Environment and the Economics of Long Drain Interval

Abstract

Recent technological developments have revolutionized the lubricant industry by spurring a widespread quality improvement in both base oils and additives, giving superior finished lubricants. The upgrading of base oils is being brought about by more demanding requirements from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), by government regulations, and through consumer awareness, environmental concerns, decreasing supply of high-quality lubricant-bearing crudes, and expanding markets worldwide. Present-day lubricant demand is for maximum oxidation stability, superior low-temperature performance, low volatility, and improved additive response, which are difficult to achieve through conventional processing. All this in a nutshell seek to satisfy environmental requirements and extended drain economics. Hence a serious consideration is being muted to introduce a regulation to enforce bio-degradable lubricants which are vegetable based. Condition monitoring and proactive maintenance are critical tools for achieving significant improvement in tribological performance of mechanical components and extended lubricant life.