MARINE LUBRICANTS

POCKETBOOK
FOR SMOOTHER OPERATIONS
www.shell.com/marine

Shell Marine December 2017

LUBRICANTS FOR MARINE APPLICATIONS

Welcome to the Marine Lubricants Pocketbook from Shell Marine. Shell

has, over many years, developed a comprehensive portfolio of exceptional
lubricants, many of which have multiple functions or specialised applications
for the marine industry. This pocketbook is designed as a useful and quick
reference for personnel responsible for engineering operations and maintenance
in the marine sector. The pocketbook provides only a summary of Shell’s
main lubricant grades at the time of printing and contains typical physical
characteristics along with brief product and application descriptions.

Further details on Shell Marine lubricants and their applications can be obtained
from your Shell Marine representative or visit www.shell.com/marine.

3
CONTENTS

MARINE DIESEL ENGINES HIGH-SPEED ENGINE OILS

Slow-speed crosshead (2-stroke) 7 Multigrade oils: Shell Rimula 15
Trunk piston (4-stroke) 7 Monograde oils: Shell Rimula, 17
Shell Rotella, Shell Sirius
CYLINDER OILS
Shell Alexia
8 ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE
LUBRICANTS
SYSTEM OILS Shell Naturelle 18
Shell Melina 10
HYDRAULIC OILS
MEDIUM-SPEED ENGINE OILS Shell Tellus, AeroShell 20
Shell Argina 11
GEAR OILS
Shell Gadinia 13
Mineral: Shell Omala S2 22
Shell Gadinia AL, Shell Mysella 14
Synthetic: Shell Omala S4 23

4
CONTENTS

AIR COMPRESSOR OILS TURBINE OILS

Mineral: Shell Corena S2 24 Shell Turbo T 28
Synthetic: Shell Corena S4 24
TRANSMISSION OILS
REFRIGERATION OILS Shell Spirax 29
Shell Refrigeration Oil 25
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
GAS COMPRESSOR OILS Shell Heat Transfer Oil 30
Shell Gas Compressor Oil 26
2-STROKE OUTBOARD ENGINE OILS
BEARING AND CIRCULATING OILS Shell Nautilus Premium Outboard 31
Mineral: Shell Morlina S2 27
Synthetic: Shell Morlina S4 27

5
CONTENTS

GREASES
Shell Gadus 32
Grease compatibility chart 34

SHELL RAPID LUBRICANTS ANALYSIS (RLA)

Shell RLA 35
Shell RLA test suites 36

LUBRICANTS VISCOSITY CLASSIFICATIONS 38

VISCOSITY COMPARISON CHART 43

GLOSSARY 44

TEST METHOD BODIES 58

6
MARINE DIESEL ENGINES

OIL REQUIREMENTS TRUNK PISTON (4-STROKE)

SLOW-SPEED CROSSHEAD (2-STROKE) Crankcase
Cylinder oil Protection from all effects of oil stress
Protection from all effects of oil stress Controls piston land and ring deposits to prevent ring
Combustion acid neutralisation sticking
Scuffing prevention Resistance to corrosion
Good film strength Neutralises combustion acids
Piston, ring and scavenge port cleanliness Scuffing prevention
Anti-wear properties Extreme pressure properties
SAE 40, SAE 50 and SAE 60 TBN retention and consumption control
Excellent detergency effect
System oil SAE 30 and SAE 40
Good film strength
Classification of marine diesel engines
Resistance to corrosion
Excellent crankcase cleaning effect
Type Slow Medium Medium to High speed
Able to separate from water and insolubles by speed speed high speed
centrifuging
Extreme pressure properties Speed
Rust and oxidation prevention (rpm) 65–150 230–750 600–1,200 1,200–2,250

Resistant to microbial degradation Bore

SAE 30 (mm) 260–1,000 300–650 200–400 100–200

7
CYLINDER OILS

SHELL ALEXIA Shell Alexia S6 (BN100)

Shell Alexia S3 (BN25) A high-performance cylinder oil designed to offer
A cylinder oil for use in low-speed, 2-stroke diesel enhanced protection in the most demanding new or
engines burning low-sulphur and distillate fuels with up modified low-speed 2-stroke diesel engines. A cylinder oil
to 0.5% sulphur. These fuel types are expected to be developed to protect from cold corrosion and to reduce
used in sulphur Emission Control Areas. Shell Alexia the cost of maintaining new and modified engines.
S3 has been engineered to offer excellent cleanliness Approved by MAN Diesel & Turbo, MHI and Wärtsilä.
and protection for all engine types. Approved by MAN Shell Alexia 140 (BN140)
Diesel & Turbo, MHI and Wärtsilä.
High-performance cylinder oil designed for use under
Shell Alexia S4 (BN60) conditions of extreme oil stress requiring high alkalinity
A cylinder oil for use in all 2-stroke low-speed diesel and detergency. It has been engineered to offer
engines burning low-sulphur heavy fuel oil. Approved by excellent performance for the newest, more demanding
MAN Diesel & Turbo, MHI and Wärtsilä. 2-stroke diesel engines under challenging operational
conditions. It is also ideal for use in onboard cylinder
Shell Alexia 50 (BN70) oil mixing systems in combination with lower BN Shell
Shell’s main grade cylinder oil for most low-speed, Alexia cylinder oils or Shell Melina system oils.
2-stroke diesel engines burning heavy fuel oil with up to Outstanding qualities
3.5% sulphur. Millions of running hours have seen Shell
Operational simplicity
Alexia 50 deliver exceptionally clean pistons and rings.
Outstanding neutralisation of combustion products
Approved by MAN Diesel & Turbo, MHI and Wärtsilä.
Excellent piston ring and cylinder wear rates
Superior deposit control
8
CYLINDER OILS

SAE engine Density at

Viscosity BN, mg Flash point, Pour point,
viscosity 15°C,
index KOH/g ºC °C
grade kg/m³

SHELL ALEXIA S3 50 >95 25 235 –15 908

SHELL ALEXIA S4 40 >95 60 >210 < –6 926
SHELL ALEXIA 50 50 >95 70 >205 < –6 932
SHELL ALEXIA S6 50 >95 100 >210 < –6 954
SHELL ALEXIA 140 60 >95 140 >225 < –6 975

Note: For detailed application advice based on your specific engine type and operating conditions, please refer to
manufacturers’ guidelines.

9
SYSTEM OIL

SHELL MELINA S 30 Outstanding qualities

A premium-quality SAE 30 system oil for crosshead Wear protection
engines that can also be used in many different items of Engine cleanliness
marine equipment, such as certain gears and ancillary Multifunctional: stern tubes, gears and general
equipment, to rationalise the number of grades of Excellent crankcase cleaning effect
lubricant carried on board ship. Able to separate from water and insolubles
by centrifuging

SAE Viscosity, mm²/s BN, Density

engine Flash Pour
viscosity mg at 15°C,
point, ºC point, °C
grade 40°C 100°C KOH/g kg/m³

SHELL MELINA S 30 30 104 11.6 5 227 –18 888

10
MEDIUM-SPEED ENGINE OILS

SHELL ARGINA S
Shell Argina S2 40 (SAE 40, BN20)
A multifunctional crankcase lubricant for highly rated medium-speed diesel engines operating on residual, blended or
distillate fuels with sulphur content <2.0%.
Shell Argina S3 30 (SAE 30, BN30)
Shell Argina S3 40 (SAE 40, BN30)
Multifunctional crankcase lubricants for highly rated medium-speed diesel engines operating on residual fuel with sulphur
content <3.0%.
Shell Argina S4 40 (SAE 40, BN40)
A multifunctional crankcase lubricant for highly rated medium-speed diesel engines operating under high-stress
conditions and on residual fuel with sulphur content >2.0%.
Shell Argina S5 40 (SAE 40, BN55)
A multifunctional crankcase lubricant for highly rated medium-speed diesel engines operating under high-stress
conditions and on residual fuel with sulphur content >3.0%. Designed for the latest high-output, low-oil-consumption
engines.

11
MEDIUM-SPEED ENGINE OILS

SHELL ARGINA S Well-balanced high-detergency/low-dispersancy

Optimised to resist oxidation and maintain BN to formulation to effectively release contaminants and
reduce the amount of oil sweetening that is required water in centrifugal separators
Very effective level of detergency leading to The oils have a comprehensive range of engine
exceptionally clean crankcase, valve deck and pistons manufacturers’ approvals.
The formulation has been further optimised to reduce
deposits in critical areas, e.g., piston undercrown.

SAE Viscosity, mm²/s BN, Density

engine Flash Pour
viscosity mg at 15°C,
point, ºC point, °C
grade 40°C 100°C KOH/g kg/m³

SHELL ARGINA S2 40 40 131 13.7 20 230 –21 900

SHELL ARGINA S3 30 30 105 11.9 30 210 –21 900
SHELL ARGINA S3 40 40 130 13.7 30 230 –21 905
SHELL ARGINA S4 40 40 127 13.7 40 230 –21 910
SHELL ARGINA S5 40 40 123 13.7 55 230 –21 920

12
MEDIUM-SPEED ENGINE OILS

SHELL GADINIA S3 30 (SAE 30) Improved cleanliness performance and enhanced

SHELL GADINIA S3 40 (SAE 40) lube oil consumption control
Excellent wear protection
High quality, multifunctional diesel engine lubricants
Shell Gadinia S3 is approved by leading trunk piston
designed for the most severe service main propulsion
engine manufacturers.
and auxiliary marine trunk piston engines burning
distillate, hybrid and biofuels with a sulphur content up Shell Gadinia S3 has a comprehensive set of
to 1%. non-engine approvals, including from Simplex
Optimised for use in non-engine applications like B&V; Ortlinghaus; Stromag; Reintjes; Renk, Rheine;
gearboxes, clutches, deck machinery and stern tubes Renk, Augsburg; Siemens/Flender;MAN Alpha
Very high load carrying capacity (FZG Gear (meets requirements); CLP requirement specification
Machine) – Failure Load Stage 12 (ISO 1435-1 (meets requirements widely); and VDL requirements
A/8.3/90) specification (meets requirements widely).

SAE Viscosity, mm²/s BN, Density

engine Flash Pour
viscosity mg at 15°C,
point, ºC point, °C
grade 40°C 100°C KOH/g kg/m³

SHELL GADINIA S3 30 30 104 11.9 12 210 – 21 890

SHELL GADINIA S3 40 40 128 13.7 12 230 – 21 890

13
MEDIUM-SPEED ENGINE OILS

SHELL GADINIA AL 30 (SAE 30) SHELL MYSELLA S3 N 40

SHELL GADINIA AL 40 (SAE 40) A high-performance natural gas engine oil for lean-burn,
Advanced lubricants for medium-speed trunk-piston spark-ignition 4-stroke engines requiring low-ash oil.
engines running on distillate fuel. Specially designed
SHELL MYSELLA S5 N 40
to control oil consumption in modern engines where
liner lacquering is a potential problem. Suitable for use The highest performance natural gas engine oil for use
in certain gears and ancillary equipment. Approvals: in highly rated spark-ignition 4-stroke engines requiring
Rolls-Royce Bergen, Deutz AG, MAN Diesel & Turbo, low ash oil. It is specially developed to provide
Wärtsilä NSD, MaK and Simplex. extended drain oil intervals.
Reduce lacquer
Lower lubricant consumption
Increased engine reliability
SAE Viscosity, mm²/s BN, Density
engine Flash Pour
viscosity mg at 15°C,
point, ºC point, °C
grade 40°C 100°C KOH/g kg/m³

SHELL GADINIA AL 30 30 95 11.4 15 >200 –18 893

SHELL GADINIA AL 40 40 140 14.3 15 >200 –18 900
SHELL MYSELLA S3 N 40 40 135 13.5 5 230 –18 890
SHELL MYSELLA S5 N 40 40 125 13.3 4.5 264 –18 890

14
HIGH-SPEED DIESEL ENGINE OILS

MULTIGRADE OILS
SHELL RIMULA R4 X 15W-40 (USA, Shell Rotella T Triple Protection 15W-40)
SHELL RIMULA R4 L 15W-40 (LOW-SAPS) (USA, Shell Rotella T3 15W-40)
SHELL RIMULA R6 M 10W-40 (SYNTHETIC) (USA, Shell Rotella T6 5W-40)
High-performance engine oil for highly rated high-speed diesel engines that meet the latest API and ACEA specifications.
Suitable for engines burning distillate fuels with a sulphur content of up to 1.0 %wt.
Outstanding engine cleanliness
Superior wear control
Excellent oxidation resistance

15
HIGH-SPEED DIESEL ENGINE OILS

Viscosity, mm²/s BN, Density at

Flash Pour point,
mg 15°C,
point, ºC °C
40°C 100°C KOH/g kg/m³

SHELL RIMULA R4 X 15W-40 109 14.7 10.5 230 –36 881

SHELL RIMULA R4 L 15W-40 115 15.5 10.0 227 –33 883
SHELL RIMULA R6 M 10W-40 83 13.2 13.0 256 –36 848
SHELL ROTELLA T TRIPLE 120 15.5 10.1 204 –30 879
PROTECTION 15W-40
SHELL ROTELLA T3 115 15.5 10.0 227 –30 879
SHELL ROTELLA T6 87 14.2 10.6 224 –42 858

16
HIGH-SPEED DIESEL ENGINE OILS

MONOGRADE OILS
SHELL RIMULA R3+ 30 (USA, Shell Rotella T1 30)
SHELL ROTELLA DD+ 40
SHELL SIRIUS X 40
Monograde heavy duty diesel engine oils.
Performance specifications
Typical specifications are API CF; ACEA E3-96; MB 228.3;, MAN Diesel & Turbo 3275; Ruston; Wärtsilä; NSD; Volvo
VDS‑2; MTU approved (Type II high-performance category); CWEC approved (Cummins Wärtsilä Engine Company);
MWM Deutz approved (high output, high speed, e.g., TBD 620); meets the requirements of Caterpillar 3600 Series.

