RESISTS OXIDATION, EMULSIFICATION WITH WATER
30 April 2007 - Dow Corning - EEI

Molykote mineral oils are custom engineered at a molecular level to formulate unique, ultra-high purity base oils that meet target performance specifications. In contrast, most competitive mineral oils are manufactured by refining, a solvent-based process that retains contaminants from a crude-oil source. These refinery-generated contaminants can lead to acid development and premature aging of the oil.

Molykote mineral oils undergo hydrocracking to make a more stable and resistant molecule. The process results in a super-saturated molecular structure that has no receptive sites to attract water, which makes them inherently better able to resist emulsification in high-moisture environments than conventional oils. This resistance to emulsification virtually eliminates problems in food processing environments, where conventional fluids tend to attract water, causing oil breakdown. Water causes a breakdown of oil viscosity and film strength and can hinder beneficial additive performance. In addition, when water is not emulsified into the oil it can be more easily drained from the lubrication reservoir.

“Lubricant emulsification is a common problem in food and beverage processing environments,” says Dave Garner, Dow Corning’s global marketing manager for the food and beverage market segment of Molykote. “Both the nature of the manufacturing process itself as well as daily wash downs expose machines to contact with water throughout the day,” he explains.

Molykote oils are also fortified with additive packages specific to the intended application. They feature anti-oxidant additive packages exploiting new proprietary technologies that extend service lifetime beyond conventional oils. In addition, Molykote brand oils also provide low misting from compressor and vacuum-pump discharge, and are low odor, making them ideal for use in the food processing industry.

Finally, synthetic lubricants achieve full lubrication quickly at start-up, so the Molykote brand PAO fluids and mineral oil/poly alpha olefin blends can thereby help reduce component wear. The blends offer lower pour points, more stable viscosity in wider temperature ranges, and longer service life than more conventional oils.

Results in the Field
In one air compressor test, Molykote PAO-based fluids lasted 57% longer than a competitive PAO product. In another application, Molykote synthetic gear box oil showed a 16% energy savings, requiring less horsepower to drive the unit. One plant experienced a 350% lifetime increase in disposable gear boxes with Molykote food-grade worm-gear oil. Yet another plant extended service intervals by a factor of 10 and eliminated varnish buildup with Molykote compressor oil.

Total Industrial Lubricant Consolidation
“The Molykote Lubrication Management Program offers the most complete package of industrial lubricants and related services available anywhere in the world,” says Garner. “Other companies offer parts of the package, but none offer one as complete as this. By consolidating lubrication purchases, customers can gain new economies of operation and simplify inventory and purchasing.

“Our intention is to be the preeminent supplier in industrial lubrication,” Garner says. “This is the most extensive and most complete package of industrial lubricant supply, services and expertise that is available from a single company.”

Program Elements
The Molykote Lubrication Management Program was introduced in North America in 2001 and was extended to Europe and Latin America earlier this year.

http://www.dowcorning.com

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