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Hydraulic oils handle harsher environments

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Aug 22, 2006

High quality hydraulic oils maximise performance in mobile and stationary hydraulic applications in an even wider range of operating conditions and environments.

Shell lubricants companies are revitalising their range of variable temperature hydraulic oils with the introduction of two new products.

A new generation of the successful Tellus T and the brand new Tellus STX will now be available alongside Tellus TX and Tellus Arctic.

This means operators worldwide can chose from a full range of high quality hydraulic oils to maximise performance in mobile and stationary hydraulic applications, in an even wider range of operating conditions and environments.

Eduardo Tavcar, Global Hydraulic Oils Product Manager for Shell Lubricants, commented: "Machines and applications that are regularly exposed to the outside environment are open to variable operating temperatures depending on factors such as location, time of year and startup versus operating temperature, which can all have a significant effect on the viscosity of the hydraulic oil and related lubrication properties".

"The range has been developed using the latest polymer technology, which adapts to an increase or decrease in temperature to ensure minimal viscosity change".

Shell Tellus variable temperature hydraulic oils have been designed to avoid problems related to low-performing lubricants to reduce maintenance costs, as well as providing several additional benefits during day-to-day operations.

Improved equipment protection and reduced oil consumption can be achieved through the range's high shear stability (the polymers resistance to stress, which can break the molecules and reduce the viscosity of an oil at operating temperatures), and fast startup can be achieved through excellent low temperature performance.

The range also has excellent hydrolytic stability, which reduces the negative impact of unavoidable water condensation in machinery after shutdown, helping to achieve reduced wear and corrosion.

In addition, the products' wide temperature range may also allow operators to reduce the number of hydraulic grades, with one oil being able to operate in a wide range of environments.

Tavcar continues: "The true test of a good variable temperature hydraulic oil is finding one which offers a wide temperature range as well as other key performance features such as excellent shear and hydrolytic stability".

"Only by choosing a product that performs well in all areas will you be able to reduce downtime and maximise productivity".

Tellus T, formulated on the next generation technology of Shell Tellus, is suitable for most machinery and the majority of conditions.

Shell's new Tellus STX is designed for operators demanding a metal free lubricant or when conditions are more extreme.

Concludes Tavcar: "It's all a matter of careful selection".

"Understanding the full range of temperatures to which a hydraulic oil will be exposed is key to selecting a hydraulic oil to optimise performance".

"Shell's range of variable temperature hydraulic oils ensures that operators have the 'best value' solution for their needs - matching performance and protection requirements with global quality and consistency".