Mobilgrease XHP™ 222 helps KFC bearings with grease lubrication

Situation

The KFC bearings of the steam scrubbers and pasteurizers in the brewery, a non-food application, were lubricated by a third-party EP2 grease. Due to the operating environment, grease oxidization and emulsification developed, resulting in bearing damage and unscheduled downtime.

Recommendation

The ExxonMobil Lube Engineer recommended Mobilgrease XHP™ 222 grease based on Elastohydrodynamic (EHL) calculations, and provided a series of Mobil™ Engineering Services including plant studies, technical communications and seminars.

Result

With the implementation of Mobilgrease XHP™ 222 grease and Mobil Engineering Services, the hydrodynamic lubrication of KFC bearings of the steam scrubbers and pasteurizers improved. This was apparent in the elimination of unscheduled downtime and the reduction of bearing damage. By reducing lubrication costs, the brewery managed to save US $13,813 annually. The benefits resulted from:

• Elimination of unscheduled downtime, thus reducing production cost
• Reduction of KFC bearing damage, thus saving procurement cost
• Reduction of bearing replacement time, thus saving labor cost

*This success story is based on the experience of a single customer. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used.