A Molykote specialty lubricant from Dow Corning is heading to the Antarctic on a record-breaking expedition during extreme polar winter temperatures. Molykote 55 O-Ring Grease was selected by The Coldest Journey expedition team members as they bid to complete the first-ever trans-Antarctic crossing during the polar winter.
The product was chosen because of its ability to meet the challenges of equipment reliability in extreme environments. The expedition team of 5 people will cover 2,000 miles – mostly in darkness, at temperatures as low as -89.9°C (-129.8°F). In total, the team will spend an estimated 6 months – March 31 through September 31 – on the ice.
The anticipated challenges of the polar winter required the team to conduct extensive research and testing to identify supplies and equipment that would work best under the demanding environmental conditions. A specialty device manufacturer recommended Molykote® specialty grease to meet the need for a lubrication solution for O-ring applications. As a result, the expedition leader, British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, contacted Dow Corning.
Designed for Severe Conditions
“The Molykote® brand offers a range of products that meet needs for severe-duty performance in harsh environments and across wide temperature ranges, and we were happy to be approached by The Coldest Journey based on a third-party endorsement of our products’ performance,” said Phil Grellier, global marketing manager for Dow Corning Industrial Assembly and Maintenance Solutions. “I spoke with Sir Ranulph about Molykote® silicone greases and their many applications. We were honored by the opportunity to be a part of this historic expedition and happy that Molykote 55 O-Ring Grease will be making the journey with Sir Ranulph’s team.”
Based on high-performance silicone oil and a lithium-soap thickener, Molykote 55 O-Ring Grease is known for excellent reliability and durability in extremely cold applications. Molykote 55 O-Ring Grease is being relied upon to provide effective lubrication at the numbing-cold temperatures the team will experience. The specialty lubricant is expected to provide dynamic lubrication for mission-critical rubber-to-metal seals with excellent elastomer compatibility, corrosion protection, and high oxidation resistance. It slightly swells rubber O-rings to help ensure positive lubrication and sealing.
The Dow Corning product began its journey on December 6, when the expedition members and more than 100 tons of specialist equipment set sail from London. They are en route from Cape Town, South Africa, to Antarctica by ship, having departed on January 7. During the 6-month crossing, the expedition team will use a 2-man ski unit and a Mobile Vehicle Landtrain (MVL). They also will collect key scientific data to further understanding of the effects of climate change and to advance other important areas of research. In addition, they aim to raise $10 million for Seeing is Believing, an international initiative that raises funds to prevent and treat avoidable blindness.
