NOV Kintore

COOLANT UPGRADE TRANSFORMS NOV KINTORE: CLEANLINESS, COMPLIANCE, AND COST SAVINGS

ISSUE:

NOV Kintore, a key manufacturing site within NOV’s global operations, provides advanced completion tools for the oil and gas industry. With a highly experienced engineering team and a modern CNC machining setup, the facility is responsible for producing high-precision components used in demanding downhole environments.

Despite its capabilities, NOV Kintore was facing a series of operational challenges linked to the performance and condition of its existing metalworking fluid. Shop floor teams reported persistent bad odours, emulsified tramp oil, and frequent filter clogging. Coolant drag-out via belt skimmers was excessive, contributing to waste and rising fluid costs, while LEV systems were operating inefficiently, resulting in high mist levels and extended delays due to guarding system lockouts.

In addition, tool life was underperforming, fluid hygiene had become difficult to manage, and bacterial contamination led to sump issues, including clogged pipes and burnt coolant residues on finished parts. These problems were driving up costs, increasing maintenance, and impacting the working environment. NOV needed a coolant solution that delivered not only technical performance but also improved hygiene, HSE compliance, and long-term cost effectiveness.

SOLUTION:

Certas Lubricant Solutions introduced Q8 Brunel XF 741, a premium biostable soluble coolant engineered with high-purity synthetic base fluids derived from natural gas. Its advanced formulation incorporates superior detergency and lubricity additives, making it ideal for high-speed CNC machining across both ferrous and nonferrous materials, including aerospace-grade aluminium and high alloy steels.

Following positive feedback from another NOV site already using XF 741, NOV Kintore launched a structured trial. Certas worked closely with the site team to implement the product into their centralised coolant system, which feeds into individual machine sumps. The product’s robust formulation proved highly resistant to bacterial growth, immediately improving sump conditions, pH levels, and fluid clarity.

One particularly valuable benefit emerged during the transition: when XF 741 was added to existing coolant during top-ups, it significantly improved the overall sump quality, reducing waste and allowing the team to defer full fluid replacements—delivering an unexpected cost saving.

Certas provided on-site technical support throughout the process, including regular monitoring, HSE-compliant fluid checks, and close collaboration with NOV’s maintenance team to ensure all performance targets were met.

OUTCOME AND VALUE:

The introduction of Q8 Brunel XF 741 delivered a 40% increase in fluid sump life, while tool life extended by over 20%. These gains were complemented by a reduction in coolant consumption, improved sump hygiene, and a noticeable drop in machine-related odours and mist. With tramp oil separation running more efficiently and LEV systems operating at full effectiveness, access times to machines improved, supporting smoother workflows and reducing operator delays.

Filter changes were reduced, and overall coolant usage dropped, helping NOV lower their operational spend and meet HSE expectations with improved safety margins. Most importantly, the coolant change created a cleaner, quieter, and more pleasant environment for the shop floor team—boosting morale and operator satisfaction.

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIAL:

“After trialling Q8 Brunel XF 741 and seeing the immediate improvements across coolant life, odour, mist levels, and tool performance, it was clear this was the right choice. The support from Kenny and the Certas team made the transition seamless, and overall, it’s made a big difference to our operations.”

JAY DUNCAN, MACHINE CENTRE CELL LEADER, NOV KINTORE