Engine Oil Degradation Research Articles

Engine oil degradation analysis of construction equipment in Latin America

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to determine and describe the effect of oil degradation on the engine of a 20-ton class excavator operating in Latin America. Design/methodology/approach The research parameters include: a specific engine class and equipment, the John Deere PowerTech Plus 6068 Tier 3 diesel engine that powers the 20-ton class excavator; identical OSA3 oil analysis laboratory equipment in 11 target countries in Latin America was employed to analyze oil samples; and the same sampling scope and method were followed for each oil sample. Findings The research results indicated that at 500 h of use, 73.4 percent of the oil sample results indicated that soot accumulation was a significant problem. When associating the engine oil contamination with the environment risk drivers: altitude and diesel quality have the greatest impact on iron readings; bio-diesel impacts copper; and precipitation and poor diesel quality are associated with silicon levels. Practical implications Due to diverse machine operating conditions, research offers an accurate global representation. Because there is an exponential count of particles as oil use approaches 250 h, the interval of engine maintenance (oil change) for machinery operating under similar conditions should not exceed 250 h of use. Originality/value The main contribution of this paper will help machinery final users and manufacturers to implement mitigation strategies to improve engine durability in countries with similar operating conditions.

Correlation Between Engine Oil Degradation, Tribochemistry, and Tribological Behavior with Focus on ZDDP Deterioration

This work aimed to bridge the gap between engine oil degradation, in particular zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) deterioration, its effect on tribofilm formation, and its eventual impact on friction and wear. Artificial oil alteration of a commercial engine oil SAE 0W-20 was used to produce a series of altered oils that were subjected to high resolution mass spectrometry in order to identify ZDDP degradation products and their abundances over time. It was found that ZDDP was depleted at an early stage of alteration by the replacement of its sulfur atoms by oxygen atoms and the release of the alkyl side chains. As final products of ZDDP deterioration, sulfuric and phosphoric acid were identified. Selected oils were subjected to tribometrical experiments consisting of an oscillating ball-on-disc contact. ZDDP concentration as well as the type and abundance of ZDDP degradation products in the oils directly influenced tribofilm formation and consequently friction and wear. However, the superior tribological performance of the fresh engine oil could not be regained with any of the artificially altered oils. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that sulfur occurred mainly in sulfide state in the tribofilm formed from fresh oil. With increasing degree of oil degradation, the sulfate state became more dominant. By trend, the amounts of sulfur, phosphorus, zinc and calcium declined with increasing degree of oil degradation, indicating that tribofilm formation had become increasingly difficult.

Operational Degradation of Engine Oil in Agricultural Technology

Abstract Proposed paper is focused on description and observation of operational degradation of engine oil in agricultural technology. Engine oil is one of the most important liquids used in combustion engines. Correct function of any machine is based on the appropriate selection of lubricants; moreover, it is also important to care for the entire lubrication system. Determining the condition of the oil used in operational conditions is very important for potential further oil use. Previously, engine oil had to be changed after expiration of legally valid intervals regardless of its actual performance parameters. However, its usage may be extended if engine oil parameters meet the legal requirements. This can be achieved by removing engine oil samples from machines on a regular basis. By examining the samples taken, it is possible to determine the actual oil state. In such manner, it is possible to prolong interchange periods and save both the financial resources and environment.

3P3-6 Influence of SH-SAW sensor frequency for engine oil degradation evaluation

3P3-6 Influence of SH-SAW sensor frequency for engine oil degradation evaluation

The experimental analysis of engine oil degradation utilizing selected thermoanalytical methods

Abstract In the paper, the authors raised the problem of degradation of lubricating oil parameters with extended intervals of oil change of a passenger car. The results of engine oils thermoanalysis are presented and discussed. The analyzed oils were brand new and worn out after the mileage of 30 000 kilometers. The goal of the paper was to indicate the differences between new and worn out oil and to point the problems associated with further extending oil change intervals.

