FIELD ENGINEERING
Castrol field engineers think outside the box to help quarry customers meet corporate energy–reduction goals.
| Castrol has the technical know–how and resources to put an innovative idea to the test. This is expected to pay big dividends for a large quarry customer, who—along with Castrol field engineers—recently conducted a test to determine if synthetic gear lubricants would reduce energy consumption in gear boxes. Energy reduction is one of this quarry's corporate goals. |
Reason to Believe, In His Own Words
My team's role in field engineering is that of problem–solver. Our customers often come to us with a problem, and we look for creative ways to help them solve it. It may involve product recommendations, product formulation, maintenance changes, reports or analysis. The list is extensive and mostly lubricant–related. There is no doubt that this is a great service to our customers. Castrol has positioned itself as a customer partner, committed to helping our customers achieve goals—particularly in the area of cost reduction/increased efficiency—that may not initially seem lubricant–related.
At a recent supplier meeting, I was speaking with the Energy Director for our largest quarry customer. He mentioned that one of his company's corporate goals is to reduce the amount of electrical power it consumes. The quarry's gear boxes were one of the components targeted for power reduction. This sparked an idea. This customer is currently using conventional gear lubricants in their gear boxes. A full synthetic gear lubricant has a higher lubricity than a conventional gear lube. That means it will flow more freely through the gear box causing less drag or friction in the component. In theory, the gear box should use less power and operate more efficiently with a synthetic lubricant.
At a recent supplier meeting, I was speaking with the Energy Director for our largest quarry customer. He mentioned that one of his company's corporate goals is to reduce the amount of electrical power it consumes. The quarry's gear boxes were one of the components targeted for power reduction. This sparked an idea. This customer is currently using conventional gear lubricants in their gear boxes. A full synthetic gear lubricant has a higher lubricity than a conventional gear lube. That means it will flow more freely through the gear box causing less drag or friction in the component. In theory, the gear box should use less power and operate more efficiently with a synthetic lubricant.
It is one thing to theorize about it, but we felt strongly enough to put our theory to the test. We partnered with the Power Company at one of this company's large southern quarries to conduct the tests. Essentially we measured the power consumed by the gear box when using a variety of gear fluids formulated with mineral and synthetic base oils. Our products and competitive products were used in the study. We are currently analyzing data generated by this test and expect that results will be available shortly.
If the data warrants a switch to a synthetic fluid, electrical power savings would not be the only benefit. During our study, we noted that due to the outstanding thermal and oxidative stability of synthetic gear oil, drain intervals would be extended. Servicing these gear boxes involves climbing ladders and walking catwalks, which makes it somewhat hazardous. There would be residual safety benefits and a positive environmental impact, such as a decrease in waste oil and frequency of disposal, as a result of a switch to a synthetic lubricant.
This is just one example of how we ask questions beyond the traditional ones. For Castrol, it's not about just selling more oil; it's about helping our customers achieve their overlying corporate goals. The better we align our services with their goals, the better partner and supplier we can be.
David Zile
Lead Engineer
More than 25 years experience in the sales, maintenance and lubrication of heavy equipment. Manage a team of engineers that cover the technical needs of 35 states.
If the data warrants a switch to a synthetic fluid, electrical power savings would not be the only benefit. During our study, we noted that due to the outstanding thermal and oxidative stability of synthetic gear oil, drain intervals would be extended. Servicing these gear boxes involves climbing ladders and walking catwalks, which makes it somewhat hazardous. There would be residual safety benefits and a positive environmental impact, such as a decrease in waste oil and frequency of disposal, as a result of a switch to a synthetic lubricant.
This is just one example of how we ask questions beyond the traditional ones. For Castrol, it's not about just selling more oil; it's about helping our customers achieve their overlying corporate goals. The better we align our services with their goals, the better partner and supplier we can be.
David Zile
Lead Engineer
More than 25 years experience in the sales, maintenance and lubrication of heavy equipment. Manage a team of engineers that cover the technical needs of 35 states.
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