Mobil SHC 632 by ExxonMobilTM enabled JK Cement to save US$ 18,764 and increased energy efficiency by nearly 1 per cent.India is the world’s second-largest producer of cement. Consistently strong demand and growing investments continue to boost the cement industry, especially with government initiatives focused on infrastructure development, enhanced transportation connectivity and increased housing projects.Even as it thrives, the industry regularly combats multiple operational challenges such as worker safety, operating temperatures, spills and leaks, and oil life. Cement manufacturers prioritise achieving seamless performance, zero downtime, and energy efficiency. To address these day-to-day challenges and operational aims, it is imperative to conduct regular inspections of processes and equipment where lubrication plays an important role.  The challengeJK Cement is one of India’s prominent cement manufacturers, known for providing solutions for multi-sector infrastructure needs. The company has a split grinding unit of 1.5 mtpa at Jharli, in Jhajjar District, Haryana, where modern machinery manufactured by Thyssenkrupp is used for the manufacturing of grey cement. The Jharli facility operates concentrator ball mills to crush ore for processing. This ball mill used a 2,600 kW motor with average production of 180 tonne per hour.JK Cement was facing a major challenge as this concentrator ball mill was experiencing a poor oil drain interval (ODI) of one year with a conventional VG 320 oil, and this was resulting in the loss of 420 litres of oil every year, which in turn was adding to environmental pollution. The gearbox efficiency was around 92-93 per cent. Such energy and maintenance-intensive operations were driving up costs. JK Cement turned to ExxonMobil to remedy this.The recommendationThrough the Mobil Planned Engineering Service (PES) programme, the Mobil team studied the application of the conventional VG 320 oil and completed an Energy Efficiency Documentation Study. The analysis of the situation included an in-depth examination of the machine along with lubricant inspection. Mobil concluded that the efficiency of the gearbox could be increased by up to 1 per cent and the ODI could be extended to four years. Based on its assessment, Mobil recommended the use of Mobil SHC 632, an advanced gear oil, towards achieving the twin outcomes of improving gearbox efficiency and extending the gearbox ODI. The resultFollowing ExxonMobil’s recommendation, JK Cement began using Mobil SHC 632 in it concentrator ball mill. This solution successfully extended the oil drain interval of the gearbox to four years and improved gearbox efficiency by nearly 1 per cent. This contributed significantly to JK Cement’s annual revenue by enabling cost savings of US$ 18,764. The Mobil advantage – Mobil SHC 632Mobil SHC 632 is designed to provide outstanding service in equipment protection, oil life, and problem-free operations to enable increased productivity. It belongs to the Mobil SHC 600 Series of scientifically engineered oils that have been formulated using the latest proprietary and patent-pending Mobil SHC technology to provide superior performance in demanding applications at both, high and low temperatures. The Mobil SHCTM 600 Series products feature excellent low-temperature properties, as well as improved air release performance in the lower viscosity grades. They are resistant to mechanical shear, even in heavily loaded gear and high shear bearing applications, so that there is nearly no loss of viscosity.(Communication by the management of the company)