Production, characterization and environmental applications of biosurfactants from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus subtilis

Abstract Biosurfactants are the superb alternates for chemical surfactants due to non-toxicity, biodegradability and cost-effectiveness. The present study describes the biosurfactant production from two isolates Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SAS-1 and Bacillus subtilis BR-15. The produced biosurfactants were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as lipopeptides, surfactins of molecular weight 1007, 1021, 1035 and 1049 Da. These molecules displayed an excellent emulsification (E24 60–78%) with hydrocarbons and stability at wide temperature (4–100 °C) and pH (4–10). The biosurfactants produced by SAS-1 and BR-15 accounted for 56.91 ± 1.52 and 66.31 ± 2.32% enhanced oil recovery respectively in sand pack column experiment on account of their high surface activity. Further, the biosurfactants efficiently augmented (75–94%) the engine oil degradation with microbial consortium, more than threefold as compared to that without biosurfactants (22–31%). Hence, the presented strains have high potential for environmental applications like enhancing oil recovery and bioremediation of oil spills.

Effect of degradation on tribological performance of engine lubricants at elevated temperatures

Abstract High operating temperatures in engines produce a thermal degradation promoting the oil oxidation that affects its tribological performance. In this paper, an alternative method is proposed to simulate engine oil degradation by mixing degraded oil with fresh oil to simulate a mileage. The simulated and real degraded engine oils were compared by infrared spectroscopy analysis. The dynamic viscosities of mixed oils were measured by a rheometer at 50 °C and 80 °C and a block-on-ring tribometer was used to evaluate their tribological performance under mixed lubrication regime at these two temperatures. The results showed that the simulated degradation is acceptable, the coefficient of friction decreased at higher temperature and reduced as the engine oil is close to its end of service life.

Isolation of Bacillus cereus from botanical soil and subsequent biodegradation of waste engine oil

Waste engine oil causes a vital environmental pollution when it spill during change and transportation and products of waste engine oil causes lethal effects to the living systems. Thus, abiotic and biotic approaches are being extensively used for removal of waste engine oil pollution. Therefore in present study, waste engine oil degradation was accomplished by a new bacterial culture, isolated from the soil by an enrichment technique. Morphological, biochemical and gene sequence analysis revealed that isolate was Bacillus cereus. Subsequently, biodegradation potential of B. cereus for waste engine oil was studied. Experimental variables, such as pH, substrate concentration, inoculum size, temperature and time on the biodegradation, were checked in mineral salt medium. The biodegradation efficiency of B. cereus was determined by gravimetry, UV–visible spectrophotometry and gas chromatography. In addition, waste engine oil was also characterized by GC–MS and FTIR for its major constituents, which showed total 38 components in waste engine oil, including hopanes, benzopyrene, long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, dibenzothiophenes, biphenyl and their derivatives. Results of successive biodegradation indicated that B. cereus was capable to degrade 1% of waste engine oil with 98.6% degradation potential at pH 7 within 20 days. Hence, B. cereus presents an innovative tool for removing the engine oil from the contaminated area.

A review of biofuel generated contamination, engine oil degradation and engine wear

ABSTRACTEngine oil contamination, degradation and wear of engine components occurs mainly due to fuel dilution, oxidation and blow-by. This contamination accelerates the wear of engine components and also decreases the useful service life and performance of engine oil. Failure of engine oil can cause engine component failure. The three major contaminants which initiate engine oil degradation and engine component wear are soot, water and particles. Soot contamination in lubricating oil is responsible for oil thickening and engine wear. Water emulsifies the oil and the wear debris generated further enhance the wear rate as three body abrasive process. This paper reveals the role of biofuels in engine oil degradation in terms of contamination, fuel dilution, oxidation and blow-by and wear. This paper provides a platform to understand the tribological relationship between lubricating oil and engine components.

Metabolism of waste engine oil by Pseudomonas species.

