Shell transmits further commitment to automotive industry

21 June 2006| Source: Joe Dixon, Weber Shandwick

The Shell Group has further enhanced their world class testing capability at Shell’s product and application development centre (PAE) in Hamburg adding two new test rigs. This will ensure that the transmissions team at Shell Lubricants will continue to meet the challenge of the rapid developments in transmission technology.

A new high torque dynamic friction-testing rig has been developed, which is currently being used to test fill-for-life lubricants for friction durability and friction level; it can also be used to test the latest double-clutch technologies. The transmission team has also introduced a unique new gearbox test bench, utilising a continuously variable transmission gearbox in combination with the latest engine from a major German OEM.

In addition to the existing equipment at PAE Hamburg, the new test installations give the transmissions team access to an outstanding series of testing equipment to help gauge the performance and suitability of prototype fluids.

Torsten Murr, Global Technology Manager for Transmissions at shell Lubricants comments, “Excellent research facilities are a pre-requisite for any supplier trying to keep up with the industry’s demand for better, higher performance products. The new test rigs at our world-class facility in Hamburg further demonstrate our commitment to working in partnership with our customers.

Other test equipment at PAE Hamburg, which ensures Shell’s fluids meet the requirements of modern transmission systems, include:

Driveline Rig – This enables entire transmissions to be tested under real driving conditions

Controlled Torque Converter Lockup Clutch Test Rig (Sachs GWK and DC/GK UB) – This is used to administer the final adjustments and products assurances to clutch ATF’s. Simulating a working transmission, it offers the precision and control that developers require

Friction Coefficient Test Rig DKA 1A – used to test and judge automatic transmission fluids and identify frictional stress in automatic transmission clutch systems

FZG Gear Test Rig - used to test and judge automatic, manual and industrial transmission fluids regarding load carrying capacity

FZG Synchromesh Test Rig SSP 180 – Used to test manual transmission fluids and compatibility with synchromesh material. This test determines the endurance life of synchromesh systems for manual gearboxes in automotive applications, defined by wear and change in coefficient of friction

FAG FE8 Bearing Test – Bearings are highly stressed parts in all kinds of gearboxes and lubricants have a hard job to maintain their function. For this purpose, the FE 8 Bearing Test Rig is a good tool to screen different gear oils.

Four-ball Machine (DIN 51 350) – This is one of the most popular rigs for testing lubricants. In most lubricant test laboratories, at least one such test ring can be found. Besides the large variety of standard test procedures for this rig, a number of special in-house methods are also used.

Torsten Murr concludes: “As well as world class testing facilities, Shell lubricants companies’ success in the transmissions sector can also be attributed tour global infrastructure and team expertise. The transmission team at Shell Lubricants has 'on the ground’ representatives in the major car-producing countries, allowing us to work closely in partnership with the major OEM’s. PAE Hamburg is one of several Shell technology centres around the world.

For more information:
Visit: http://www.shell.com
Contact: Joe Dixon

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