Shell Marine has released a new ultra-high BN cylinder lubricant oil, Alexia 140, into the marine market.
The lubricant product was developed to prevent the process of cold corrosion in modern diesel engines while optimising cylinder oil feed rates across all operating conditions. It is suited for use on its own or part of an onboard lubricant blending or mixing system.
Alexia 140 underwent six months of sea trials with a Shell Marine customer. Prior to this it was exposed to exhaustive laboratory testing in 2015.
Ships are operating under different conditions and components are exposed to increasingly harsh environments, while modernisation of engines and equipment has in cases led to increased corrosion and abrasion. Operating with low sulphur fuels in order to meet regulations has also exacerbated the compatibility issues that result when fuel meets a less than suitable cylinder oil lubricant.
This year MAN Diesel & Turbo has trialled Automated Cylinder Oil Mixing to establish best practice when it comes to matching cylinder oil lubricant BN and fuel sulphur content while minimising lubricant feed rate.
Shell has therefore focused on developing products such as cylinder oil condition monitoring and drain oil analysis as well as software and advisory services to help interpret and implement OEM requirements and help ship owners and operators to develop crew skills for increased knowledge.
Jan Toschka, General Manager of Shell Marine commented: “This latest development underpins our commitment to the industry and its future. We have our own in house testing capability and extensive field experience, coupled with the monitoring, analysis and advisory services to respond to the market with proven and comprehensive solutions.”
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