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New test rigs aid lubricant development

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 12, 2005

The Shell Group has further enhanced the world class testing capability at Shell's product and application development centre in Hamburg adding two new test rigs.

The Shell Group has further enhanced the world class testing capability at Shell's product and application development centre (PAE) in Hamburg adding two new test rigs.

This will ensure that the transmissions team at Shell Lubricants will continue to meet the challenge of the rapid developments in transmission technology.

A new high torque dynamic friction testing rig has been developed, which is currently being used to test fill-for-life lubricants for friction durability and friction level; it can also be used to test the latest double-clutch technologies.

The transmission team has also introduced a unique, new gearbox test bench, utilising a continuously variable transmission gear box in combination with the latest engine from a major German OEM.

In addition to the existing equipment at PAE Hamburg, the new test installations give the transmissions team access to an outstanding series of testing equipment to help gauge the performance and suitability of prototype fluids.

Torsten Murr, Global Technology Manager for Transmissions at Shell Lubricants, comments: "Excellent research facilities are a prerequisite for any supplier trying to keep up with the industry's demand for better, higher performance products.

The new test rigs at our world-class facility in Hamburg further demonstrate our commitment to working in partnership with our customers.

Other test equipment at PAE Hamburg, which ensures Shell's fluids meet the requirements of modern transmission systems, include the following.

A driveline rig enables entire transmissions to be tested under real driving conditions.

A controlled torque convertor lockup clutch test rig (Sachs GWK and DC/GK UB) is used to administer final adjustments and product assurances to clutch ATFs.

Simulating a working transmission, it offers the precision and control that developers require.

The friction coefficient test rig DKA 1A is used to test and judge automatic transmission fluids and identify frictional stress in automatic transmission clutch.systems The FZG gear test rig is used to test and judge automatic, manual and industrial transmission fluids regarding load carrying capacity.

The FZG synchromesh test rig SSP 180 is used to test manual transmission fluids and compatibility with synchromesh material.

This test determines the endurance life of synchromesh systems for manual gearboxes in automotive applications, defined by wear and change in coefficient of friction.

Bearings are highly stressed parts in all kinds of gearboxes and lubricants have a hard job to maintain their function.

For this purpose, the FE 8 bearing test rig is a good tool to screen different gear oils.

Finally, the four-ball machine (DIN 51 350) is one of the most popular rigs for testing lubricants.

In most lubricant test laboratories, at least one such test rig can be found.

Besides the large variety of standard test procedures for this rig, a number of special in-house methods are also used.

Torsten Murr concludes: "As well as world class testing facilities, Shell lubricants companies' success in the transmissions sector can also be attributed to our global infrastructure and team expertise".

"The transmission team at Shell Lubricants has 'on the ground' representatives in the major car-producing countries, allowing us to work closely in partnership with the major OEMs.

PAE Hamburg is one of several Shell technology centres around the world".