Shell introduces breakthrough lubricant technologies to transform power generation efficiency

Lubricants play a vital role in reducing costs, improving productivity, and unlocking TCO savings through proper selection and management, says Praveen Nagpal, CTO at Shell Lubricants.

How are lubricants tested and evaluated for suitability in power and renewable energy applications?
Lubricant development is a unique process that requires a high-level understanding of the application, the operating conditions under which the equipment will operate, and the components involved in machinery, including metallurgy, paint, and seals. Lubricants help in the smooth functioning of machinery, which is highly capital-intensive. Especially for applications like wind turbines, the right type of lubricant is extremely critical, developed through a series of testing processes per industry standards,OEMs and component suppliers’ requirements, and long-term field validation. After successful assessment of tests as per industry and OEM standards, field validation products are approved for usage in equipment.

How can power sector companies optimise their lubrication practises to improve equipment performance and reduce maintenance costs?
Amidst rising costs and decreasing margins, businesses today face increasing pressure to operate more efficiently. They must also navigate equipment wear and tear challenges and battle the increased total cost of ownership (TCO).

Therefore, TCO is one of the most significant metrics to be addressed to enhance efficiency and savings. Lubricants are crucial to achieving significant business value by helping reduce costs and improve equipment productivity. Unlocking TCO savings hinges on selecting the right product and ensuring it is managed properly. At Shell, we offer an integrated solution portfolio aimed at helping our customers reduce costs and improve efficiency, ultimately lowering the total cost of ownership. Our core offerings, such as used oil testing, fluid management, and onsite lubrication services, enable customers to effectively manage their operations and equipment usage. Some of our offerings are as follows:

Using AI for predictive maintenance: With insights from predictive, prescriptive, and cognitive analytics, AIenabled platforms aid decision-making. Shell offers condition monitoring services, such as Shell LubeAnalyst, which analyses oil samples, helps detect potential issues, and provides insights into the health and performance of critical components.

Fluid reliability solutions: The absence of proper treatment of lubricants can significantly impact the cost of operation and maintenance and increase downtime due to unwanted failures. Shell LubeOptimiser is Shell’s latest fluid reliability solution designed to simplify operations, reduce downtime, and protect equipment.

We at Shell also offer a complete lubricant portfolio, including gear oils, greases, hydraulic oils, transformer oils, and coolants.

Shell Gadus: These greases offer excellent protection against wear, water washout, and high-temperature conditions. They are specifically formulated to enhance equipment performance and extend maintenance intervals.

Shell Omala: Shell Omala is a series of industrial gear oils suitable for heavy-duty equipment. These oils provide exceptional protection against wear, rust, and corrosion, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of gears and bearings.

Shell Tellus: Shell Tellus hydraulic oils are formulated to meet the demands of hydraulic systems used in the power sector. These oils provide reliable protection against wear, excellent thermal stability, and effective water separation properties. They help optimise system efficiency and extend the life of hydraulic components.

What are the latest advancements in lubricant technology for the power and renewable energy sectors, and how are these advancements improving equipment performance and reliability?
The market for oils and lubricants in the power sector is constantly evolving to meet diverse needs that include increasing the shelf life of engines, reducing the carbon footprint of operations, improving fuel economy, supplying lubricants with low viscosity, and meeting the emission standards set by various governmental and nongovernmental entities. According to the Kline Report 2021, apart from highperformance and synthetic greases, there is an increasing trend towards synthetic-based gear and compressor oils. In line with the changing requirements in the industry, we are investing in the following technologies:

Using AI for predictive maintenance: AI and data science are increasingly being used in industrial equipment to solve complex problems in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. With insights from predictive, prescriptive, and cognitive analytics, AIenabled platforms aid decision-making.

Fluid reliability solutions: The absence of proper treatment of lubricants can significantly impact the cost of operation and maintenance and increase downtime due to unwanted failures. Shell LubeOptimiser is an end-to-end solution designed to help companies address common challenges, such as simplifying operations, reducing downtime, and protecting equipment.