Overview
A South Carolina paper packaging mill was facing degraded oil and increasing varnish and oxidation in their paper machine system. The Mobil™ engineering team ran a Maximum Service oil analysis, then treated the system with Mobil™ Solvancer® at a 5% treat rate to dissolve varnish while the machine remained in operation. After 4+ weeks of circulation, a full oil change to Mobil DTE™ PM 220 was completed — eliminating the need for time-consuming flushing entirely. The result: over $1M in annual savings, 48 hours of downtime avoided, 99 hours of reduced risk exposure, and 3,938 gallons of oil preserved.
Problem
A large paper packaging company in South Carolina observed degraded oil and increased signs of oxidation and varnish in their paper machine oil system. The mill approached the Mobil™ engineering team requesting support to maximize oil life, minimize downtime and ensure asset availability.
Solution
The Mobil™ team conducted a Maximum Service oil analysis test to determine varnish and oxidation severity. Mobil™ engineers prescribed a 5% treat rate of Mobil™ Solvancer® oil-soluble cleaner to remove varnish from the system during operation.
Following 4+ weeks of circulation, an oil change out to Mobil DTE™ PM 220 paper machine oil was completed. The oil change in conjunction with Mobil™ Solvancer’s® exceptional ability to remove varnish, carbon and sludge from circulating lubrication systems provided a clean system with a data-driven approach.
Results
Varnish and oxidation by products at the mill have been removed and oil-wetted surfaces cleaned to enable maximum oil life. By using the Mobil™ lab and a pre-treatment of Mobil™ Solvancer®, followed by an oil change of Mobil DTE™ PM 220, the paper machine system was cleaned and returned to service. This removed the need for time-consuming flushing and enabled longer oil life through varnish removal. The use of Mobil™ Solvancer® saved the mill 48 hours of additional downtime and lost equipment availability and provided annual savings exceeding $1M.
Annual Savings ~$1M USD — Revenue Improvement 99 Hours — Exposure Reduction 3,938 Gallons** — Environmental Improvement
Advancing Productivity
Helping you reach your Safety, Environmental Care** and Productivity goals through our innovative lubricants and services is our highest priority. That’s Advancing Productivity. And that’s how we help you achieve your broader vision of success.
*This Proof of Performance is based on the experience of a single customer. Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used. *Visit mobil.com to learn how certain Mobil-branded lubricants may provide benefits to help reduce environmental impact. Actual benefits depend upon product, operating conditions and application. Copyright © 2024 ExxonMobil. All trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. All Rights Reserved. ©2026 Fluitec. Fluitec, DECON and Solvancer are registered trade-marks of Fluitec NV or one of its subsidies. Other trademarks shown are property of their respective owners.
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