Two bacterial strains phylogenetically identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains RM1 and SK1 displayed extensive degradation ability on waste engine oil (SAE 40W) in batch cultures. Spectrophotometric analysis revealed the presence of various heavy metals such as lead, chromium and nickel in the waste engine oil. The rate of degradation of waste engine oil by the isolates, for the first 12 days and the last 9 days were 66.3, 31.6 mg l−1 day−1 and 69.6, 40.0 mg l−1 day−1 for strains RM1 and SK1, respectively. Gas chromatographic (GC) analyses of residual waste engine oil, revealed that 66.58, 89.06 % and 63.40, 90.75 % of the initial concentration of the waste engine oil were degraded by strains RM1 and SK1 within 12 and 21 days. GC fingerprints of the waste engine oil after 12 days of incubation of strains RM1 and SK1 showed total disappearance of C15, C23, C24, C25 and C26 hydrocarbon fractions as well as drastic reductions of C13, C14, C16 and PAHs fractions such as C19-anthracene and C22-pyrene. At the end of 21 days incubation, total disappearance of C17-pristane, C22-pyrene, one of the C19-anthracene and significant reduction of C18-phytane (97.2 %, strain RM1; 95.1 %, strain SK1) fractions were observed. In addition, <10 % of Day 0 values of medium fraction ranges C13, and C16 were discernible after 21 days. This study has established the potentials of P. aeruginosa strains RM1 and SK1 in the degradation of aliphatic, aromatic and branched alkane components of waste engine oils.

Development of dielectric sensor to monitor the engine lubricating oil degradation

Present day practice of following fixed schedules of oil change intervals could result in loss for the equipment owner, as the oil is not utilized up-to its maximum useful life. Similarly, the extended use of engine oil beyond maximum useful life is of high risk, which could lead irreversible and catastrophic damages to engine parts. Engine oil condition indicates the condition of engine parts, in any application. Therefore, monitoring the condition of the oil in real time is of paramount importance. Researchers had established that the engine oil degradation correlates with change in dielectric property of the engine oil. The important factor to realize the on-line real time monitoring of the changes in dielectric property of the engine oil is, the cost of dielectric sensor within affordable limit for an operator. Current work aims at developing such a low cost affordable dielectric sensor and engine oil samples (SAE 15W40 grade) were collected from durability test engines used in engine test rig and on-road vehicles. These samples were tested for physical and chemical properties. Any changes in the properties, of engine oil monitored, indicate that it undergoes degradation due to usage. A prototype of capacitive type sensor was developed and validated with reference fluids. The dielectric values measured using proto type sensor in the used oil samples show a correlation with change in physical properties. This trend and thresholds of dielectric provides effective plat form to monitor the engine oil degradation. The sensor could be coupled to a suitable warning device by incorporating specific algorithms.

The Mechanism of Lubricants Protective Layers Formation in Friction Sliding

The article presents the results of a study of the temperature degradation of motor oils of various basic framework and lubricity when the load changes, which have established a process flow thermal degradation of engine oils, comprising the sequential formation of primary and secondary degradation products, different optical density, and the impact of these products on the processes forming a boundary lubricant layer. The dependences of the wear parameters of temperature and temperature control loads on the basis of which identified education adsorption, chemisorption and modified layers. There are three characteristic temperature range of the parameter-dependent wear degradation products thermostatically controlled oil and load.

Screening of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria using redox indicator 2, 6-dichlorophenol indophenol.

&lt;div&gt; &lt;p&gt;Petroleum products are used in different forms in auto-mechanic workshops every day. Spent motor oil disposed-off improperly contains potentially toxic substances which can seep into the water tables and contaminate ground water. This study involved isolation and screening of bacterial species capable of utilizing hydrocarbons from three auto-mechanic workshops in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Counts ranged from 1.03 &amp;times; 10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; to 2.81 &amp;times; 10&lt;sup&gt;6 &lt;/sup&gt;CFU/g. Total Oil Degrading Bacterial Counts varied between 4.0 &amp;times; 10&lt;sup&gt;5&lt;/sup&gt; and 2.01 &amp;times; 10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; CFU/g while Surface Active Bacterial Counts were from 1.2 &amp;times; 10&lt;sup&gt;4&lt;/sup&gt; to 2.76 &amp;times; 10&lt;sup&gt;5&lt;/sup&gt; CFU/g. Twenty-four bacteria species capable of utilizing petroleum as a carbon source were isolated from various contaminated soils using enrichment technique. Isolated bacteria include: &lt;em&gt;Bacillus &lt;/em&gt;spp., &lt;em&gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa,&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;Micrococcus &lt;/em&gt;spp., &lt;em&gt;Proteus mirabilis&lt;/em&gt;, &lt;em&gt;Proteus vulgaris &lt;/em&gt;and&lt;em&gt; Enterobacter &lt;/em&gt;spp. Redox indicator 2, 6-dichlorophenol indophenol (DCPIP) was used to screen for efficient hydrocarbon (Kerosene, Premium Motor Spirit, and Engine oil) degradation by bacteria. Degradation efficiency was measured by optical density at 600 nm. &lt;em&gt;Micrococcus &lt;/em&gt;spp., &lt;em&gt;Proteus mirabilis&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&lt;/em&gt; were found to be the best isolates growing on majority of hydrocarbons due to their high utilization value when growing on the hydrocarbons tested.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Characterization of Thermal Stability of Synthetic and Semi-Synthetic Engine Oils

