Nobian – Hengelo

Nobian (formerly AkzoNobel & Nouryon) is the world’s largest paints and coatings company and a leading producer of specialty chemicals. They supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable solutions for their customers. Their portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. The Hengelo facility is dedicated to salt production for both food-grade and industrial applications.

Using a Flender gearbox type HS-11 together with a competitive gear oil resulted in oil foaming, and based on oil analysis the oil had to be replaced within one year. In addition, micro-pitting was observed, resulting in costly 5-year overhaul activities. The oil temperature was also slightly higher than desired.

In April 2010, Frank Kleijn recommended the use of SWEPCO 201 Multi-Purpose Gear Lube ISO 220. Based on comparable field experience, this product was expected to effectively solve the problem. The lubricant has excellent anti-foaming properties, even in the presence of water contamination, while also providing strong anti-wear protection. It is also known to significantly reduce the risk of micro-pitting and lower operating temperatures.

In parallel with this proposed solution, Nobian also tested two competing products.

After extensive controlled testing, the customer now reports:

• The competing products continued to show the previously mentioned problems.
• Gearbox failures were eliminated, resulting in savings of more than €80,000 per gearbox.
• No foaming occurred with SWEPCO 201.
• No more micro-pitting.
• Oil temperature reduced by 10°C.
• Oil drain intervals were extended, with the oil remaining in service for 3 years without any indication that replacement was required in the short term. The oil was removed in 2015 because the gearbox was replaced for inspection purposes, although all values were still within acceptable limits. Oil consumption was reduced by 80%.
• In 2020, the next 5-year test period was completed with the same results. The gearboxes were inspected again, the installation had operated for another 5 years on SWEPCO 201 ISO-220, and overhaul was still not required.
• A final decision was made to convert all similar gearboxes to SWEPCO 201 ISO 220, which has now become the standard gearbox lubricant for these applications.

“Extensive testing has clearly convinced us, based on facts, that SWEPCO 201 is by far the best lubricant. The slightly higher price per liter is more than compensated by the enormous savings on overhauls and the elimination of downtime caused by intermediate oil changes.”-
Mr. Rien Brouwer, Maintenance Manager.

Results in other applications may vary. Always consult OEM specifications for proper lubricant selection.