ExxonMobil Greases

for Electric Motors

ExxonMobil Electric Motor Greases
Introduction

As part of continuous development, ExxonMobil has introduced a new grease series designed and
dedicated to electric motor high speed bearings.

Named Mobil SHC Polyrex™ 102 EM & 103 EM, this new grease technology outperforms the existing
grease offer for electric motors.

#1 Best #2 Better #3 Good

Mobil SHC Polyrex Mobil Polyrex EM & EM 103 Unirex N 2 / N 3
™ ™ ™

102 EM & 103 EM Premium mineral greases Quality mineral grease

Superior synthetic greases for for long-life lubrication of for standard electric
extra long-life lubrication of electric motors. motor applications.
electric motors.

This deck is articulated in 3 main parts. Firstly it provides an understanding of the lubrication trends and requirements of modern electric
motors. Secondly it presents how greases perform in regards to the specific requirements of electric motors and lastly guides the selection
for the most suitable greases.
Electric Motor Trends
• Grease is considered a fundamental component of
premium electric motors
- Grease requirements are specified by OEMs as integral to new designs

• Increasing power density

- Motors becoming smaller for given power output
- Speeds and operating temperatures increasing

• Greases are required to last the life of the motor: Fill for Life
- Requires balance of thermal stability, oil release characteristics,
and structural stability

• Increasing demand for improved energy efficiency motors

- The cost of energy to run a motor can be up to ten times its purchase cost
- New developments on integrated bearing and grease designs to lower
resistance torque

• Need for quieter greases increasing substantially

for noise-sensitive applications
- Automotive under-the-hood application
- Consumer goods

• Increasing use of roller bearings

- Requires greases with better shear stability

• Increasing use of grease distribution systems

and single point lubricators
– Better pumpability, controlled oil bleed and thermo-structural stability
Electric Motors
Operating Requirements
• Bearings are expected to perform in multiple areas depending
on the end application
MOUNTING
• This requires dedicated greases with balanced properties LOW NOISE (HORIZONTAL/
VERTICAL)

GREASE
EFFICIENCY APPLICATION
MODE

LOAD / ENVIRONMENT
VIBRATIONS (DUST, WATER)

HIGH LOW
TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE
OPERATIONS START-UPS
Key Grease Performance Requirements
The Balanced Formulation Approach

High Temperature Performance Wear Protection

Extended lubrication at high temperature: Appropriate wear protection
• Sustain temporary or permanent heat • Protection against bearing loading
• Resistant to grease aging over time • Reduced frictional wear
• Prolonged life
Oil Control
Structural Stability Ability to retain oil for gradual release
Limited softening under mechanical stress • Prevent oil starvation or fast depletion
• Softening affects grease channeling property. • Limits risks of oil leakage
Resulting grease flow in rolling contacts cause • Prolonged life
friction and heat leading to premature oxidation
• Prolonged life High Temperature Performance
1 .0
0. 8
Corrosion Protection
Oil 0. 6
Structural
Protection of bearings against corrosion
Control 0. 4
Stability
• Compatible with metals used in the equipment 0. 2

• Condensation during shut downs cause corrosion

Low Temperature Performance Wear Corrosion

Protection Protection
Reliable performance at low temperatures
• Hardened grease can impede start-up at low temperatures
• Pumpability critical to automatic dispensing systems Low Temperature Performance
Generic Design of
Electric Motor Greases
• Consistency
– NLGI 2 or 3 – Best suited for grease channeling and oil retention
– NLGI 3 grade usually preferred in following cases:
– large motors where bearings operate with high peripheral speeds
(typically D.N* > 250,000)
– motors subject to important vibrations
– motors vertically mounted or with unshielded bearings
• Viscosity
– Base oil viscosity in 85 cSt / 115 cSt range @ 40°C
– Ensures optimal EHL protection film and reduced torque resistance

• Thickener and Base oil

– Multiple combinations possible
–C ontribute to mechanical stability, oil control, torque & flow, low noise,
seal compatibility, …

• Additives
– Improves oxidation resistance, rust & corrosion protection, wear protection …
–P otential adverse effect on grease thermal and mechanical stability -
Requires careful selection!
Grease Offer for Electric Motors
An offering that fits a wide scope of operating conditions & customer expectations

