Technical articles / Synthetics against asphaltics
Most Australian mills still run asphaltic open-gear compounds. Four lines decide it.
Every product named here serves SAG and ball mills.
01Consumption
Synthetic film meters at roughly half the rate of asphaltic compound.
≈50% less lubricant consumed
vs asphaltic open-gear compounds
02Clean-down
Asphaltics bake into residue that has to be dug out. Synthetics don't build up.
03Compliance
Used lubricant tests TCLP-safe. One less hazardous stream to manage.
In the Whitmore range, start with GearMate 1000 ICT.
Lithium open-gear grease in five grades, Arctic to Super Heavy. TCLP-safe and non-emulsifying.
04Inspectability
The film runs clear. Crews monitor tooth contact in service, not at shutdown.
On mills, that film is Envirolube XE Extreme.
High-viscosity fluid. Brown and transparent in service, so the tooth surface stays visible.
05Wear
Four commercial open-gear lubricants, same rig, ISO 14635-3. Mass after twelve stages: 32 / 51 / 21 / 9.2 mg. Confirm against current Whitmore TDS at quote.
Figures are from the Whitmore document set of 2 June 2026, pending datasheet checks. Confirm against current Whitmore TDS at quote.
[VERIFY: changeover procedure]
What a changeover from an asphaltic compound involves, step by step. Published after verification against Whitmore documentation.