TPT September 2016

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52 September 2016
T E CHNOLOG Y
Development of energy saving
nanotechnology oils
MILLERS Oils has developed a range
of low friction nanotechnology oils
specifically designed for industrial
applications. Originally developed for
motorsport, Millers Oils’ Nanodrive
nanotechnology product has more
recently been used in passenger cars
and in the commercial vehicle sector,
reducing the friction between engine
components and improving component
life, reducing wear and tear and boosting
performance.
Millers Oils has now applied its
nanotechnology expertise to industrial
applications, specifically industrial gear-
boxes, compressors and hydraulics.
Martyn Mann, technical director at
Millers Oils, commented, “There is a
long-standing product development
path that leads straight from motorsport
into industry and we believe that
nanotechnology can make a similar
leap. I can confirm that it is our intention
to launch a Nanodrive-type product into
industry and we are currently concluding
real-world trials.”
Nanotechnology works by using
nanoparticles that act like millions
of ball bearings, smoothing out the
surface roughness of metal parts
used in machine components, and in
turn reducing the friction that has a
detrimental effect on machine life and
productivity.
The move is driven by Millers Oils’
belief that increased pressure to dem-
onstrate reduced energy consumption,
particularly on machines with industrial
gearboxes,will drive industrial equipment
users to use nanotechnology-based oils
as a way of reducing costs.
“We intend to start with industrial gears
and compressors, but nanotechnology-
based oils can also be used in much
wider industrial applications,” said
Mr Mann. He also stated that the
company’s own laboratory testing has
demonstrated the potential market for
nanotechnology oils in industry. “In the
laboratory we are getting circa 30-50
per cent improvement in component
wear on the test rigs, and we believe
that a circa 10 per cent improvement in
energy efficiency could be achievable.
Millers Oils’ Nanodrive product has a
long history of success in motorsport,
and in 2009 won the World Motorsport
Symposium Most Innovative Product
Award, beating opposition McLaren and
Williams.
“Oil is all too often taken for granted
by industry, but our experience of other
sectors suggests that it can have a
major contribution towards increased
energy efficiency and reduced wear and
tear,” said Mr Mann. “The obvious place
to take Nanodrive next is into industry.”
Millers Oils Ltd – UK
Fax: +44 1484 721263
Email:
Website: