See Previous Article 13 Sep 2013 - Utilization of Synthetic Oils in the MG KAILIS Group

As synthetic oils are more expensive than mineral oils, the aim at MG Kailis was to achieve at least 1,250 hours on the prawn trawlers without an oil change, to break even on actual oil cost. Achieving these types of hours without an oil change seemed a difficult and risky task as it was unknown territory for a diesel engine and there were concerns for the possible negative effects that could occur within the fleet.

MG Kailis implemented a system whereby they tested the oil every 250 hours (in comparison to mineral oil where a change of the oil every 250 hours would occur). A sample of the oil was taken from the engine or gearbox and then sent to the Mobil laboratory for testing. The sample was analysed and a report then written.

By analysing these levels MG Kailis could identify if the oil was satisfactory to continue running or if it needed to be changed.

By testing the synthetic oil on many different types of engines, after only one season it was apparent that they could achieve 3,500 hours on a main engine and 5,000 hours on an auxiliary engine without having to change the oil. If they were using mineral oil, the oil would have been changed 14 and 20 times respectively during the season.

MG Kailis have since run a main engine to 7,000 hours operation with no oil change and the auxiliary engine also at similar hours. This clearly demonstrates the high amount of hours that can be achieved using synthetic oils.

The benefit of gaining one season’s operation with the synthetic oil is that the vessel is refitted in Fremantle where the oil is changed and disposed of, the vessel operates all season and then returns to Fremantle where the oil is changed and again disposed of in an environmentally acceptable way. This procedure is followed for most of the MG Kailis Group fleet.

Wren Oil, WA’s leading oil recycler and refiner, collected the used oil to sell to the automotive, mining and energy market. By utilising Wren Oil, Kailis reduced the demand on natural resources and supported a waste processing system focussed on recycling rather than disposal.

Following article : Level of Support and Implementation Company wide