SAE Viscosity, mm²/s BN, Density

engine Flash Pour
viscosity mg at 15°C,
point, ºC point, °C
grade 40°C 100°C KOH/g kg/m³

SHELL RIMULA R3+ 30 30 93 11.0 9 242 –18 890

SHELL ROTELLA DD+ 40 40 138 14.4 8 250 –15 899
SHELL SIRIUS X 40 40 139 14.0 17 230 –18 890
SHELL ROTELLA T1 30 30 107 11.9 7.5 210 –24 887
17
ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE LUBRICANTS

VGP 2013 COMPLIANT SHELL NATURELLE HF-E

All Shell Naturelle products meet current EPA-VGP 2013 A synthetic ester based advanced hydraulic fluid for use
requirements. in applications requiring VGP compliance. Approved
for use in major manufacturers’ stabilisers and
SHELL NATURELLE S4 STERN TUBE FLUID 100 controllable-pitch propellers, and holding ISO 15380
A non-emulsifying fluid made from fully saturated (HEES) and DIN 51524 part 2 and 3. EU Ecolabel
esters. Approved by the major stern tube and seal registered for VGP 2013 compliance.
manufacturers. EU Ecolabel certified guaranteeing VGP
compliance. Designed to offer superior lubrication and SHELL NATURELLE GREASE S5 V120P
resistance to hydrolysis. An advanced biodegradable extreme-pressure grease
for use in plain and roller bearings, and for general
SHELL NATURELLE S4 GEAR FLUID vessel lubrication. Approved by major rudder carrier
A fully saturated ester based gear fluid for use in manufacturers. EU Ecolabel registered for VGP 2013
thrusters and propulsion drives, and certain stern tube compliance.
designs. Superior load-carrying performance while SHELL NATURELLE S2 WIRE ROPE LUBRICANT A
maintaining biodegradability. EU Ecolabel registered
for VGP 2013 compliance. A high-performance fully biodegradable lubricant for
use on wire ropes, cables and open gears offering
high resistance to water wash-off while maintaining
outstanding adhesion properties. Complies with the
VGP 2013 requirements.

18
ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE LUBRICANTS

Viscosity, mm²/s Density at 15°C,

Flash point, ºC) Pour point, °C
40°C 100°C kg/m³

SHELL NATURELLE S4 STERN 100 13.7 >230 –30 941

TUBE FLUID 100
SHELL NATURELLE S4 GEAR 68 11.0 >180 –24 909
FLUID 68
SHELL NATURELLE S4 GEAR 100 14.0 280 –24 919
FLUID 100
SHELL NATURELLE S4 GEAR 150 18.0 280 –24 927
FLUID 150
SHELL NATURELLE HF-E 46 47 9.4 322 –42 921
SHELL NATURELLE HF-E 68 68 12.3 320 –42 924

Base NLGI Average dropping point, ºC Operating temperature, ºC

SHELL NATURELLE GREASE Lithium 2 180 –35 to +100
S5 V120P 2
SHELL NATURELLE S2 WIRE Calcium 1–2 120 –20 to +100
ROPE LUBRICANT A
19
HYDRAULIC OILS

SHELL TELLUS S2 VX SHELL TELLUS S4 VX 32

High-performance hydraulic fluids providing outstanding Advanced technology to meet the requirements of
protection and performance across a wide range extremely low ambient temperature conditions.
of temperatures. They resist breakdown under heat
or mechanical stress and are ideally suited to most AEROSHELL FLUID 41
equipment subjected to a wider range of ambient or Excellent low-temperature properties and super-clean
operating temperatures where ISO HV hydraulic fluids levels.
are recommended.
SHELL TELLUS S3 M 46
A premium zinc-free anti-wear formulation used where
ISO HM hydraulic oils are recommended.

20
HYDRAULIC OILS

Viscosity, mm²/s
Flash point, Pour Density at
40°C 100°C ºC point,°C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL TELLUS S2 VX 15 15 3.7 200 –42 820

SHELL TELLUS S2 VX 22 22 4.8 210 –42 835
SHELL TELLUS S2 VX 32 32 6.1 215 –39 854
SHELL TELLUS S2 VX 46 46 7.9 220 –36 856
SHELL TELLUS S2 VX 68 68 10.5 230 –30 860
SHELL TELLUS S2 VX 100 100 14.0 230 –30 870
SHELL TELLUS S3 M 46 46 6.8 220 –33 865
SHELL TELLUS S4 VX 32 33.8 9.9 >100 –60 890
AEROSHELL FLUID 41 14.1 5.3 105 <–60 870

21
GEAR OILS

MINERAL
SHELL OMALA S2 GX
High-quality, extreme-pressure (EP) oils for the lubrication of heavy-duty marine gearboxes. Their high load
carrying capacity, protection against micropitting and compatibility with seals and paints combine to offer
excellent performance in enclosed gear applications. (Specific grades are approved by Siemens AG for use
in Flender, helical, bevel, planetary and marine gear units.)

Viscosity, mm²/s
Flash point, Pour point, Density at
40°C 100°C ºC °C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL OMALA S2 GX 68 68 8.7 >230 –27 885

SHELL OMALA S2 GX 100 100 11.3 >230 –24 891
SHELL OMALA S2 GX 150 150 14.8 >240 –24 897
SHELL OMALA S2 GX 220 220 19.0 >240 –18 899
SHELL OMALA S2 GX 320 320 24.2 250 –15 903
SHELL OMALA S2 GX 460 460 30.6 >250 –12 904
SHELL OMALA S2 GX 680 680 42.1 >250 –9 912

22
GEAR OILS

SYNTHETIC
SHELL OMALA S4 GXV
Advanced synthetic heavy-duty marine gear oil offering outstanding viscosity index and low-temperature
fluidity, low foaming tendency and extended compatibility with seals and paints.
SHELL OMALA S4 WE 220
An excellent anti-oxidation synthetic polyalkylene glycol gear lubricant for operating temperatures up to
200°C or steel-on-bronze applications.

Viscosity, mm²/s
Flash point, Pour point, Density at
40°C 100°C ºC °C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL OMALA S4 GXV 150 150 22.0 240 –45 862

SHELL OMALA S4 GXV 220 220 30.0 240 –42 864
SHELL OMALA S4 GXV 320 320 37.0 240 –42 866
SHELL OMALA S4 WE 220 222 34.4 278 –39 1,074

23
AIR COMPRESSOR OILS

MINERAL SHELL CORENA S4 R

SHELL CORENA S2 P A fully synthetic lubricant for use in oil-flooded screw or
Premium-quality mineral oils with excellent oxidation stability rotary vane air compressors. Shell Corena S4 R 68 meets
for use in reciprocating air compressors with discharge the requirements of ABB for the VTR.4 type turbocharger
temperatures up to 220°C. 5,000-hour oil-drain interval and is approved by GEA
Westfalia separators.
SYNTHETIC
SHELL CORENA S4 P
A high-performance synthetic lubricant for use in reciprocating
air compressors operating under the severest conditions.

