Stroytransgaz Group Launches a Project to Standardize Lube Oils for All Vehicles

STG-Servis, a subsidiary of Stroytransgaz, together with its contractor TK PromAvtoSnab decided to launch a project to standardize technical fluids. The project will allow to select unique oils and greases for most construction machines, special-purpose vehicles and cars.

Suitable lubricants will be determined during tests of the lubricants already used in the company's vehicles. The contractor will analyze several samples after various operating intervals (km/oper.hr) to monitor the condition of lube oil during operation. Based on the results, a diagnostic report (historical) will be generated and used to decide on the use of a lubricant for the stated oil change intervals.

The first sites selected for machinery tests will be the 1st construction phase of M-12 highway (Moscow – Nizhny Novgorod – Kazan) and the headquarters vehicle park. In the future, tests will be performed at all site with Stroytransgaz’ operations.

The laboratory technicians completed the first stage, including the collection of data and the initial analysis of oils and fluids. Samples were taken from hot machines into a sealed 160 mL container using a special vacuum pump and a disposable hose 6 mm in diameter; access to the oil is gained through the dipstick in the internal combustion engine crankcase. Experts analyzed about 20 units of machinery. These include excavators, soil rollers, bulldozers, dump trucks, graders, fuelling trucks, and cars.

The diagnostic laboratory equipment included Fluid Scan spectrometer, a portable device that monitors the condition of the lubricant, a portable kinematic fluidmeter MiniVisc 3000 Series with temperature control which can sense a change in the kinematic viscosity of the sample during operation, which is indicative of the lubricity of the lubricant used. In addition, the "laboratory case" contained a SPECTRO xSORT handheld analyzer that can detect up to 41 chemical elements from Mg to Th in 60 seconds of a measuring cycle at a near-laboratory level. This tool is required to detect/determine wear indicators in lubricant samples taken from power units.

The above instrument kit can supply data about the condition of the lubricant within 10 minutes after sampling from running equipment without interrupting the process. No conclusions are made based on a single sampling and analysis of samples. This process is required to demonstrate equipment operation and to visualize the process for the client. The initial sampling is also required to analyze the condition of power units of the selected units of machinery, to assess the condition of a lubricant and its conformance with the stated specifications.

This standardization project will provide benefits in terms of uninterrupted operation of machinery and savings on its maintenance and repair costs. It is planned to complete the tests at the first sites in March 2022. The winter period was chosen for testing on purpose, because construction machines are exposed to maximum stresses, including freezing temperatures, long idle periods and two-shift operation. Thus, the 24/7 operation of most units of machinery will allow all petroleum products to be tested, including fuel.

This project is implemented as part of implementation of Stroytransgaz production system. The system is designed to improve the performance and quality, reduce construction timing and optimize production processes. Overall, the Production System is aimed at increasing performance many times, meeting the company's strategic goals and optimizing business processes.