ExxonMobil Invests in R&D in Industrial Lubricants Markets

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In Egypt, the use of Mobil Pegasus 805 oil extended the oil change interval on three Waukesha-produced gas engines from 750 hours to 1,500 hours and ensured perfect cleanliness of the engine parts. The engines were operated by an oil company, which saved an annual total of $136,000, covering oil, filter and productivity savings.

The concept of technological innovation at Mobil Lubricants is demonstrated on the so-called “Spider Plot” – the balanced formulation approach that includes several parameters: oxidative stability, component wear protection, corrosion control, filterability, shear stability and extreme temperature performance. Quality standards are high and a market-bound lubricant needs to perform well in all of the Spider Plot segments. Otherwise, it will hardly reach the market.

“We really focus on that balanced performance. We’ve seen a lot of technology that may be maximized in one area, but then deficient in other areas,” Angela Galiano-Roth, technology program leader at ExxonMobil Research & Engineering, Products Research & Technology told OGE. “For example, in the wind area there are products that may have good performance for gearbox protection, but have very poor filterability. We try to assess and maximize performance in all of these areas, not just one. There may be multiple dimensions of proven product performance, and depending on the industry and application that spider can have different assessment parameters.”

All of those can be thoroughly tested at the Paulsboro facility. During our tour, we were able to witness a multitude of varied equipment tests that ensure lubricants match the highest industry standards. The facilities included stands with running engines, compressors and other heavy machinery performing tests in real time, often on a 24-hour basis, as well as blending facilities and a lab where small batches of oil (the smallest weighing as little as 8 grams!) are produced and tested before the lubricant can be approved for mass manufacturing.

Focus on Russia

As one of the drivers of global economic and energy consumption growth, Russia undoubtedly is high on ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants’ agenda. In recent years, the Kremlin identified industrial modernization and energy efficiency as major goals and many global technology leaders, including ExxonMobil, are keen to be part of that effort, providing top-rate products that can help achieve those goals. 

“We are very excited about the Russian market as an opportunity for us, particularly to deliver value to the industries in Russia that we serve. The Russian industry has many challenges that we think we can help with, particularly in remote and very harsh operating conditions, cold climate and things of that nature,” Yan Cote, global business development advisor at ExxonMobil, told OGE. “So we feel that we have a very compelling offer with the technology and new products that we bring and the application expertise of both our field engineers and those engineers who work with the equipment builders from all around the world. So we feel confident that by continuing to put those efforts into the Russian market and delivering value to customers we’ll