Viscosity, mm²/s Flash point, Pour point, Density at

40°C 100°C ºC °C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL CORENA S2 P 100 100 9.2 240 –33 899

SHELL CORENA S2 P 150 155 12.1 240 –30 902
SHELL CORENA S4 P 100 100 10.2 260 –39 988
SHELL CORENA S4 R 46 46 7.7 230 –45 843
SHELL CORENA S4 R 68 68 10.2 248 –45 848
24
REFRIGERATION OILS

SHELL REFRIGERATION OIL S4 FR-F SHELL REFRIGERATION OIL S4 FR-V

A polyol ester refrigeration oil for use with A high-performance universal alkylated benzene
environmentally friendly HFC refrigerant gases R23, refrigeration oil suitable for reciprocating, centrifugal
R134a, R404a, R410 and R507. and rotary compressors using R22 or R717 down to
evaporator temperatures of –60°C.

Viscosity, mm²/s
Flash point, Pour point, Density at
40°C 100°C ºC °C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL REFRIGERATION OIL S4 FR-F 32 31 6.0 >220 –54 1,018

SHELL REFRIGERATION OIL S4 FR-F 68 66 8.8 >230 –42 991
SHELL REFRIGERATION OIL S4 FR-F 100 94 10.7 >230 –42 984
SHELL REFRIGERATION OIL S4 FR-V 32 29 4.1 180 –45 870
SHELL REFRIGERATION OIL S4 FR-V 68 68 6.2 190 –39 871

25
GAS COMPRESSOR OILS

SHELL GAS COMPRESSOR OIL S4 PV 190

A versatile polyalkylene glycol cylinder lubricant for reciprocating compressors handling hydrocarbon and
other gases.

Viscosity, mm²/s
Flash point, Pour point, Density at
40°C 100°C ºC °C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL GAS COMPRESSOR OIL S4 PV 190 190 36.0 262 –30 1,056

26
BEARING AND CIRCULATING OILS

MINERAL SYNTHETIC
SHELL MORLINA S2 B 150 SHELL MORLINA S4 B
A mineral bearing oil giving excellent water shedding A fully synthetic anti-wear bearing oil approved for Alfa
and corrosion protection. Laval separators (ISO 220).

Viscosity, mm²/s
Flash point, Pour point, Density at
40°C 100°C ºC °C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL MORLINA S2 B 150 150 15.0 262 –15 887

SHELL MORLINA S4 B 220 220 28.0 275 –45 854
SHELL MORLINA S4 B 320 320 37.0 275 –45 854
SHELL MORLINA S4 B 460 460 51.0 275 –33 855

27
TURBINE OILS

SHELL TURBO T Excellent

Specialist oils that meet the demands of high-output thermal stability
steam turbines. Meets ISO 8068 L-TSA, L-TGA type demulsibility
B and DIN 51515 L-TD. Shell Turbo T 68 meets the air release
requirements of ABB for VTR.4 type turbocharger 1,000 resistance to foaming
hour oil-drain interval. rust and corrosion protection.

Viscosity, mm²/s
Flash point, Pour point, Density at
40°C 100°C ºC °C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL TURBO T 32 32 5.45 >215 <–33 840

SHELL TURBO T 46 46 6.9 >220 <–27 858
SHELL TURBO T 68 68 8.95 >240 <–24 871
SHELL TURBO T 100 100 11.7 >250 <–24 873

28
TRANSMISSION OILS

SHELL SPIRAX S4 ATF HDX SHELL SPIRAX S3 AX 80W-90

A superior-quality automatic transmission fluid suitable for A high-performance API GL-5 gear and axle oil for
heavy duty transmissions. moderate to heavily loaded gear applications requiring
SAE 80W-90 oil.
SHELL SPIRAX S4 TXM
A premium “universal transmission oil” designed for use
in transmissions, hydraulic systems, oil-immersed brakes
and other ancillary systems.

Viscosity, mm²/s
Flash point, Pour point, Density at
40°C 100°C ºC °C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL SPIRAX S4 ATF HDX 33 7.2 152 –48 847

SHELL SPIRAX S4 TXM 60 9.4 220 –42 882
SHELL SPIRAX S3 AX 80W-90 169 16.8 220 –30 900

29
HEAT TRANSFER FLUID

SHELL HEAT TRANSFER OIL S2

A heat transfer fluid for use in indirect closed fluid heat transfer systems with bulk temperatures up to 320°C.

Viscosity, mm²/s
Flash point, Pour point, Density at
40°C 100°C ºC °C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL HEAT TRANSFER OIL S2 29 5.1 208 –12 857

30
OUTBOARD 2-STROKE ENGINE OIL

SHELL NAUTILUS PREMIUM OUTBOARD

A high-performance lubricant for superior protection of all gasoline outboard 2-stroke motors.
Approved to NMMA TC-W3.

Viscosity, mm²/s
Flash point, Pour point, Density at
40°C 100°C ºC °C 15°C, kg/m³

SHELL NAUTILUS PREMIUM OUTBOARD 38 7.0 70 –35 871

31
GREASES

SHELL GADUS S2 V220 0 Extreme-pressure grease for highly loaded centralised systems.
SHELL GADUS S2 V220 1 Extreme-pressure grease for highly loaded centralised systems.
SHELL GADUS S2 V220 2 High-viscosity base oil multipurpose grease for high loads.
SHELL GADUS S2 A320 2 Extreme-pressure grease withstands water washout while retaining protection.
SHELL GADUS S2 V220AD 2 High-viscosity base oil and mixed lithium–calcium thickener with
molybdenum disulphate.
SHELL GADUS S2 V220AC 2 High-viscosity base oil and mixed lithium–calcium thickener.
SHELL GADUS S2 V100 3 General-purpose grease for use in large electric motors.
SHELL GADUS S3 HIGH Special grease for flexible gear couplings.
SPEED COUPLING GREASE
SHELL GADUS S3 V220C 2 High-viscosity base oil multipurpose grease for high loads.
SHELL GADUS S3 T220 2 Top-performing, high-temperature, extreme-pressure multipurpose grease.
SHELL GADUS S5 V100 2 Synthetic, lithium complex extreme-pressure grease with a wide operating
temperature range.
SHELL GADUS S2 OG 40 Superior performance open-gear grease.
SHELL GADUS S2 OG 50 Superior performance open-gear grease.

32
GREASES

Base NLGI grade Average dropping Operating

point, °C temperature, °C
SHELL GADUS S2 V220 0 Lithium 0 – –20 to +120

SHELL GADUS S2 V220 1 Lithium 1 180 –20 to +120

SHELL GADUS S2 V220 2 Lithium 2 180 –20 to +120

SHELL GADUS S2 A320 2 Calcium 2 85 –10 to +60

SHELL GADUS S2 V220AD 2 Lithium–calcium 2 175 –10 to +120

SHELL GADUS S2 V220AC 2 Lithium–calcium 2 180 –20 to +120
SHELL GADUS S2 V100 3 Lithium 3 180 –20 to +130
SHELL GADUS S3 HIGH SPEED Lithium 1 >150 –30 to +120
COUPLING GREASE
SHELL GADUS S3 V220C 2 Lithium complex 2 240 –25 to +140
SHELL GADUS S3 T220 2 Diurea 2 260 –20 to +160
SHELL GADUS S5 V100 2 Lithium complex 2 260 –50 to +150
SHELL GADUS S2 OG 40 – – – –
SHELL GADUS S2 OG 50 – – – –

33
GREASE COMPATIBILITY CHART

ALUMINIUM CALCIUM CALCIUM CLAY LITHIUM LITHIUM POLYUREA

COMPLEX COMPLEX COMPLEX

ALUMINIUM – ● ● ● ● ● ●
COMPLEX
CALCIUM ● – ● ● ● ● ●
CALCIUM ● ● – ● ● ● ●
COMPLEX
CLAY ● ● ● – ● ● ●
LITHIUM ● ● ● ● – ● ●
LITHIUM ● ● ● ● ● – ●
COMPLEX
POLYUREA ● ● ● ● ● ● –

● Compatible ● Borderline ● Incompatible

This chart is a guide and testing may be required to assess compatibility.

