Essential Lube Oil Properties You Should Know

Ship owners can choose from a bevy of cylinder oils in the market. Shell
alone offers five different cylinder oils with different base numbers - Shell
Alexia 50, Shell Alexia S3, Shell Alexia S4, Shell Alexia S5 and Shell Alexia S6.
Choosing the right one for your engine can be a struggle.
Whether youre already using Shell Alexia S3 or oil, the lubricant to use
depends on the type of fuel, engine and operation.
Nevertheless, lube oils are important elements for operating any kind of
machinery on board ship. It lubricates the machinery and cools down
operating parts, reducing stress, friction, and maintenance costs. When it
comes to marine engines, selecting the best grade is very critical.
Here are essential properties you should consider.
1. Resistance from oxidation
Oxidation rate increases as the oil reaches high temperatures. After 85C,
the increase in every 10C of oil oxidation rates doubles. This eventually
leads to production of acid, formation of sludge, and corrosion. So, in
choosing your lube oil, check its oxidation resistance.
2. Thermal conductivity
Marine engines are always in motion. This constant movement of the internal
parts can produce heat energy, which needs to be carried away to prevent
thermal stress or wear.
Your lube oil should have the ability to cool down your engines internal
parts, also called thermal conductivity. For instance, Shell Alexia S4 has
outstanding neutralizing properties, which can combat thermal degradation.
3. Lubricant detergency and dispersancy
These two necessary properties work together to preserve the cleanliness of
the engines mechanical parts. Dispersancy is the oils capacity to suspend
and carry away soot, metallic particles, and other pollutants, so they wont
interfere with engine operation.
Detergency is obtained by adding metallic-based additives to the oil. The
purpose is to keep the combustion space as clean as possible, and prevent
the buildup of deposits in the metal surface.
4. High flash point

Essential Lube Oil Properties You Should Know

Flash point is the lowest temperature at which the lubricant must be heated
before its vapor ignites, when mixed with air. It can help you determine the
lubricants storage and transportation temperature requirements.
Flash points should always be on the higher side to avoid fire hazards. For
marine engine lubricants, flash points should be higher than 220C. Shell
Argina, for example, has a flash point of 229C.
5. Low demulsification number
Contamination of oil with water cant be completely avoided. The low
demulsification number helps you determine if the oil can easily be
separated when stored in the settling tank or separator.
6. Load capacity
This characteristic depends upon the viscosity of the lubricant. The oils load
carrying capacity must be able to withstand the pressure inside the engine.
Otherwise, the oil will be forced out. Reduced lubrication can wear down your
machine much faster.
If you choose the wrong oil for your engine, it can damage the machine
altogether. The cheapest, or even the most expensive, are not always the
best choices for your engine. The next time youre torn between purchasing
Shell Gadinia or Shell Melina, keep these properties in mind.