Thickener: Polyurea
Mobil SHC Polyrex Oil : 87 cSt @ 40°C, VI~108, Synthetic oil
™

102 EM & 103 EM NLGI 2 & 3

DIN 51825: KHC2R-30 & KHC3R-20

Thickener: Polyurea
Mobil Polyrex Oil : 115 cSt @ 40°C, VI~95, Group I (Mineral)
™

EM & EM 103 NLGI 2 & 3

DIN 51825: K2P-20 (Pol.EM) & K3P-20 (Pol.EM 103 -predicted)

Thickener: Lithium Complex

Oil : 115 cSt @ 40°C, VI~95, Group I (Mineral)
Unirex
™

NLGI 2 & 3
N2&N3
DIN 51825: K2N-20L & K3N-20L
ISO 6743-9: L-XBDHA 2 & L-XBDHA 3

Which grease is the best for electric motor lubrication?

Bench Test Assessment
High Temperature Performance

Oil Structural
Control Stability

High Temperature Performance

Wear Corrosion
Properties Protection

Low Temperature Performance

• FE9 dynamic test (DIN 51821) operated with unshielded FE9 max temperature for L50 > 100h Higher
angular contact ball bearings (7206B) at high temperature, (unshielded bearings) is better
high speed (6,000rpm), and high axial load (1500N)
170
• Test qualifies grease ability to prevent leakage (oil
retention & structural stability) and protect bearings 165
(wear protection & thermal stability) for extended time
under extreme operating conditions 160
• The outstanding reserve of performance with Mobil
155

Max Temp, C
SHC Polyrex 102 EM is imparted by inherent oxidative
™

O
and thermal stability of the proprietary thickener and
fluid system used 150
• High temperature performance allows for long
re-lubrication intervals 145

• Mobil SHC Polyrex EM grades pass the FE9 L50 criteria

at 180°C with shielded bearings SHC Polyrex Unirex
Polyrex EM N2
102 EM
For reference, multipurpose Mobilux EP 2 has L50 at 43h typ. in FE9 at 140°C and >100h at 120°C
 Bench Test Assessment
High Temperature Performance

Oil Structural
Control Stability

Oil Release Properties – Controlled Bleed

Wear Corrosion
Properties Protection

Low Temperature Performance

• Mobil SHC Polyrex 102 EM, likewise Mobil Polyrex EM, presents excellent
™ ™

controlled oil release imparted by the polyurea thickener combined with

specialized manufacturing techniques
• Low oil release is important for long re-lubrication intervals
and long-life performance at high temperatures

ASTM D6184 Cone Bleed, Lower IP 121 Oil Bleed, Lower

30h @ 100 C is better 168h @ 40 C is better
o o

4 4

3 3
Wt% Loss

Wt% Loss
2 2

1 1

SHC Polyrex Unirex SHC Polyrex Unirex

Polyrex EM N2 Polyrex EM N2
102 EM 102 EM
Bench Test Assessment
High Temperature Performance

Oil Structural
Control Stability

Structural Stability
Wear Corrosion
Properties Protection

Low Temperature Performance

• Electric motors are designed with housings that are sealed
or able to keep the grease contained. Limited softening of the
grease due to mechanical shear is therefore acceptable as not
detrimental for the prolonged lubrication of electric motors.
• Mobil SHC Polyrex 102 EM benefits from the latest’s
™

innovation in the formulation of shear stable polyurea ASTM D217, Lower

greases outperforming soap based greases. Extended Worked Penetration, 100k is better
20
• Mobil Polyrex EM shows moderate softening under severe
™

mechanical stress exerted by the ASTM D217 grease worker

15

% Pen Change
for 100,000 strokes (15% Pen. change equates to 1 NLGI
grade difference at EOT).
10
• This feature is unique to ExxonMobil’s proprietary polyurea
thickener composition and manufacturing process as 5
competitive polyurea greases commonly recommended for
electric motors exhibit poor structural stability under shear.
SHC Polyrex Unirex
Polyrex EM N2
102 EM
Bench Test Assessment
High Temperature Performance

