ExxonMobil Introduces New Lubricant For Medium-Speed Marine Diesel Engines Using Residual Fuel
FAIRFAX, Va.--April 3, 2003--ExxonMobil today announced the global availability of Mobilgard M Series, a line of oils specifically formulated to meet the lubrication challengers of today's more demanding medium-speed diesel engines operating on residual fuel.
ExxonMobil launched the new M Series -- M330, M430, M340, M440 and M50 -- to deal with stresses caused by today's increased use of lower-quality residual fuels, higher fuel injection pressures, and lower specific lube-oil consumption rates. These factors typically result in piston undercrown and ring-belt deposits, fuel contamination of the lube oil, and sludge build-up in the crankcase.
"Mobilgard M Series' unique additive system provides world-class piston undercrown control, unmatched lube-fuel compatibility and excellent overall cleanliness," said Pat Brown, global marketing manager - industrial, ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties. "Mobilgard M Series is the best overall performing lubricant for medium-speed marine diesel engines. For plant operators interested in reducing downtime and saving money on maintenance, these oils are the answer.
"Our superior technology and key alliances with the world's leading equipment builders enables ExxonMobil to stay in the forefront of lubrication."
To validate the effectiveness of the new product, ExxonMobil researchers subjected Mobilgard M Series to a comprehensive, three-year battery of bench and laboratory tests, as well as extensive field evaluations. It has since been accepted by major four-stroke engine manufacturers, including Wartsila, MAN B&W, Pielstick and MaK.
With 14 lubricant refineries and a global network of blend plants, ExxonMobil is a major marketer of finished lubricant products in nearly 200 countries and territories.
MobilGard M Series oils are now available at major supply points worldwide.
(NOTE TO EDITORS: Please see the sidebar Q&As that follow.)
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Questions & Answers
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Mobilgard M Series for Medium-Speed Marine Diesel Engines
Q. Why did ExxonMobil introduce Mobilgard M Series now?
A. Demands on medium-speed marine diesel engines have changed
dramatically in recent years. Many of these engines are now
operating with a much lower specific lube-oil consumption rate
than they did just a few years ago. At the same time, the growing
availability of lower-quality residual fuels combined with higher
injection pressures has led to increases in fuel leakage from
pumps and injectors into engine lube oil sumps. Contamination of
lubricants from unburned fuel has also become increasingly common.
Q. What are the effects of these changes on marine engines?
A. The new stresses result in dirtier engines and higher maintenance
costs. Increasingly, plant operators are finding that the new
operating conditions cause sludge and excessive deposits in such
critical engine parts as the piston undercrown, ring belt area,
crankcase and camshaft space. As cleanliness deteriorates,
downtime increases, engine life shortens and maintenance costs
spiral.
Q. How does Mobilgard M Series combat these problems?
A. It uses a unique additive system. ExxonMobil formulated the new
Mobilgard M Series specifically to counter each of the problems
confronting power plant professionals. The new oil's special
chemistry significantly reduces the thickness and amount of
deposits that can form on pistons and piston undercrowns. It also
helps prevent wear by reducing deposits on the piston's lands and
grooves. And it virtually eliminates the black deposits that can
form in an engine's crankcase due to poor lube-fuel compatibility.
The objective was to provide a total solution to deliver the best
overall performance.
Q. When did ExxonMobil begin the formulation of Mobilgard M Series?
A. ExxonMobil spent more than three years researching and testing
formulations before introducing Mobilgard M Series to the
marketplace. The company's researchers subjected Mobilgard M
Series to a comprehensive battery of bench and laboratory tests.
To further validate the results, ExxonMobil also conducted
extensive, rigorous field evaluations under severe conditions.
Q. How did the company test the problem of lube-fuel compatibility?
A. The ExxonMobil proprietary Residual Fuel Detection (RFD) Test,
which has been recognized by major engine builders, predicts and
replicates conditions in the field.
Q. Was this positive result replicated in field tests?
A. Yes. Mobilgard M Series virtually eliminated the black deposits
that can form in an engine's crankcase due to poor lube-fuel
compatibility.
Q. What kind of testing was done to check the effects of the new oil
on piston undercrowns?
A. In the laboratory, ExxonMobil uses a proprietary Hot Tube Test,
recognized by major engine builders as an indication of potential
field performance, to measure thermal stability. Engineers rated
deposits against tube standards for cleanliness, on a scale of
0-10 in which 10 equals a plugged tube. New Mobilgard M Series had
a cleanliness rating of 3. Results were replicated in severe field
tests: Mobilgard M Series limited the undercrown deposit build-up
to as little as 20 microns.
Q. Have engine builders accepted the new Mobilgard M Series?
A. Mobilgard M Series has been accepted by major four-stroke engine
manufacturers, including Wartsila, MAN B&W, Pielstick and Mak.
Q. Where and when will Mobilgard M Series be available?
A. The new lubricants are available now at major supply points
worldwide.
Q. What are the benefits of Mobilgard M Series for a power plant
operator or owner?
A. Unmatched lube-fuel compatibility, world-class piston undercrown
deposit control and excellent overall engine cleanliness translate
to cost savings. Lower maintenance costs, less downtime and longer
engine life all mean a better bottom line. The new lubricant also
solves major problems associated with today's operation of
medium-speed marine diesel engines, and with that comes peace of
mind.