Download the Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did ExxonMobil introduce this product?
A: Mobil Solvancer oil soluble cleaner provides industry-leading performance to support oil conversions and extend the oil life in your gas and steam turbines, compressors and hydraulic systems, all while helping to reduce the cost for cleaning and flushing procedures. The product offers the industry’s lowest treat rate, requiring less product to deliver the same level of protection. It not only helps dissolve varnish and deposits that can cause long-term harm, but there is often no need to do a system flush after use, improving efficiency across operations.

Q: Is this product the same as the Fluitec® DECON™ product?
A: Fluitec and ExxonMobil developed Mobil Solvancer based on Fluitec’s DECON technology, but it is a separate Mobil branded product. It offers similar performance, including one of the industry’s lowest* treat rates — 3-5% compared to the average treat rate of 10-15% — meaning you need less product to deliver the same level of protection.

Q: Is there a recommended treat rate for Mobil Solvancer?
A: For oil life extensions, we recommend a 3% treat rate. For oil conversions, the recommendation is to use a 5% treat rate adding Mobil Solvancer to the in-service oil approximately one month in advance of change-over.

Q: How is the recommended treat rate for Mobil Solvancer determined?
A: Treat rate is based on customer intention of oil life extension, troubleshooting or impending product conversion. When in doubt, please consult your ExxonMobil Lubrication Engineer and/or ExxonMobil Product Technical Advisor to discuss.

Q: Does use of Mobil Solvancer require system outages?
A: In many cases, the use of Mobil Solvancer does not require a system to be taken offline. To discuss your operating conditions, we recommend reaching out to an ExxonMobil Lubrication Engineer or an Authorized Mobil Distributor.

Q: What ISO viscosity grade fluids are suitable for Mobil Solvancer?
A: We recommend treatment for ISO 32 and 46 viscosity grades. We recommend reaching out to your ExxonMobil Lubrication Engineer and/or ExxonMobil Product Lubrication Advisor to discuss viscosities outside of these grades, which may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Does this product extend the life of the lubricant?
A: Yes, Mobil Solvancer can help extend the life of the lubricant when treated at a maintenance 3% dosage. This maintenance dosage improves system cleanliness though added oil solubility.

Q: Are there any paint, epoxy or elastomer concerns?
A: Mobil Solvancer has no known issues with paint, epoxy or elastomers commonly used in power generation/petrochemicals applications or componentry.

Q: Can I switch to a less advanced and less expensive lubricant and use this product to deliver the same level of protection?
A: Mobil Solvancer will not improve or diminish lubricant performance with regard to oxidation stability, anti-rust, gear wear, foam, demulsibility or air release. It is meant to supplement the performance of the lubricant and dissolve varnish and deposits formed by intense operating conditions. Given that fact, Mobil Solvancer cannot compensate for any performance impact caused by converting to a less advanced lubricant.

Q: Do I need this product to get the most performance out of Mobil lubricant products?
A: No, we offer customers a range of high-performance lubricants that can protect gas and steam turbines, compressors and hydraulic equipment for long periods of time without the need for an oil-soluble cleaner. In many cases, these oils can help to deliver increased performance, reliability and efficiency to help customers meet their goals. In some cases, the intense operating conditions of the equipment result in varnish and deposit formation for reasons other than the oil itself. In those situations, Mobil Solvancer is an ideal solution.

Q: My company is not a power generation or petrochemical company, but I operate gas turbine / steam turbine / compressor / hydraulic systems. Can I still use this product?
A: Absolutely. Mobil Solvancer can be used in these applications regardless of your industry.

Q: Can I use this product in conjunction with non-Mobil lubricant products?
A: Yes, Mobil Solvancer is compatible with lubricant and hydraulic oils formulated with API groups I to IV base stocks and has no adverse impact on in-service oil or additive performance.

Q: You state the cleaner is compatible with most inservice oils without the need for flushing and cleaning. Which oils is it not compatible with?
A: Mobil Solvancer is gentle on systems and compatible with a wide range of oils, including lubricants and hydraulic oils formulated with API group I to IV base stocks. However, it is not compatible with PAG-based lubricants. We recommend reaching out to your ExxonMobil Lubrication Engineer or Authorized Mobil Distributor to discuss your specific situation and needs.

Q: You state that this product can offer extended protection of more than one year, in turn helping achieve overhaul-to-overhaul goals. How do I know if Mobil Solvancer will help me achieve those goals?
A: Mobil Solvancer can be added to in service oils without adverse effects, often for extended periods that exceed other competitive options. In many cases, you will be able to use Mobil Solvancer to help eliminate the need to take your equipment offline earlier than desired. To determine if this product is the right solution to address your issue, we recommend you reach out to your ExxonMobil Lubrication Engineer to conduct oil an analysis and an equipment condition assessment and discuss options.

Q: How does the use of Mobil Solvancer impact product claims and OEM specifications?
A: Mobil Solvancer does not adversely affect the physical or chemical requirements in OEM specifications. Some OEMs, like Siemens and Solar Turbines, endorse the use of Solubility Enhancers. Other OEMs, like GE, warn against the top-up of additives but do not address solubility enhancers specifically.

Q: Which OEM/EBs have experience with Mobil Solvancer?
A: We have worked with a number of customers to gain experience with Mobil Solvancer including those running Solar, Siemens, General Electric, MAN, FS Elliott and Aerzen. Both Siemens and Solar Turbines have direct experience with Mobil Solvancer and encourage its use to their customers.

Q: What package sizes is Mobil Solvancer available in?
A: Mobil Solvancer is available in 5 gallon pails and 55-gallon drums.

To learn more about Mobil Solvancer, or to discuss order options, please contact your Authorized Mobil Distributor or ExxonMobil Sales Engineer.

*Actual results can vary depending upon the type of equipment used and its maintenance, operating conditions and environment, and any prior lubricant used