Alexia 50

Cylinder Lubricant for low-speed crosshead diesel engines

Shell Alexia 50 is a premium quality cylinder lubricant designed for use in all low speed crosshead diesel engines which burn residual fuel with sulphur content up to 4.0% weight. It is particularly suitable for the new generation of highly rated, fuel efficient, low speed marine diesel engines operating with higher pressures, higher temperatures and longer strokes. Shell Alexia 50 is blended from high viscosity index base oils and additive technology developed by Shell.

Main Application

Cylinder lubrication of low speed marine diesel engines which burn residual fuel with a sulphur content of between 1.0 to 4.0% weight.

Benefits of using Shell Alexia 50

Improved Engine Reliability

Outstanding acid neutralising properties which help to prolong the life of components
Minimal deposits on pistons, piston rings, ring grooves, under piston spaces and in cylinder ports.
Low cylinder and piston ring wear with typical cylinder wear rates below 0.05 mm per 1000 hours due to enhanced boundary lubrication properties.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Keeps engines exceptionally clean, minimises maintenance requirements and allows the periods between overhauls to be extended

Re-assurance

Completely stable in storage under all the widely varying conditions encountered aboard ship
Proven ability to keep engines clean and control wear & scuffing in the latest engine designs
Compatible with all normal oil seal materials.

Performance Specifications

Approved by all manufacturers of low speed crosshead diesel engines

Typical Physical Characteristics

Shell Alexia 50		Test Method	Result	Units

SAE Viscosity Grade			50
Kinematic Viscosity	40⁰С	ASTM D445 - IP 71	225	mm²/s
	100⁰С	ASTM D445 - IP 71	19.5	mm²/s
Viscosity Index		ASTM D2270 - IP 226	>95
Density	15⁰C	ASTM D4052 - IP 365	0.932	kg/l
Flash Point (Closed)	Pensky Martens	ASTM D 93 - IP 34	>205	⁰C
Pour Point		ASTM D 97 - IP 15	<-6	⁰C
BN		ASTM D2896 - IP 276	70	mg/KOH/g
Sulphated Ash		ASTM D874 - IP 163	8.7	% wt

These characteristics are typical of current production. Whilst future production will conform to Shell's specification variations in these characteristics may occur.

Mixing of Cylinder Lubricants

Please note that due to its high additive content, it is not advisable to mix Shell Alexia 50 with any other cylinder lubricant

Oil Feed Rates

Insufficient cylinder oil feed rates can lead to corrosive wear, seized and broken rings and consequent blow-by and scavenge fire risks, and to the formation of excessive deposits.

To obtain optimum performance with Shell Alexia Oil 50 it is important to :

Observe the engine manufacturers' recommended cylinder oil feed rates as the minimum.
Consider using higher rates, especially when running in new liners and/or rings
Equally distribute the oil between injection quills
Ensure the lubricator drive system is well maintained and properly adjusted
Clean and overhaul lubricator boxes according to engine manufacturers' recommendations

Health & Safety

Shell Alexia 50 is unlikely to present any significant health or safety hazard when properly used in the recommended application and good standards of personal hygiene are maintained. Avoid contact with skin. Use impervious gloves with used oil. After skin contact, wash immediately with soap and water. For further guidance on Product Health & Safety refer to the appropriate Shell Product Safety Data Sheet.