ADVANCES IN MARINE ENGINE LUBRICATION
Michael J CANNON
ABSTRACT
The presentation concentrates upon major progress surrounding the development of diesel engines and the practical issues that stem from the ever-increasing power densities, changes to fuel qualities, environmental demands and the demands of the end users of the equipment. It is to be expected that the lubrication of components is near to perfection and that protection of equipment together with economic useage of fluids, both fuel and lubricant are optimal. The stresses imposed on engine lubricants increase in severity. Therefore advances in marine engine lubricants start from the understanding of the responses of lubricants to the various stresses to which they are exposed. Determining the relevant factors or parameters of the stress is essential to developing the appropriate means to extend or increase the ability of the oil to resist the degradation arising from the stress. Examples will be summarised for the main types of engine lubricant.
Key words:
Lubricant, stress, degradation, oxidation, deposit, lacquer
Introduction
Let me start with some personal remarks, since I am currently employed in The Netherlands.
This year 2000 is special because many consider it the start of the new millenium, but it is very special because it marks the anniversary of 400 years of Japanese/Dutch contacts. In The Netherlands this anniversary has been marked by special exhibitions, cultural events, a special journey of the famous Orient Express train from The Netherlands to Japan, Japanese artefacts in my local bakery and even a sushi bar at my local train station.
During the ISME Conference the presentations have surely demonstrated that lubricant-free engines have yet to be invented, indeed, I think the converse to be true. Engine developments accelerate, in response to expectations of - efficiency enhancements, improved economy of operation [brake specific fuel consumption, brake specific oil consumption, oil drain interval, time between overhaul...], demands on environmental protection [exhaust emissions, safe disposal of waste engine fluids...], ignition and combustion of fuels with interesting compositions (including waste plastics) - that all serve to create even more demanding roles for the lubricant.
The rate of change of diesel engines seems to follow, albeit more slowly, the sort of changes seen in the computer world over the last 40 years. This is the challenge and the opportunity for all active in the disciplines of tribology, additive synthesis, hydrocarbon production, lubricant formulation, engine design, operation and maintenance as this new millenium commences. Let's try to summarise just a few of the issues and criteria that have been explored in greater detail during the presentations this week.
Topics covered this week have included the growth of the worldwide market, IMO & national legislative activities - health, safety & environmental, risks versus staffing levels/qualities, fuel qualities - heavy fuel oil, marine diesel fuel, gases, engine types and developments, operational modes - diesel, diesel-electric, lubricating oil as an engineering component, lubricating oil demands and developments, customer needs for high performance systems, products and processes in total - oil, engine, fuel, operation, maintenance.
Industry groups
Into this highly active arena are pitched several industry groups, not least of which are our hosts this week, the Japanese marine industry - ISME, MESJ, JASO, with productive links with Europe via CIMAC and CEC.