Engine oils undergo oxidative degradation and wears out during service. Hence it is important to characterize ageing of engine oils at different simulated conditions to evaluate the performance of existing oils and also design new formulations. This work focuses on characterizing the thermo-oxidative degradation of synthetic and semi-synthetic engine oils aged at 120, 149 and 200 °C. Apparent activation energy of decomposition of aged oils evaluated using the isoconversional Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose technique was used as a thermal stability marker. The temporal variation of stability at different ageing temperatures was corroborated with kinematic viscosity, oxidation, sulfation and nitration indices, total base number, antiwear additive content and molecular structure of the organic species present in the oils. At the lowest temperature employed, synthetic oil underwent higher rate of oxidation, while semi-synthetic oil was stable for longer time periods. At higher temperatures, the initial rate of change of average apparent activation energy of synthetic oil correlated well with a similar variation in oxidation number. A mixture of long chain linear, branched, and cyclic hydrocarbons were observed when semi-synthetic oil was degraded at higher temperatures.

Biodegradation of waste lubricants by a newly isolated Ochrobactrum sp. C1.

A potential degrader of paraffinic and aromatic hydrocarbons was isolated from oil-contaminated soil from steel plant effluent area in Burnpur, India. The strain was investigated for degradation of waste lubricants (waste engine oil and waste transformer oil) that often contain EPA (Environmental Protection Agency, USA) classified priority pollutants and was identified as Ochrobactrum sp. C1 by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The strain C1 was found to tolerate unusually high waste lubricant concentration along with emulsification capability of the culture broth, and its degradation efficiency was 48.5 ± 0.5 % for waste engine oil and 30.47 ± 0.25 % for waste transformer oil during 7 days incubation period. In order to get optimal degradation efficiency, a three level Box–Behnken design was employed to optimize the physical parameters namely pH, temperature and waste oil concentration. The results indicate that at temperature 36.4 °C, pH 7.3 and with 4.6 % (v/v) oil concentration, the percentage degradation of waste engine oil will be 57 % within 7 days. At this optimized condition, the experimental values (56.7 ± 0.25 %) are in a good agreement with the predicted values with a calculated R 2 to be 0.998 and significant correlation between biodegradation and emulsification activity (E 24 = 69.42 ± 0.32 %) of the culture broth toward engine oil was found with a correlation coefficient of 0.972. This is the first study showing that an Ochrobactrum sp. strain is capable of degrading waste lubricants, which might contribute to the bioremediation of waste lubricating oil-contaminated soil.

Effect of extended idle on oil degradation rates of heavy-duty vehicles

Given the high level of extended idle endured by a heavy-duty vehicle, there is a need to understand the effects of extended idle operation on its engine oil life. This study uses routinely-collected oil samples from multiple heavy duty vehicles to determine the effects extended idle has on engine oil degradation rate. The results of the oil analysis show very little degradation of oil in spite of high levels of extended idle operation. A negative but normal correlation is seen in viscosity and total base number (TBN). Significant degradation is not seen even after the vehicle exceeded the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval. The results from the study seem to show that extended idling in heavy-duty vehicles can be treated similarly to long trip intervals, in terms of oil degradation. Additionally, it seems extended idling does not result in abnormal engine wear or excessive oil contamination.

