing clients, not just those who seek them, so all can adapt quickly to the evolving marketplace. Website: www.deacom.com

Private-label Enhanced

Packaging capabilities at Clinton, Mo.-based Champion Brands now span from 2-oz. containers to railcar volumes. This allows it to offer greater private-label services for motor oils, gear lubes, automotive chemicals and more. The facility has more than 1.4 million gallons of bulk storage, plus rail siding, tanktruck facilities, laboratory and 26 blending tanks. It boasts in-house blowmolding of HDPE and PVC bottles, says Mike Reddick there, plus seven high-speed filling lines to accurately package hundreds of products. Website: www.championbrands.com