- Viswa Group has embarked on a project to test the demands of the newly evolving lubricants.
- Companies are developing new cylinder oils with new additive packages.
- These additive packages aim to take care of issues posed by the new fuels.
- Viswa Group has observed that lab level tests for newly formulated lubricating oils are not enough.
- Viswa thinks it is essential to modify and improve the current bench tests in the lab.
According to an article published in the Manifold Times, International marine fuel specifications testing company Viswa Group in early August said it has embarked on an ambitious project to test the demands of the newly evolving lubricants.
Analyze the issues posed by new fuels
With the introduction of VLSFOs in the market, lubricant and additive companies are developing new cylinder oils with new additive packages to take care of issues posed by the new fuels, it said.
Need for lab tests
Viswa Group has observed that mere lab level tests for newly formulated lubricating oils are not enough.
In fact, many of the established bench tests have to be modified or replaced to accommodate the new fuel characteristics, it added.
VLSFOs have different performance characteristics and the existing bench tests cannot fully evaluate its performance.
Instances of deposits on piston rings and grooves
For example, there have been reports of high levels of deposits on piston rings and grooves. This requires a solution based on more powerful dispersant additives with deposit control properties.
New packages containing both detergents and dispersants could theoretically perform well, but this cannot be introduced into the market unless the field tests are carried out. Thus, Viswa thinks it is essential to modify and improve the current bench tests in the lab.
It may be necessary to pre-age a lubricant or add synthesized deposits or fuel to the oil to improve the correlation between the conditions in the engine and in the lab, it said.
Introduction of new eco-friendly fuels
New fuels such as biofuels or hydrogen-based fuels are also being introduced, and again the lubricant chemistry has to be altered for these fuels.
Considering that it takes a few years to develop a new cylinder oil product, it is important for the lube and additive manufacturing companies and equally important for testing labs to get ready to upgrade their testing processes, methods, and procedures to meet the new requirements.
Viswa Lab said it hopes to meet the testing requirements combined with the unique insight into its knowledge and experience with operating diesel engines.
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Source: Manifold Times
