Shell Omala S4 WE 220, 20L

Shell Omala S4 WE 220 is an advanced synthetic industrial gear oil with ISO VG 220 viscosity grade, specifically developed for heavily loaded industrial worm gearboxes. Formulated with polyalkylene glycol (PAG) base oil and a high-performance additive package, it provides excellent wear protection, high resistance to micropitting and outstanding thermal stability. The product helps reduce friction, improve gearbox energy efficiency and extend oil drain intervals, even under demanding operating conditions.

Applications:

Shell Omala S4 WE 220 is primarily recommended for industrial worm gearboxes operating under heavy loads, at low or high temperatures and in conditions involving significant temperature fluctuations. It is also suitable for equipment requiring extended maintenance intervals, particularly where access to the lubrication system is difficult. The product may also be used in suitable gearboxes and mechanical systems employing circulation or splash lubrication.

Typical applications:

• Heavily loaded industrial worm gearboxes
• Gearboxes operating at low and high temperatures
• Gear systems exposed to significant temperature fluctuations
• Gearboxes requiring extended oil drain intervals
• Hard-to-access lubrication systems, including gearboxes in wind turbines
• Industrial gearboxes and mechanisms with circulating oil lubrication
• Gearboxes and mechanical components using splash lubrication

Product advantages and benefits:

• Extended oil drain intervals: excellent thermal stability and oxidation resistance help maintain lubricant performance over long service periods, reducing maintenance costs and equipment downtime.
• Outstanding wear protection: provides effective protection for gears and bearings, even under heavy loads and shock-loading conditions.
• Micropitting resistance: helps protect gear tooth surfaces against microscopic fatigue damage, supporting longer component service life.
• Improved energy efficiency: the low-friction characteristics of the synthetic PAG base oil help increase the mechanical efficiency of gear systems.
• Higher gearbox efficiency: bench testing demonstrated efficiency improvements of up to 15% compared with conventional mineral gear oils and up to 11% compared with synthetic PAO-based oils.
• Excellent viscosity-temperature characteristics: a high viscosity index of 203 supports consistent lubrication performance across a wide range of operating temperatures.
• Excellent low-temperature properties: a pour point of -39°C supports easier start-up and effective lubrication under cold operating conditions.
• High thermal stability: helps minimize the formation of oxidation products and maintain system cleanliness during extended operation.
• High load-carrying capability: an FZG load stage result greater than 12 demonstrates excellent load-bearing performance.
• Reduced operating costs: extended oil service life, reduced friction and effective component protection can help lower overall maintenance expenses.

Specifications and approvals:

• DIN 51517-3 (CLP)
• Bonfiglioli – approved
• ISO VG 220 – viscosity grade according to ISO 3448

Technical data – Shell Omala S4 WE 220:

Seal and coating compatibility:
Shell Omala S4 WE 220 is a synthetic polyalkylene glycol (PAG) lubricant and therefore requires suitable sealing materials and protective coatings. High-quality epoxy paints or other PAG-resistant coatings are recommended. The product offers good compatibility with nitrile rubber and Viton fluoroelastomer seals, although Viton seals are preferred.

Oil compatibility and changeover procedure:
Shell Omala S4 WE 220 is not miscible with mineral oils or synthetic lubricants based on other base oil technologies. It may also be incompatible with certain other PAG lubricants. When changing to Shell Omala S4 WE 220, a specific oil changeover procedure must be followed. The gearbox should be flushed with a small quantity of Shell Omala S4 WE, operated without load until the oil warms up, and then drained while the flushing oil is still warm. Seals previously used with mineral oils should be checked and replaced with PAG-compatible materials where necessary. After several days of operation, the system should be inspected for oil cleanliness and contamination.

Application limitations:
Shell Omala S4 WE 220 is not recommended for lubricating gearbox components made from aluminium or aluminium alloys. For heavily loaded spur or helical gearboxes, Shell recommends products from the Shell Omala G range. Automotive hypoid gears require suitable Shell Spirax lubricants. Always verify the lubricant selection against the equipment manufacturer's requirements.

Safety and environmental protection:
Avoid prolonged skin contact and use suitable protective gloves when handling the product. In the event of skin contact, wash the affected area with soap and water. Used oil should be collected and disposed of through an authorised waste management company. Do not discharge the lubricant into soil, surface water or drainage systems.

Technical data note:
The values shown are typical characteristics of current production and may vary within normal manufacturing tolerances.

Shell Omala S4 WE 220 is a synthetic PAG industrial gear oil with ISO VG 220 viscosity grade, designed for heavily loaded worm gearboxes. It provides excellent wear protection, reduces friction and supports extended oil drain intervals. The product meets DIN 51517-3 CLP requirements and is approved by Bonfiglioli.

Documents to download:
Product Data Sheets