Assessment of the intensity of engine oil contamination during operation

Abstract

The acceleration of internal combustion engines leads to an increase in thermal and mechanical loads on the most critical parts. To ensure the required resource indicators in conditions of increased loads, it is necessary to use high-quality lubricants, the requirements for the operational properties of which are also steadily increasing. In order to ensure the necessary physical and chemical characteristics of engine oils, additives are introduced into their composition, but during operation the quality of engine oil decreases, the reasons for this are both the destruction of additives, and the accumulation of dirt particles in the oil and the ingress of fuel and coolant into the oil. The conducted studies are devoted to determining the intensity of engine oil contamination under operating conditions in the Wärtsilä 6L20 engine lubrication system and the effectiveness of the dispersing additives contained in the oil. Samples of Petro Canada and TARO oils brands were used as prototypes at the beginning of the operational period, at the time of average operating time and at the time of oil change. The dispersing ability of the oil was determined by the method of assessing the oil stain. According to the results of the research, it is concluded that when the properties of the oil change as a result of contamination, their dispersing ability remains satisfactory. This result can serve as a justification for extending the service life of engine oil, provided that its properties are monitored during operation.