WEPA cuts paper machine electricity costs with better oil 08 November 2013

German paper manufacturer WEPA is reporting a 5% reduction in electricity consumption on one of its paper machines since switching to Mobil SHC Gear 220 high-performance gear oil.

WEPA made the change to rectify lubrication issues in its PM5 paper machine, which operates at up to 1,850 m/min.

The company says that its operational speed had been boosted by an increase in drying capacity and the installation of a new press roll, a 600°C drying hood, a creping cylinder and new gears.

However, factory operators noticed wear of the hollow shaft bearings on the creping cylinder, due to micro-movements between the contact surfaces, in turn caused by insufficient gear lubrication, increased vibration and high temperatures.

ExxonMobil field engineers recommended switching to a higher-viscosity gear oil, and hence the use of Mobil SHC Gear 220, which is classed as a synthetic lubricant, designed for gear bearings and providing protection at high operating temperatures.

After a seven-month field trial, WEPA recorded a noticeable reduction in gear vibration and a resulting significant decline in the Giershagen paper machine electricity costs.

Brian Tinham

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