A new engine oil optimised for ecologically sensitive operational areas

Abstract

AbstractIn recent years, environmental awareness and legislation have focused public attention on vehicle emissions. Consequently, more research has been devoted to emissions and pollution by lubricants. A number of studies has been carried out to understand lubricant‐related emissions and leak rates as well as the effects on fuel economy of using low viscosity grades of lubricant. The purpose of the present investigation was to develop for use in gasoline and diesel engines a crankcase lubricant which contained improved performance in engine cleanliness with fuel economy and a low rate of particle emissions. Emphasis was placed on low toxicology and rapid biodegradability because of the risk of unintentional emissions. Such a sophisticated lubricant is desirable not only for normal road vehicles but also and especially for use in ecologically sensitive areas.During the development of this lubricant, numerous laboratory tests were performed. In order to assess the quality and the fuel economy of the new lubricant, tests were carried out on an engine test rig and on a vehicle test bench. Field tests were run with various vehicles and stationary engines, using different fuel types. Unleaded gasoline, diesel fuels with a varying sulphur content, and rape seed oil methyl ester (RME) were used. This paper summarises the results of this investigation.