Expert Q&A: Powering Next-generation Gas Engines

Shell Mysella S7 N Ultra engine oil is fully compatible with other products on the market. However, to unlock its full benefits, we would recommend that operators completely drain the engine lubricating system before application to avoid combining with the previous oil, which could compromise its performance.

The greater the efficiency of the latest stationary gas engines, the higher their operating pressures and temperatures. Sensitivity to knocking, and other potential combustion chamber issues in these engine designs, have been managed through lower lubricant consumption rates. As a result, oil stress levels are significantly higher in the most efficient engine designs. Shell Mysella S7 N Ultra has been specifically designed to handle higher stress levels in the harshest operational conditions.

It will keep the engine running reliably, even with increased residence time of the oil on the hot engine parts at lower oil consumption levels; a growing trend amongst the latest stationary gas engines. Other lubricants with a poorer oil life or deposit control would not be able to perform as well.

The product’s ash level benefits a lower oil consumption environment, since it effectively works to lubricate valve seats on the cylinder head, preventing valve recession. This is not necessarily the case for the previous generation of low ash engine oils.

As our field tests demonstrated, Shell Mysella S7 N Ultra has an ultra-extended oil life; up to double that of previous generation premium gas engine oils. This is achieved through improved oxidation resistance, base number retention and optimum viscometrics. It also offers excellent control of deposits, as well as improved overall engine protection through advanced formulation technology. *_{Results are supported by 45,000+ hours of field trials in more than 10 Jenbacher Type 6 engines.}

Ultra-extended oil drain intervals, engine protection and system efficiency decrease the frequency of engine inspection, the need for repair and the purchase of replacement parts. Helping to reduce time spent on maintenance and total cost of ownership, and increase operational reliability.

Keeping piston assemblies clean can effectively prevent scuffing, which can be caused by deposits accumulating in the ring grooves, impacting how piston rings move. Excessive deposits can result in either lack of movement or abnormal movement, such as rings being pushed unevenly towards the cylinder liner. This can result in scuffing and lead to a power unit failure, forcing the engine to be stopped for corrective/unplanned maintenance with consequences for operational efficiency.

Shell Mysella S7 N Ultra delivers excellent deposit control and handling for trouble-free piston running, which helps boost engine efficiency, avoid unplanned downtime and means predictive maintenance intervals can be followed as determined by the manufacturer. *_{Results are supported by 45,000+ hours of field trials in more than 10 Jenbacher Type 6 engines.}

There are many long-term benefits of choosing the highest performing lubricant, all of which help keep energy companies running and ultimately boost the bottom line. In summary:

Maximum productivity: extending oil drain intervals, especially if they are synchronised with predictive maintenance, means reduced downtime and equipment is working harder for longer.

Increased reliability: ensuring the smooth running of the engine means you avoid unplanned maintenance. This is almost impossible to quantify, highly disruptive and could even lead to the loss of business.

Reduced total cost of ownership: lowering the frequency of expensive engine part replacement, thanks to excellent deposit handling and wear prevention, will save you money.

Better planning: determining maintenance intervals or oil drains means you can more easily plan your operations from a business perspective.

An excessive accumulation of deposits on a piston assembly not only increases maintenance needs, but may result in the need to replace entire components, including the power unit itself.

Meanwhile a cleaner piston ring assembly on a power unit means that the time required to undertake planned maintenance can be greatly reduced.

Using the high-performance Shell Mysella S7 N Ultra can improve the condition, and maximise the potential of, engine parts, until the next planned maintenance. This means customers can reap the benefits of component-designed lifetimes, planned costs and scheduled downtime. In some cases there is the potential to extend part lifetime and therefore enjoy additional cost savings.

The less a maintenance team needs to manipulate large engine parts, or actually dismantle and reassemble the full engine, then the less exposure to risk.

Customers’ health and safety are a priority for Shell. As with all our lubricants, Shell Mysella S7 N Ultra has been developed with consideration for HSSE requirements. Reducing the risk from the molecules involved in our technology, and developing lubricants that are as HSSE-friendly as possible, are key ambitions for Shell’s ongoing product innovation strategy.