Impact of engine oil degradation on wear and corrosion caused by acetic acid evaluated by chassis dynamometer bench tests

The impact of acetic acid as partial combustion product of ethanol, a bio-derived component in gasoline, on the performance of two engine oils regarding their stability and corrosion potential towards engine parts was assessed. Consequently, oils evaluated in laboratory for their stability were subjected to a chassis dynamometer bench test for examination under more realistic conditions. In addition to reference runs, bench tests were performed with addition of acetic acid to the oil. Oil condition monitoring enabled the differentiation between runs with and without addition of acid concerning the oil parameters Total Base Number and Neutralisation Number. Moreover, interaction of the oils with acetic acid could be differentiated attributed to different oil formulations. Optical emission spectroscopy of oil samples proved the corrosion potential towards iron and copper when adding acetic acid although this contamination has been largely evaporated during the bench tests. However, failure assessment by scanning electron microscopy of used parts demounted from the vehicle after the bench tests showed no significant signs of mechanical wear or corrosion giving evidence for material loss in nano- to micro-scale. As corroboration of these findings, static corrosion experiments were performed in the laboratory with good correlation to results obtained from the bench test.

Microbial desalination cell for enhanced biodegradation of waste engine oil using a novel bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis moh3

Microbial desalination cell (MDC) is a bioelectrochemical system developed recently from microbial fuel cells (MFCs), for producing green energy from organic wastes along with desalination of saltwater. MDC is proved to be a better performer than MFC in terms of power output and chemical oxygen demand removal, with desalination as an additional feature. This study investigates the application potential of MDC for integrated biodegradation of waste engine oil. This study showed, for the first time, that waste engine oil could be used as an organic substrate in MDC, achieving biodegradation of engine oil along with considerable desalination and power production. Utilization of these wastes in MDC can protect the environment from waste engine oil contamination. Indigenous oil-degrading bacteria were isolated and identified from engine oil contaminated sludge. Degradation of waste engine oil by these novel isolates was studied in batch cultures and optimized the growth conditions. The same cultures when used in MDC, gave enhanced biodegradation (70.1±0.5% ) along with desalination (68.3±0.6% ) and power production (3.1±0.3 mW/m2). Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses were performed to characterize the degradation metabolites in the anolyte of MDC which clearly indicated the biodegradation of long chain, branched and cyclic hydrocarbons present in waste engine oil.

Aquatic model for engine oil degradation by rhamnolipid producing Nocardiopsis VITSISB.

The present study was focused on isolation, screening, characterization and application of biosurfactant producing marine actinobacteria. Twenty actinobacteria were isolated from marine water sample and were primarily screened for biosurfactant production using hemolytic activity method. Among the 20 isolates, six showed positive result for hemolytic activity and those were taken for further secondary screening tests such as oil collapse method, oil spreading method and emulsification method. From the results of secondary screening analysis, two isolates (SIS-3 and SIS-20) were selected and further used to carry out biosurfactant characterization test such as pH, density, surface tension and viscosity determination. Comparing biosurfactant characterization results, SIS-3 was chosen for further analysis and application. FT-IR and GC–MS were carried out for analysis of biosurfactant from isolate SIS-3 and the compound detected was rhamnolipid. The isolate (SIS-3) was identified as Nocardiopsis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and named as ‘Nocardiopsis VITSISB’ (KC958579) which was further applied for immobilizing whole cells for engine oil degradation by constructing an aquatic model and using natural products such as soybean meal, sugarcane juice as nutrient source. The oil was efficiently degraded by rhamnolipid producing Nocardiopsis VITSISB (KC958579) within 25 days which indicated that the strain can act as a natural candidate for the bioremediation of oil spill in ocean.

Comparison of engine oil degradation observed in laboratory alteration and in the engine by chemometric data evaluation

The influence of ethanol in gasoline and its partial combustion products on the engine oil performance was investigated by joint use of IR spectroscopic data and chemometrics. Oil samples obtained from artificial alteration in the laboratory and engine alteration in a chassis dynamometer were compared. Quantification of residual amounts of antioxidant and antiwear additive (ZDDP) in the oil samples by FTIR spectroscopy showed depletion of phenolic antioxidant during engine alteration but ZDDP degradation during artificial alteration. Different chemometrical models using principal component analysis (PCA) elucidated similarities and differences between both alteration types, proving the findings of FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, laboratory-based artificial alteration was mainly driven by oxidative processes whereas engine alteration showed higher amounts of both oxidation and nitration products.