34
SHELL RAPID LUBRICANT ANALYSIS (RLA)

Shell RLA is the oil condition monitoring service that Check test suites are suitable for most equipment with a
helps you to keep your vessels running smoothly by medium impact of failure.
identifying potential oil or equipment failures before Check Plus test suites offer advanced diagnosis at
they become critical. It acts as an early-warning system equipment level and an enhanced test sequence
that aims to give you peace of mind knowing that your suitable for equipment that is critical to the safe
equipment and lubricants are in optimum working order. operation of a vessel.
The Shell RLA service is available to all Shell Marine
customers worldwide.
Shell RLA offers the simplified test suites shown in the table
overleaf. This arrangement provides good flexibility and
enables you to select best test suites for your machinery:
Test provides cost-effective condition monitoring tests for
all vessel equipment types.

35
SHELL RLA TEST SUITES

Viscosity Clean Water Flash IC/DP/

TBN TAN ISO ICP WPI
point, °C MD
40°C 100°C 4406 %vol ppm

Engine test ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Shaft test (1) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔(2)

System test ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Engine check ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Shaft check (1) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔(2) ✔

System check ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Fridge check (3) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Gas engine check (4) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Turbine check ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔(5) ✔

EMD engine check ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔(6) ✔ ✔

Cylinder check ✔ ✔ ✔(7) ✔

Hydraulic check ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

(1) Also includes heptane insolubles; (2) ICP with nickel; (3) includes degas; (4) includes oxidation and nitration; (5) Ca in ppm; (6) Zn in ppm;
(7) Zn and P in ppm

36
SHELL RLA TEST SUITES CONT.

Viscosity Water
Clean ISO Flash point, IC/DP/
TBN TAN ICP WPI
4406 °C MD
40°C 100°C %vol ppm

Gear check ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Thruster check ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Thermal check ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Grease check ✔ ✔

Engine check plus ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

System check plus ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Hydraulics check plus (1) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Gear check plus (1) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Thruster check plus ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

NK stern tube test (8) (9) ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔(2)

(1) Also includes heptane insolubles; (2) ICP with nickel; (3) includes degas; (4) includes oxidation and nitration; (5) Ca in ppm; (6) Zn in ppm;
(7) Zn and P in ppm; (8) includes oxidation; (9) includes direct reading ferrography

37
LUBRICANT VISCOSITY CLASSIFICATIONS

SAE VISCOSITY CLASSIFICATIONS

Engine oils
The most widely used system for engine oil viscosity classification is that established by the Society of Automotive Engineers
(SAE) in the USA. In this system, two series of viscosity grades are defined: those containing the letter W and those without
the letter W.
Grades with the letter W are intended for use at lower temperatures and are based on a maximum low-temperature
viscosity, a maximum borderline pumping temperature and a minimum viscosity at 100°C. Oils without the letter
W,intended for use at higher temperatures, are based on their viscosity at 100°C only.
A “multigrade” oil satisfies the viscosity requirements of one of the W grades at low temperatures and one of the
non-W grades at high temperatures.

38
LUBRICANT VISCOSITY CLASSIFICATIONS

SAE VISCOSITY GRADES FOR ENGINE OILS (1), (2) (J300–JAN2009)

Notes
SAE Low- Low temperature (°C) Low-shear-rate kinematic High-shear-rate
viscosity temperature(°C) pumping viscosity(4), viscosity(5), (mm2/s) at viscosity(6), mPa.s (1) 1 mPa.s = 1 cP; 1 mm2/s = 1 cSt
grade cranking viscosity(3) mPa.s (4) 100°C at 150°C (2) All values, with the exception of the
(mPa.s)
low-temperature cranking viscosity, are
Max. Max. with no yield Min. Max. Min. critical specifications, as defined by
stress ASTM D3244(3) (see text, Section 3)
0W 6,200 at –35 60,000 at –40 3.8 – – (3) ASTM D5293: Cranking viscosity –
5W 6,600 at –30 60,000 at –35 3.8 – – The non-critical specification protocol in
ASTM D3244 shall be applied with a
10W 7,000 at –25 60,000 at –30 4.1 – –
P value of 0.95.
15W 7,000 at –20 60,000 at –25 5.6 – –
(4) ASTM D4684: Note the presence
20W 9,500 at –15 60,000 at –20 5.6 – – of any yield stress detectable by this
method constitutes a failure regardless
25W 13,000 at –10 60,000 at –15 9.3 – –
of viscosity.
20 – – 5.6 <9.3 2.6
(5) ASTM D445
30 – – 9.3 <12.5 2.9
(6) ASTM D4683, CEC L-36-A-90
40 – – 12.5 <16.3 3.5 (0W-40, 5W-40, (ASTM D4741) or ASTM D5481
and 10W-40 grades)

40 – – 12.5 <16.3 3.7 (15W-40,

20W‑40, 25W-40,
40 grades)

50 – – 16.3 <21.9 3.7

60 – – 21.9 <26.1 3.7

39
LUBRICANT VISCOSITY CLASSIFICATIONS

AUTOMOTIVE GEAR LUBRICANTS

This classification is based on the lubricant viscosity measured at low and/or high temperatures. It should be noted
that there is no relationship between the SAE engine oil and gear oil classifications. A gear lubricant and an engine
oil having the same viscosity will have widely different SAE grade designations, as defined in the two classifications.
AXLE AND MANUAL TRANSMISSION LUBRICANT VISCOSITY CLASSIFICATION SAE J306 JUNE 2005.
SAE J306 REVISED JUNE 2005 AUTOMOTIVE GEAR LUBRICANT VISCOSITY CLASSIFICATION

Maximum temperature for viscosity of Kinematic viscosity at 100°C, cSt

SAE viscosity grade 150,000 cP, °C Min. Max.
70W –55 4.1 –
75W –40 4.1 –
80W –26 7.0 –
85W –12 11.0 –
80 – 7.0 <11.0
85 – 11.0 <13.5
90 – 13.5 <18.5
110 – 18.5 <24.0
140 – 24.0 <32.5
190 – 32.5 <41.0
250 – 41.0 –
Note: 1 cP = 1 mPa.s, 1 cSt = 1 mm²/s

