Testimonials
Wolverine Gasket saved over $11,000 in 18 months using LE's 6403 MONOLEC® oil on their compressors.
key takeaways
Challenge
Switching from commercial grade motor oil to a more efficient alternative could extend oil change intervals beyond three months and reduce the air compressor’s operating temperatures.
LE solution
Wolverine Gasket switched to LE’s 6403 MONOLEC® & O Compressor / Turbine Oil, resulting in a 5 amp reduction in amperage and a 5º F temperature decrease, leading to savings in lubricant consumption and electrical costs.
Results
By converting three air compressors to LE’s 6403 MONOLEC R & O Compressor/Turbine Oil, Wolverine Gasket & Manufacturing Company saved over $11,000 in electrical energy, lubricant, parts, and labor costs in 18 months.
Customer Profile
Wolverine Gasket & Mfg. Co. manufactures gaskets. They have been an LE customer since 1990.
Application
A Gardner-Denver Electra-Screw air compressor that runs 24 hours per day, six days a week, provides all plant air for their operation.
Challenge
When they were using commercial grade motor oil this air compressor, it was running hot, making it necessary to change oil every three months. Maintenance Supervisor was looking for an oil that would offer longer drain intervals and also lower the operating temperatures on the unit.
LE Solution
The local LE representative recommended LE’s 6403 MONOLEC® & O Compressor / Turbine Oil to control deposits and give protection against wear, corrosion and rust. Based on expected savings in lubricant consumption by extending drain intervals and lowering electrical costs, Wolverine Gasket agreed to a conversion. Amperage and temperature readings were taken on the air compressor unit prior to converting to LE’s 6403. The amperage draw measured 65 amps. The unit was drained warm, flushed and then filled with LE’s 6403. Readings after the conversion recorded a 5 amp drop and a 5º F temperature reduction.
Results
The following formula is used to find the cost of a unit’s electrical consumption. This is the same formula used by the local utility company.
.Volts x Amps Saved x 1.73* = kW Savings kW Savings x Hours of Operation Per Month = Monthly kWh Savings kWh Savings x Electrical Charge x 12 months = Energy Savings Per Year *Conversion Factor for a 3-Phase Power Source
.480 x 5 x 1.73 = 4.15 4.15 x 624 = 2,589.60 2,589.60 x $0.0814 x 12 = $2,529.52 Savings per Year
TOTAL ENERGY SAVINGS FOR 18 MONTHS = $3,974.28 TOTAL OIL/LABOR COST SAVINGS PER CHANGEOUT IN 18 MONTHS = $429.00
LE’s 6403 MONOLEC® R & O COMPRESSOR / TURBINE OIL TOTAL SAVINGS IN 18 MONTHS = $4,223.28 ON ONE AIR COMPRESSOR UNIT!
Wolverine Gasket & Manufacturing Company also converted two other air compressors to LE’s 6403 MONOLEC R & O Compressor / Turbine Oil. One is an Atlas Copco model GAU 37, 50 hp, which showed a 5 amp drop after converting to LE’s 6403. In 18 months this amounts of $4,223.28 in operating costs. The second Atlas Copco air compressor model GAU 609, 60 hp showed a 4 amp drop after converting to LE’s 6403. This amounts to a $3,464.42 savings in operating costs over 18 months.
In 18 months, Lubrication Engineers, Inc. has saved Wolverine Gasket & Manufacturing Company over $11,000 for electrical energy, lubricant, parts and labor costs.