BEL Valves (Newcastle) saves over £20,000 annually by switching to Mobilcut 242...
Mobilcut 242 has been successfully used for the machining of carbon steel and nickel alloys at BEL Valves (Newcastle) for over 12 months. During this time it has fully met the BEL Valves requirement for a durable high performance fluid, achieving a sump life in excess of 12 months. Combined with the TLC Service Programme, Mobilcut 242 has helped to reduce usage by more than 30%, producing savings of over £20k per annum.
The Issue
BEL Valves (Newcastle) had been using a competitor product for approximately 5 years, machining a range of materials including carbon steels, nickel alloys and high strength super austenitic material.
A site survey was conducted and our engineers identified a number of problems with the existing product in that concentration levels were not being maintained, acidity levels were high, and bacteria levels were unacceptable - resulting in malodorous odours throughout the factory.
The Trial
A 3 months trial was agreed, the objective being to reduce and maintain concentration levels, control pH and bacteria levels, extend sump life without any reduction in performance and eradicate bad odours.
The Mazak Integrex 400 was selected as the trial machine and after careful consideration, Mobilcut 242 was put forward as the most suitable product for this application. The machine was throughly steamed cleaned and flushed out using Mobilcut ESC by TLC Coolant Service Engineers.
After 3 months it was agreed by both parties that all the objectives had been exceeded and the trial had been a complete success. This lead to all the machines across the entire factory being changed over to Mobilcut 242.
There are 48 machines on site including Mazak CNC Lathes, Mori Seiki CNC Lathes and Giddings and Lewis borers all performing a variety of machining operations including turning, drilling, tapping and milling.
The Benefits
Since the introduction of Mobilcut 242, there has been no reduction in cutting performance or surface finish. In comparison to the previous year top-up volumes and waste has been reduced by over 30% which when multiplied by the other 48 machines produces a saving in excess of £20,000 per annum.
No biocides have been used and there has been no report of problems relating to bacterial degradation. Mobilcut 242 has effectively solved the previous inherited problems - the working environment is much cleaner, with no bad odours, and no HSE issues.
We provide technical support to BEL Valves in the form of a weekly service visit when fluid concentrations and pH values are recorded at all machining heads. A full report of the findings is submitted electronically to the Manufacturing Operations Manager on weekly basis.
About BEL Valves (Newcastle)
BEL Valves (a division of British Engines Ltd) manufactures high integrity valves for the Oil and Gas industry. As part of the British Engines Group, it has a reputation for investing heavily in the latest capital equipment and people skills to provide a range of Valves, Actuators and Controls for the Surface and Subsea Oil and Gas industry, worldwide.
BEL Valves has a specific focus on high pressure and high integrity applications, and is recognised throughout the industry as a high reliability supplier capable of delivering premium products and services, and expects the same from its own suppliers.