40
LUBRICANT VISCOSITY CLASSIFICATIONS

ISO VISCOSITY CLASSIFICATION

The ISO viscosity classification uses centistoke (cSt) units and relates to the viscosity at 40°C. It consists of a series
of 18 viscosity brackets between 1.98 and 1,650.0 cSt each of which is defined by a number. The numbers
indicate, to the nearest whole number, the mid-points of their corresponding viscosity brackets.
ISO viscosity grade Mid-point viscosity at 40°C, cSt Kinematic viscosity limits at 40°C, cSt
Min. Max.
ISO VG 2 2.2 1.98 2.42
ISO VG 3 3.2 2.88 3.52
ISO VG 5 4.6 4.14 5.06
ISO VG 7 6.8 6.12 7.48
ISO VG 10 10 9.00 11.00
ISO VG 15 15 13.50 16.50
ISO VG 22 22 19.80 24.20
ISO VG 32 32 28.80 35.20
ISO VG 46 46 41.40 50.60
ISO VG 68 68 61.20 74.80
ISO VG 100 100 90.00 110.00
ISO VG 150 150 135.00 165.00
ISO VG 220 220 198.00 242.00
ISO VG 320 320 288.00 352.00
ISO VG 460 460 414.00 506.00
ISO VG 680 680 612.00 748.00
ISO VG 1000 1,000 900.00 1,100.00
ISO VG 1500 1,500 1,350.00 1,650.00

41
LUBRICANT VISCOSITY CLASSIFICATIONS

NLGI GREASE CLASSIFICATION Grade No. ASTM worked penetration at 25°C, dmm
The commonly used grease consistency classification is that 000 445–475
established in the USA many years ago by the National 00 400–430
Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI). This classifies greases
0 355–385
solely in terms of their hardness or softness; no other
property or performance level is taken into consideration. 1 310–340
The classification consists of a series of consistency ranges, 2 265–295
each of which is defined by a number (or numbers) from 3 220–250
000 to 6. The consistency is defined by the distance in
4 175–205
tenths of a millimetre that a standard cone penetrates a
sample of the grease under standard conditions at 25°C. 5 130–160
6 85–115

AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS AGMA ISO viscosity grade

ASSOCIATION CLASSIFICATION lubricant No.
AGMA 250.04 1 46
Industrial enclosed gear drives 2 68
3 100
4 150
5 220
6 320
42
 40 6
32 75 W 15 W
70 W
W 15 W
20 22 70 10 W 4
10 W
5W
5 W
10 2
ISO SAE GEARS SAE ENGINE

VISCOSITY COMPARISON CHART

Kinematic viscosities Kinematic viscosity table Saybolt viscosities

cSt cSt SUS SUS
at 40°C at 100°C at 100°F at 210°F
2,000 10,000
70
1,500 8,000 300
60
6,000
1,000 250 5,000
50 1,000 8A
800 4,000 200
40 190
600 680 8 3,000
30
500 140
460 7 2,000
400

300 320 6 60 110 1,500

20
100
200 220 5 50
1,000 90
90
800 80
150 4 40
600 70
85 W
100 100 3 500
80 10 30 60
400
9
68 2 80 W 55
8
60 300
7 20 50
50 200
40 46 1 45
6
30 32 15 W 75 W 150
5
10 W
4 22 40
20 5W 100

15

10 10 60
ISO AGMA SAE SAE
VG grade crankcase gear

43
GLOSSARY

SYMBOL CHEMICAL ELEMENT SYMBOL CHEMICAL ELEMENT

Ag Silver Ni Nickel

Al Aluminium P Phosphorous

B Boron K Potassium

Ba Barium Pb Lead

Ca Calcium S Sulphur

Cr Chrome Sb Antimony

Cu Copper Si Silicon

Fe Iron Sn Tin

Mg Magnesium Ti Titanium

Mn Manganese V Vanadium

Ma Molybdenum Zn Zinc
Na Sodium
44
GLOSSARY

A ANTI-SCUFFING ADDITIVE
An additive included in some lubricant formulations
ABRASION that is absorbed on to metal surfaces to prevent
In gears, a type of wear caused when hard particles direct metal-to-metal contact.
are trapped between the gear teeth.
ANTI-WEAR ADDITIVE
ACID An additive included in some lubricant formulations
Any substance capable of producing hydrogen ions to reduce friction and wear.
in solution. An acid will be neutralised by a base.
APPARENT VISCOSITY (OF A GREASE)
ACIDITY The observed viscosity of a grease that varies with
In lubricants, the acidity denotes the presence of both temperature and flow rate.
acidic constituents whose concentration is usually
defined in terms of an acid number. AROMATIC
An organic chemical compound built mainly of
ADDITIVE carbon and hydrogen atoms, and containing one or
A substance added to a lubricant to improve its more rings of carbon atoms in which there are some
properties or impart new characteristics. double bonds between adjacent carbon atoms.
AIR RELEASE ASPHALTENE
The ability of a fluid to allow the escape of air Large and complex chemical compounds in which
entrained within it. Anti-foaming additives are included sulphur, nitrogen, vanadium and nickel are built into
in some lubricant formulations to suppress foam aromatic structures. They occur predominantly in
formation. heavy residues such as residual fuel and bitumen.

45
GLOSSARY

ASH BLEEDING
Some additives, particularly metallic detergent Separation of oil from grease. Some bleeding
additives, leave behind a powdery residue after is desirable because it provides continuous oil
combustion. This residue is known as ash and it can lubrication to bearings.
cause engine malfunction if allowed to build up in
the combustion chamber. BORE POLISHING
A condition that may occur in the cylinders of
ASH (SULPHATED) turbocharged engines when the cylinder walls
The ash content of an oil, determined by charring appear highly polished. Bore polishing often leads
the oil and breaking down the residue with sulphuric to an increase in oil consumption and wear, and to
acid and evaporating to dryness. Expressed as a decrease in engine efficiency.
percentage by mass.
BOUNDARY LUBRICATION
B A lubrication regime in which the film of lubricant
is so thin that surface-to-surface contact takes place
BASE STOCK (BASE OIL) over a large area and the load is carried by a very
Refined petroleum oil used in the production of thin film of lubricant.
lubricants and other products. The base stock may be
used alone or blended with other base stocks and/or C
additives to manufacture a finished lubricant.
CALCIUM BASE GREASE
BIODEGRADABILITY A grease made from a lubrication fluid thickened
The capacity of a substance to be broken down by with calcium soap. Calcium base grease is highly
the biological action of living organisms. resistant to water but unstable at high temperatures.

46
GLOSSARY

CALCULATED CARBON AROMATICITY INDEX (CCAI) range and is a measurement of the combustion
The CCAI is a number calculated from an quality of diesel fuel during compression ignition.
empirical formula indicating the ignition quality of
a residual fuel. Only the fuel’s density and viscosity COMPATIBILITY
are required. The formula was derived by Shell The ability of substances to exist together without
Research. The higher the CCAI value, the worse the damaging each other.
ignition quality. CORROSION INHIBITOR
CARBON RESIDUE An additive included in some lubricant formulations
Coked materials remaining after an oil has been to help the lubricant protect against corrosion.
exposed to high temperatures under controlled
conditions. D
DEMULSIFICATION
CAVITATION The separation of an emulsion into its component
The formation of pockets of air or vapour in a fluid liquids.
when the pressure on the fluid is reduced.
DENSITY
CCAI Mass per unit volume. Standard units are
See calculated carbon aromaticity index. kilogrammes per cubic metre (kg/m3) or grammes
CETANE INDEX per cubic centimetre (g/cm3).