Oil Structural
Control Stability

Corrosion Prevention – Steel & Copper

Wear Corrosion
Properties Protection

Low Temperature Performance

• Bearings in electric motors are normally not exposed to water ingress,
however during non-running sequences condensation could potentially occur

ASTM D 6138 EMCOR ASTM D 6138 ASTM D4048

with distilled water with 10% syn. sea water Cu strip test 24h @ 100°C

Mobil SHC Polyrex 102 EM 0,0 rating 0,0 rating 1a rating

™

Mobil Polyrex EM 0,0 rating 0,1 rating* 1a rating

™™

Unirex N 1,1 rating - 2a rating

™

*: Polyrex EM provides additional protection under mild salt-water wash conditions versus Polyrex EM 103

EMCOR rating:
EMCOR Rig 0 - no rust & corrosion
1 - 3-5 spots of rust & corrosion
4 - severe rust & corrosion

EMCOR Rating
 Bench Test Assessment
High Temperature Performance

Oil Structural
Control Stability

Low Temperature
Wear Corrosion
Properties Protection
ASTM D1478, Lower
Resistant Torque, g.cm

Low Temperature Performance

Low Temperature Torque @ -29 C is better
0

8000
7000
6000 Torque at start:
5000 Running torque:
4000
3000
2000
1000
• This characteristic is critical if bearings are exposed
to winter conditions or operate in refrigerated areas
SHC Polyrex Polyrex Unirex
102 EM EM N2 • Mobil SHC Polyrex 102 EM also has lower resistance
™

to torque and flow allowing startup down to -40°C

Resistant Torque, g.cm

DIN 51805, Lower and pumpability down to -30°C

Flow Pressure @ -20 C is better
0

• Mobil Polyrex EM is suitable for usual winter conditions

™
1000
800
600
and temperatures down to -20°C
400
• Unirex N 2 allows startup down to -20°C and
™
200

SHC Polyrex Polyrex Unirex

pumpability down to -10°C
102 EM EM N2

ISO 13737 Higher

Penetration, 1/10mm

Penetration @ -20 C is better

0

200
180
160
140
120

SHC Polyrex Polyrex Unirex

102 EM EM N2
 Bench Test Assessment
High Temperature Performance

Oil Structural
Control Stability

Balanced Load Properties

Wear Corrosion
Properties Protection

Low Temperature Performance

ASTM D2266, Lower
4-Ball Wear is better
0,7

0,6
Scar, mm

• Mobil SHC Polyrex 102 EM and Mobil Polyrex EM

™ ™

0,5 demonstrate in ASTM D2266 4-Ball Wear test good

capability to protect against wear. The performance
0,4 of Mobil SHC Polyrex 102 is also demonstrated in the
FAG FE8 test.
SHC Polyrex Polyrex Unirex
102 EM EM N2

ASTM D2596, Higher

4-Ball Weld is better
250
Weld Load, kg

200 DIN 51819 FE8 Wear Test

150 Clean cage and roller
100 Excellent protection with
Mobil SHC Polyrex 102 EM
SHC Polyrex Polyrex Unirex
102 EM EM N2
Performance Summary
NLGI 2 Electric Motor Greases

Mobil SHC Polyrex 102 EM provides outstanding

™
High Temperature Performance
performance for long term electric motor reliability: 1.0
• Unsurpassed in crucial areas of high temperature life
0.8
& oil control
• Good balance in structural stability, corrosion
0.6
& wear protection Oil Structural
• Low temperature performance down to -30°C
Control 0.4 Stability
Mobil Polyrex EM provides the optimal
™

0.2
performance for long term electric motor reliability:
• Excellent high temperature life & oil control
• Good balance in structural stability, corrosion
& wear protection
• Low temperature performance down to -20°C
Wear Corrosion
Unirex N 2 is a balanced premium grease suitable
™

Protection Protection
for general greasing of electric motors

Mobilux EP 2 standard EP grease for multipurpose

low duty applications is not designed for effective
long life lubrication of motor bearings:
Low Temperature Performance
• Higher oil viscosity generates fluid friction,
heat, torque
• Lithium soap mech. & thermal stability
not optimal for long life protection
• EP additives thermally instable can
promote oxidation and corrosion
Performance Summary
NLGI 3 Electric Motor Greases

