Assessing Oil Longevity

Traditionally, laboratory bench tests are employed to assess oxidation longevity. For instance, the turbine oil stability test (TOST-ASTM D943) involves bubbling oxygen through an oil sample in contact with water and metal catalysts at 95ºC. Alternatively, the more rigorous rotating pressure vessel oxidation test (RPVOT) elevates pressure to 90 psi at 150ºC due to the extended time required by TOST, which can take several thousand hours with superior base oils and additives.

Both Car Lift Repair Orlando tests gauge the duration of an initial induction phase characterized by slow oxidation. This phase typically precedes a much swifter oxidation process, as indicated by an increase in oil acidity (TOST) or a decrease in oxygen pressure (RPVOT).

Table 4: Oxidation Test Longevity with Solvent-refined Group I and Hydrocracked Group II Oils

However, Car Lift Repair Orlando automotive and diesel engine oils face more intricate demands, including wear resistance, dispersion of wear and combustion products, and tolerance for water, in addition to oxidation resistance. Candidate oils undergo accelerated tests in real test engines for evaluation.

From these Car Lift Repair Orlando ngine tests emerge standards such as the GF-3 automotive motor oil classification, adopted by the American Petroleum Institute as service classification SL. Typically, these requirements are met by oil formulations incorporating at least some Group II hydroprocessed base stocks, with suggested oil change intervals extending up to 7,500 miles.

Moreover, even more stringent requirements are anticipated with GF-4 for the future new car market, with corresponding standards under development for a new PC-10 classification for higher performance diesel engine oils.

Table 5: Progression to Group II/III Base Oils

An increasing number of Car Lift Repair Orlando lubricant suppliers in North America and Europe are advancing marketing strategies by introducing synthetic engine oils compounded with the more intensely hydrocracked Group III base stocks, boasting very high viscosity indexes (VHVI) above 120.

Positioned as equivalents to PAO synthetic oils, VHVI oils are expected to gain substantial traction as automobile manufacturers aim for reduced maintenance, with suggested oil change intervals extending up to 25,000 to 35,000 miles (maximum one year).

Table 6: Expected Oil Lifespan

The difference in composition also yields several advantages for hydrocracked products:

– Enhanced effectiveness of antioxidant additives

– Potential for designing and operating Car Lift Repair Orlando machines at higher temperatures

– Reduced carbon and varnish deposits

– Improved low-temperature fluidity

– Enhanced water and foam separation efficiency

– Accelerated biodegradation

– Lower toxicity for certain cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications

Limitations and Remedies

Despite their prolonged life, Group II and Group III-based oils encounter certain challenges. One drawback is the reduced solubility of additives. Automotive engine oils pose particular challenges due to their high content of detergents, antiwear additives, and oxidation inhibitors.

Insufficient additive solubility can also pose issues with Group II and Group III base stocks in R&O turbine oils, as they contain only around 1.0 percent or less of rust and oxidation inhibitors.

In high-speed rotary compressors, centrifugal action has led to the separation of additives from the oil solution, likely due to incomplete solubility. To prevent this separation, adjustments such as blending with either synthetic ester fluid or Group I solvent-refined oil may be necessary, albeit at the expense of potential longevity.

While suitable alternative materials are typically available to meet the requirements of Group II and Group III oils for new machine designs, issues may still arise in older diesel engines, gear units, and other existing machines.

Moreover, the upper viscosity of hydrocracked base stocks, particularly Group III, is limited by the reduction or elimination of aromatic and cycloparaffin ring structures, which otherwise would increase internal flow resistance compared to simple hydrocarbon chains.

Unfortunately, higher viscosity oils are required for demanding applications in industrial gearing, large reciprocating compressors, and related areas.

Given the longer oxidation life available with Group II and Group III oils, filtration has not consistently improved. Recommendations for automotive oil filter changes are sometimes made based on the extended oil life now achievable. Powerhouses employing steam turbines have shifted to full-flow filtration, while diesel engine practices have upgraded engine oil filtration to address long-term removal of soot from the lubrication system.

Probable next steps for these new oils to fulfill their promise of extended life at minimal cost include:

1. Enhanced filtration to prevent the accumulation of contaminants and wear particles between longer oil change intervals.

2. Modification of additives and base oil blends to improve additive solubility.

3. Tailoring machine design and maintenance to fully capitalize on the improved lubricating properties.

The impetus behind developing the Car Lift Repair Orlando ubrication program stemmed from a strategy aimed at optimizing maintenance operating costs. Previously, greasing activities were sporadic, often triggered by vibrations or noise. The program encompassed a wide array of equipment, including both large and small electric motors, after-cooler fans, and engine cooling fans, totaling approximately 240 pieces.

Given the relatively young age of the targeted gas plant, establishing a formal preventive maintenance regimen for lubrication was deemed essential to prolong the equipment’s life cycle. Upon commencement of the project, several challenges were identified:

1. Inadequate procurement of grease relative to the quantity of equipment.

2. Lack of clear ownership of greasing tasks.

3. Utilization of various types of grease throughout the plant.

4. Limited availability of greasing equipment.

5. Absence of formal training for personnel involved in greasing tasks.

These challenges were addressed through a structured five-step approach:

1. Assessment of product requirements: Collaborating with the Car Lift Repair Orlando ubricant supplier, the operation conducted an equipment audit to identify all relevant equipment and determine specific lubrication needs.

2. Development of detailed requirements: Working closely with the lubricant supplier and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the operation determined the types of greases required, as well as the appropriate quantities and frequencies for each piece of equipment. This process streamlined the inventory of grease types, resulting in cost savings, reduced contamination, and minimized errors.

Never forget to consult all of your manufacturer’s manuals so that you are on top of all the latest safety protocol.