Cetane index is used as a substitute for the cetane DETERGENT

number of diesel or distillate fuel. The cetane index is An additive included in most engine oil formulations
calculated based on the fuel’s density and distillation to inhibit deposit formation and protect the lubricated
surfaces.
47
GLOSSARY

DEW POINT DYNAMIC VISCOSITY

The temperature at which water vapour starts to The viscosity of a fluid defined as the shear stress (the
condense. force causing movement between adjacent layers of
fluid) divided by the rate of shear (the difference in
DISPENSABILITY speed between adjacent layers of fluid).
The property of a grease that governs the ease with
which it may be transferred from its container to its E
point of application.
ENGINE DEPOSITS
DISPERSANT Accumulations of sludge, varnish and carbonaceous
An additive included in some lubricant formulations residues caused by blow-by of unburned and
to hold insoluble contaminants in suspension. partially burned fuel, or from partial breakdown of the
crankcase lubricant. Water from the condensation of
DISTILLATE combustion products, carbon, residues from fuel or
Any product obtained by condensing the vapours lubricating oil additives, dust and metal particles also
distilled from a refining process. contribute.
DROPPING POINT EMULSIFICATION
Lowest temperature at which a grease is sufficiently The forming of an emulsion.
fluid to drip, as determined by test method ASTM
D566 or ASTM D2265. This test helps determine EXTREME PRESSURE (EP) ADDITIVE
whether a grease will flow or not from a bearing at An additive included in some lubricant formulations
the operating temperature. to provide extra protection against wear. Under
heavy loads, EP additives form a protective
chemical film on the surfaces in contact.

48
GLOSSARY

F FZG GEAR TEST RIG

A method for determining the load carrying capacity
FILM STRENGTH of lubricants. Calibrated spur gears are operated at
The ability of a film of oil or grease to resist rupture fixed speeds and controlled initial oil temperatures
due to load, speed, temperature or shock loading. for 15-min stages. The load on the gear teeth is
FILTERABILITY increased at each stage. Lubricant performance is
The ability of a liquid to pass freely through a filter judged by the number of stages run up to a defined
without clogging it. weight loss of the test gears or visual assessment of
damage to the tooth flanks. The maximum number of
FLAMMABILITY stages is 12.
How easily something can be ignited and burned.
FLASH POINT
G
The lowest temperature of a liquid at which the vapour GRAVITY
above the liquid can be ignited by an open flame. For petroleum products only, the mass/volume
relationship expressed as
FRICTION
The force that resists relative movement between two Specific gravity = mass/unit volume product at 60°F
surfaces in contact. at 60°F
mass/unit volume water at 60°F
FUEL INJECTION
( )
141.5
The introduction of fuel under pressure directly into API gravity = –131.5
the cylinders of an internal combustion engine. specific gravity at 60°F

49
GLOSSARY

GREASE
A lubricant with a semi-solid consistency produced by
I
dispersing a thickening agent in a base oil. IMMISCIBLE
Incapable of being mixed to form a homogeneous
H fluid (or mixture), e.g., oil plus water.
HIGH VISCOSITY INDEX (HVI) INCOMPATIBILITY
An HVI oil is one having a viscosity index of between Incompatibility occurs when a mixture of two lubricants
about 85 and 115. results in physical properties or performance being
markedly inferior to those of both individual products.
HYDROCARBONS Performance or properties inferior to one of the products
Chemical compounds that consist entirely of carbon but superior to the other may be due to simple mixing
and hydrogen. They form the basic components of all and is not considered evidence of incompatibility.
fuels and lubricants derived from petroleum.
INHIBITOR
HYDRODYNAMIC LUBRICATION A substance that is added in a small proportion to a
The lubrication regime that provides the best lubricant to prevent or retard undesirable changes in
lubricating conditions and exists when two moving the quality of the lubricant or in the condition of the
surfaces are completely separated by a relatively equipment in which the lubricant is used.
thick film of lubricant.
INSOLUBLES
Contaminants found in used oils such dust, dirt, wear
particles and/or oxidation products, which are
often measured as pentane or benzene insolubles to
distinguish the different types of insoluble matter.

50
GLOSSARY

ISO 8217
The international standard Petroleum products – Fuels
L
(Class F) – Specification for marine fuels defines LACQUER
a range of fuel grades that meet the requirements A hard, shiny, transparent surface coating usually
for marine fuels supplied on a worldwide basis for found in engines and derived from the breakdown
consumption on board ships. The standard sets out products of fuel and lubricant.
the required properties of the fuels at the time and LITHIUM BASE GREASE
place of custody transfer. The current version of the A product prepared from a lubricating fluid thickened
standard was published in 2012. with lithium soap. Lithium base grease resists both
ISO VISCOSITY GRADE (ISO 3104) heat and moisture.
A measure of the viscosity of a lubricant at 40°C, as LOW VISCOSITY INDEX (LVI)
specified in the viscosity grading system laid down by Low viscosity index oils have a viscosity index of less
International Standards Organization. than about 30.
K M
KINEMATIC VISCOSITY MECHANICAL STABILITY
A definition of viscosity commonly used by lubricant The ability of a grease to resist structural breakdown
manufacturers. It is equal to the dynamic viscosity of a when mechanically worked.
liquid divided by its density.
MINERAL OIL
Oil derived from fractionating and purifying crude oil.

51
GLOSSARY

MISCIBLE NITRATION
Descriptive of substances, usually liquids, that mix The process whereby nitrogen oxides attack
together to form a homogeneous fluid. petroleum fluids at high temperature, often resulting in
viscosity increases and deposit formation.
MIXED BASE GREASE (MIXED SOAP GREASE)
A grease made by co-crystallisation of two or more NLGI NUMBER
metallic soaps, usually lithium and calcium. A numerical scale for classifying the consistency or
stiffness range of lubricating greases.
MONOGRADE
An oil with a viscosity that satisfies the requirements of NON-SOAP THICKENER
only one grade of the SAE grading system. A substance such as clay, silica gel, carbon black or
any of several specially treated or synthetic materials
MULTIGRADE that can be either thermally or mechanically
A term used to describe an oil for which the dispersed in liquid lubricants to form lubricating
viscosity/temperature characteristics are such that its grease. Also called synthetic thickener. Certain types
low- and high-temperature viscosities fall within the are called inorganic thickeners.
limits of two different SAE grades.

N O
OIL-IMMERSED BRAKES
NAPHTHENIC BASE STOCK An automotive braking system installed in the vehicle
A type of base stock prepared from naphthenic gearbox or rear axle rather than at the wheels.
crudes containing a high percentage of ring-type
asphaltic hydrocarbons. They are characterised by
high specific gravity and a low viscosity index.

52
GLOSSARY

OIL MIST LUBRICATION POLYALPHAOLEFIN (PAO)

A system of lubrication used in some gearboxes in A synthetic hydrocarbon with a defined molecular
which the lubricant is atomised and sprayed into the structure. Their low- and high-temperature and viscosity–
gearbox in a stream of dry compressed air. temperature characteristics are better than for mineral
oils.
OIL SEPARATION
In greases, the separation of the base oil from the POLYMER
thickener. A chemical compound of large molecular size that is
built up from numerous smaller molecules linked together.
OXIDATION STABILITY
The ability of a chemical to resist chemical POUR POINT
breakdown by the action of oxygen. The lowest temperature at which an oil will just flow.