NLGI 3 greases present similar performance High Temperature Performance

1.0
finger prints as NLGI 2 grade greases of
the same product family. Directionally the 0.8
higher thickness negatively affects mobility 0.6
at low temperature but improves oil Oil Structural
retention and stay-put characteristics. Control 0.4 Stability

0.2
• Mobil SHC Polyrex 103 EM provides long life
™

similarly to Mobil Polyrex EM 103 with added

™

protection in corrosive environments and improved

mobility at low temperature. They far exceed Unirex N 3
in multiple dimensions, at high and low temperature.
The Polyrex greases present unmatched oil release Wear Corrosion
control and a structural stability at a balanced level
Properties Protection
suitable for the lubrication of ball and/or roller bearings.

• Unirex N 3 is a balanced premium grease suitable for

™

general electric motor greasing

Low Temperature Performance

Note: spider graph ratings are derived from test results that are presented in this deck
Mobil Electric Motor Greases
The Final Ranking

Overall Performance Rating

The ranking is determined
1.0 by applying following weights
to the spider graph ratings
0.9
Weight %
0.8 High Temp
30%
Performance
0.7 Oil Control 20%
Structural
20%
Stability
SHC SHC Polyrex Polyrex Unirex Unirex
Polyrex Polyrex EM EM 103 N2 N3 Corrosion
10%
102 EM 103 EM Protection
Low Temp
10%
Performance
Mobil SHC Polyrex EM Series shows best overall performance due to considerable
™

Wear Properties 10%

strengths in high temperature life and oil bleed control, as well as well balanced
characteristics in all other performance dimensions. TOTAL 100%
Regreasing Intervals
Relative regreasing intervals derived* from respective grease performance in the FE 9 high temperature
endurance life test.
FE9 max temperature for L50 > 100h Incumbent Grease
Change in
170 regreasing SHC
interval* Polyrex Unirex Mobilux
Polyrex
160 EM N2 EP 2
102 EM
SHC
150
Polyrex X1 X2 X4 X16
102 EM
140
Polyrex
X1/2 X1 X2 X8
130 New EM
Grease
Unirex
120 X1/4 X1/2 X1 X4
N2

Mobilux
X1/16 X1/8 X1/4 X1
SHC Polyrex Unirex Mobilux EP 2
Polyrex EM N2 EP 2
102 EM

In operating conditions where grease degradation mode is purely oxidative, application life of Mobil SHC Polyrex 102 EM can potentially
™

be twice the one of Mobil Polyrex EM and up to 16 fold higher in comparison to a standard multipurpose EP grease such as Mobilux EP 2.
™

*: indicative value based on oxidation rate only on the basis that oxidation rate is doubled every 10°C increment (excludes other ageing features e.g. shearing, bleed, corrosion,
contaminants, vibration…)
Grease Compatibility and Conversion
• General recommendation across the industry is to SHC
avoid mixing greases of different nature to avoid Polyrex
Polyrex Unirex Mobilith Mobiltemp
grease hardening, softening or oil leakage issues. EM / EM
102 EM / N 2 / N 3 SHC 100 SHC 100
103
103 EM
• However EM electric motor greases with different SHC
thickener nature generally present moderately Polyrex
compatible behaviours*. This allows easier Comp M-Comp M-Comp TBC
102 EM /
conversions as rebuilding motors with new freshly 103 EM
packed bearings although being ideal is often not
an option. Polyrex
EM / EM Comp M-Comp M-Comp M-Comp
103
• When converting greases, guidance is to purge out**
as much of the old grease as possible, and conduct
more frequent re-lubrication and inspections during Unirex
the first months of operation. M-Comp M-Comp M-Comp M-Comp M-Comp
N2/N3

Mobilith
M-Comp M-Comp M-Comp M-Comp
SHC 100

Compatible
Mobiltemp
TBC M-Comp M-Comp M-Comp
SHC 100
Moderately Compatible

Notes
*: refer to LTS report to confirm compatibility.
**: be mindful of over-greasing risks.Refer to technical topics on the subject.
Best Grease Recommendations
Vs. Customer Expectations

