Made through a radically advanced processing technology called hydrocracking, the resultant base stocks are so pure they are colourless and excellent building blocks for finished lubricants.
Hydrocracking is a technology which chemically removes all contaminants and unstable hydrocarbons from crude oil. The resultant lubricant, trademarked Hydroclear, produces a base that is water-clear and free of the impurities which contribute to the degradation of conventional lubricants in service.
Conoco said the advantages are synthetic-like performance characteristics in finished lubricants and deliver oxidation stability, low carbon-forming, low volatility, and excellent viscosity stability.
The company said users enjoy a variety of performance advantages that can include: reduction in lubricant consumption, fuel economy improvements, easier cold starts and gear changes and improved equipment protection.
Conoco said hydrocracked base oils, tested against solvent refined base oils, had fewer deposits after eight hours at 315C.
The company also offers a support service that includes lube oil analysis, lubrication engineering support, and total fluids management programs.
One of the products currently used in the mining industry is the Hydroclear PowerDrive fluid, which Conoco said meets the stringent performance requirements of powershift transmissions, final drives, and wet-disc brakes in Caterpillar equipment.
In this application the specialist fluid offers excellent wear protection, good clutch-plate friction, protection against rust and corrosion, excellent shear stability, and maximum resistance to high temperature oxidation and to foaming.
Two specific products applicable to underground coal mines are FC Fluid - D and Conoco Hydroclear EP Gear Oil 460.
Conoco FC Fluid - D, is a water/glycol product and has demonstrated savings in fluid couplings used in underground coal mines. These couplings have previously been filled with water plus a grease mix. Use of FC Fluid - D has resulted in cost savings due to reduced thermal plug stoppages and as well provides very clean internals, reducing the cost of overhaul.
Conoco Hydroclear EP Gear Oil ISO 460, has demonstrated lower operating temperatures and lower foaming tendency than the competitive oil in a conveyor gearbox. Using oil analysis, Conoco Engineers identified and rectified a foaming and contaminant problem.
Conoco has been in existence for 125 years and employs 16,000 people worldwide. In the US Conoco has a focus on the supply of lubricants to the mining market.
Revenues total $US23.2 billion (1998) and net income amounts to $US450 million.