P POUR POINT DEPRESSANT

An additive included in some lubricant formulations
PENETRATION to minimise the tendency of an oil to congeal when
A measure of the consistency (hardness) of a grease. it is cooled.
All penetration measurements are on an inverse scale
to consistency, i.e., the softer the consistency, the PUMPABILITY
higher the penetration number. The characteristic of an oil or grease that ensures
satisfactory flow to and from the engine oil pump and
PITTING subsequent lubrication of moving components.
In gears, a type of wear in which cracks develop
in gear teeth because of metal fatigue caused by
overloading.

53
GLOSSARY
R S
REFINING SAE SYSTEM
A series of processes for converting crude oil to A system devised by the Society of Automotive
finished petroleum products, including thermal Engineers for classifying engine and automotive gear
cracking, catalytic cracking, polymerisation, lubricants according primarily to their viscosity.
alkylation, reforming hydrocracking, hydroforming,
hydrogenation, hydrogen treating, solvent extraction, SAPONIFICATION
dewaxing, deoiling, acid treating, clay filtration and The chemical conversion of a fatty acid and base
deasphalting. or alkali into a soap. A common process in grease
manufacture.
RESIDUAL FUEL OIL
Very heavy fuel oils produced from the residue of the SCUFFING
fractional distillation process rather than from the distilled In gears, a type of wear which develops when direct
fractions. This is a term for fuel oil mainly comprising the metal-to-metal contact takes place between gear teeth.
residues remaining after refining crude oil. Shell marine SHEAR STABILITY
residual fuels oils are called Shell MFO. The ability of a liquid to resist being degraded by
RING STICKING mechanical shearing forces. Also refers to the ability
The situation when the piston grooves become of a grease to resist changes in consistency.
sufficiently full of deposits to prevent the piston rings SILICONE
from moving freely. A complex synthetic polymer composed of repeated
RUST INHIBITOR silicon containing units and often used where a
An additive in some lubricant formulations to restrict chemically inert lubricant is required.
rust formation on lubricated surfaces.
54
GLOSSARY
SLUDGE SOLVENT EXTRACTION
A black sooty deposit that usually forms in engines as Refining process used to separate reactive
a result of oil oxidation and ineffective dispersancy. components (unsaturated hydrocarbons) from lubricant
distillates to improve the oxidation stability, viscosity
SOAP index and response to additives.
A compound formed by the reaction between a metal
hydroxide (such as lime) and a fatty acid (an organic SPARK IGNITION
acid derived from natural fats), e.g., lithium, calcium The system of ignition used in a petrol engine
soaps in grease. whereby a fuel–air mixture is ignited by an electric
spark.
SODIUM BASE GREASE (SODA GREASE)
A grease prepared from a lubricating fluid thickened SPECTROGRAPHIC OIL ANALYSIS
with sodium soap, stable at high temperatures but A sophisticated analytical technique for determining
washing out in moist conditions. the types and quantities of elements in an oil sample.
SOLID LUBRICANT SPLASH LUBRICATION
Any class of lubricants in which the reduction of A system of lubrication in which a machine part
friction and wear during sliding is caused by making travels through an oil bath and, in so doing, splashes
the shearing take place within the crystal structure of lubricant onto nearby surfaces requiring lubrication.
a material with low shear strength in one particular
plane. Examples include graphite, molybdenum SPRAY LUBRICATION
disulphide and certain soaps. Lubricating grease is A system of lubrication in which the lubricant is
not a solid lubricant, but may contain solid lubricants sprayed directly on to the surfaces to be lubricated.
as additives.

55
GLOSSARY

STABILISER THICK FILM LUBRICATION

An additive that may be included in some grease The same as hydrodynamic lubrication.
formulations to ensure that the base oil and the thickener
form a stable mixture with uniform composition. THICKENING AGENT
A substance used in making greases that is mixed with
STATIC FRICTION base oil to produce a stable semi-solid product.
The force that tends to prevent one body sliding over
another. TOTAL ACID NUMBER (TAN)
TAN is a measure of the acidity of a lubricant, usually
SYNTHETIC expressed in terms of the amount of alkali needed
Produced artificially rather than occurring naturally. to neutralise it. A measurement of TAN can give an
indication of the deterioration of an oil in service due
T to oxidation.
TACKINESS ADDITIVE TOTAL BASE NUMBER (TBN)
An additive that may be included in the formulation of TBN is a measure of the reverse of basicity of a
lubricants for slideways and open gears to help the lubricant. A measurement of TBN can often give
lubricant adhere more effectively. important information about the depletion of basic
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY additives.
The ability of a material to conduct heat. TOXICITY
THERMAL STABILITY The capacity of a substance to harm living organisms.
The ability of a substance to resist degradation owing
to the effects of heat.

56
GLOSSARY

V W
VARNISH WATER RESISTANCE
A hard, shiny, transparent surface coating sometimes The ability of a lubricant to withstand the addition of
found in engines and derived from the breakdown water to the lubricant system without adverse effects.
products of fuel and lubricant.
WATER SEPARABILITY
VISCOSITY The ability of a lubricating oil to shed any water with
Resistance to flow relating to the thickness of the fluid. which it has become intimately mixed.
VISCOSITY INDEX (VI) X
An arbitrary number that indicates how the viscosity XHVI
of a fluid varies with changes in temperature. A fluid A registered trademark used to describe Shell
with a viscosity that is relatively sensitive to changes in manufactured synthetic base oils with an exceptionally
temperature has a low viscosity index. high viscosity index.
VISCOSITY INDEX IMPROVER (VII) Y
An additive that may be added to some lubricating
oils to make their viscosity less sensitive to changes YIELD POINT
in temperature. The point at which a grease just begins to flow when
pressure is applied to it.
VOLATILITY
The tendency of an oil to evaporate on heating. Z
ZDDP
Commonly used name for zinc dithiophosphate, an
anti-wear/oxidation inhibitor additive.

57
TEST METHOD BODIES

ACEA Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles

ANSI American National Standards Institute
APE Association of Petroleum Engineers (USA)
API American Petroleum Institute
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials (now ASTM International)
ATC Technical Committee of Petroleum Additive Manufacturers in Europe
ATIEL Association Technique de l’Industrie Européenne des Lubrifiants
BTC British Technical Council of the Motor and Petroleum Industries (member CEC)
CCMC Comité des Constructeurs d’Automobiles du Marche Commun (replaced by ACEA)
CEC Coordinating European Council for the Development of Performance Tests for Fuels, Lubricants and
Other Fluids
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung eV (German Institute for Standardization)
EFTC Engine Fuels Technical Committee (of CEC)
ELTC Engine Lubricants Technical Committee (of CEC)
FZG Forschungsstelle für Zahnräder und Getriebebau
IP Institute of Petroleum (UK)
ISO International Organization for Standardisation
MIL US military specifications
NLGI National Lubricating Grease Institute (USA)
CIMAC Conseil International des Machines a Combustion
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
STLE Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers

58
Shell Marine

Contact your Shell Marine account manager to find out more.

www.shell.com/marine

Issued December 2017