Best Better Good Basic

User SHC Polyrex Polyrex Unirex Mobilux
Expectations 102 EM / 103 EM EM / EM 103 N2/N3 EP 2
Extended re-greasing
interval (FFL)
+++ ++ Baseline --

High temperature life +++ ++ Baseline --

Protection in humid
environment (rust)
++ ++ Baseline =

Protection to wear
(loaded brg)
+ + Baseline +

Low temperature
operability
++ =/+ Baseline =

Low noise ++ Baseline =

Efficiency (potential
torque reduction)
++ Baseline

Greases that best match expectations contribute to better equipment protection and efficiency.
Benefits are prolonged motor life, reliable operations and reduced maintenance and operating costs.
ExxonMobil Electric Motor Greases
Summary

#1 Best #2 Better #3 Good

Mobil SHC Polyrex Mobil Polyrex EM & EM 103 Unirex N 2 / N 3
™ ™ ™

102 EM & 103 EM Premium mineral greases Quality mineral grease

Superior synthetic greases for for long-life lubrication of for standard electric
extra long-life lubrication of electric motors. motor applications.
electric motors.
Greases of excellence designed for Greases of excellence designed Lithium complex mineral greases
electric motors, enabling filled for for electric motors, enabling high for multipurpose usage. These
life, very high and low temperature temperature operation and long greases are out-performed by
operation, appropriate for precision life, also appropriate for precision Mobil Polyrex series products when
& low torque applications, and & low torque applications. operating conditions and customer
potential energy efficiency. expectations are more demanding.
EM Grease offer for Electric Motors
Unirex N for multipurpose usage / standard applications
™

Unirex N Series

• Lithium complex thickener

• Mineral Group I base oil
• Performance additive package
• Wide temperature range* -20°C
to 140°C

Unirex N 2 Unirex N 3

• NLGI 2 / KV@40°C = 115 cSt

• DIN 51825: K2N-20L #3 Good • NLGI 3 / KV@40°C = 115 cSt
• DIN 51825: K3N-20L

• Standard motors, conventional use • Vertical , Large, High speed motors

* Temperature range based upon DIN 51825

EM Grease offer for Electric Motors
Mobil Polyrex EM for long life protection
™

Mobil Polyrex EM Series

• Polyurea thickener (proprietary)

• Mineral Group I base oil
• Performance additive package
• Wide temperature range* -20°C to
160°C Numerous OEM endorsements

Mobil Polyrex EM Mobil Polyrex EM 103

• NLGI 2 / KV@40°C = 115 cSt • NLGI 3 / KV@40°C = 115 cSt

• DIN 51825: K2P-20 • Excellent channeling characteristics
•
•
Excellent high temperature life
Excellent oil bleed control #2 Better •
•
Excellent high temperature life
Excellent oil bleed control
• Low noise: SKF GN2-GN3 typical • Low noise: SKF GN2-GN3 typical

• Premium motors, Long life • Premium motors, Long life

• Autogreasers • Vertical, Large, High speed motors
• Precision, low torque, High • Precision, low torque, High
temperature. applicat. temperature. applicat.

* Temperature range based upon DIN 51825

EM Grease offer for Electric Motors
Mobil SHC Polyrex EM for very long life & extreme temperatures
™

Mobil SHC Polyrex EM Series

™

• Polyurea thickener (proprietary)

• Optimized base oil selection (all synthetic)
• High performance additive package
• Excellent stability, rust & corrosion protection
• Outstanding high temperature life up to 180°C *
• Recommended by major bearing & motor manuf

Mobil SHC Polyrex 102 EM Mobil SHC Polyrex 103 EM

• NLGI 2 / KV@40°C = 87 cSt • NLGI 3 / KV@40°C = 87 cSt

• DIN 51825: KHC2R-30 • DIN 51825: KHC3R-20
•
•
Clean & Efficiency credentials
Pumpable down to -30°C #1 Best •
•
Clean credential
Pumpable down to -20°C

• Premium motors, Very long life / FFL • Premium motors, Very long life / FFL
• Central systems, Autogreasers • Vertical, Large, High speed motors
• Precision, low torque, Energy Saving • Precision, low torque
• Very high & Low temperature • Very high temperature operation
operation

* Temperature range based upon DIN 51825