Analysis of the Influence of Contamination in Lubricant by Biodiesel in a Pin-On-Disk Equipment

Abstract

The introduction of biodiesel to commercial diesel is being increased every year. The need to check this addition to the engine and lubricant is important for automakers and internal combustion engine manufacturers. The oil analysis technique is a type of predictive maintenance, done by collecting oil from equipment and analyzing it later in the laboratory, or by analyzing it directly and continuously in on-line systems. In internal combustion engines, all parts have a pre-established service life, longer or shorter, according to the specific function assigned to it. By analyzing the oil, the condition of these parts can be monitored. The oils analysis reveals the first signs of wear of a component. The identification is made based on the study of the number of particles, size, shape and composition thereof, present in the lubricant samples, which provide accurate information about the conditions of the moving surfaces without the need to disassemble the assembly to which these parts belongs. In this work a lubricant contamination by biodiesels were made to simulate possible scenarios within an internal combustion engine.The lubricant recommended by an engine manufacturer was "contaminated" with commercial diesel and with different percentages and types of biodiesel. After this "contamination" they were placed in a pin on disk device under certain conditions.Through the analyzes of the lubricants extracted from the Pin on disk Equipment after the tests, some analysis were carried out in order to study the effects of using biodiesel in the internal combustion engine.These analyzes consisted of Flash point, analytical ferrography, monitoring of ferrous particles generated, viscosity, viscosity index, basicity index and X-ray spectrometry.Among the results obtained it is observed that for a 5% contamination of animal biodiesel there was an increase in the viscosity index. Conversely, the contamination of 5% of animal + vegetable biodiesel decreased the viscosity index in relation to Diesel B5. We also found that these biodiesel additions were not detrimental to the engine and lubricant at the mix ratios and test conditions used.

Technical Implications of the Use of Biofuels in Agricultural and Industrial Compression-Ignition Engines with a Special Focus on the Interactions with (Bio)lubricants

“…They also lead to higher dilution of biodiesel than diesel [153]. Based on the studies and experiments [154,155], it is possible to conclude that biodiesel has other destructive effects in addition to changes in lubricating oil viscosity. Diluting lubricating oil with aged biodiesel and its degradation products (oxidized biodiesel) can cause interaction with zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) anti-wear additives in lubricating oil, which lead to increased engine wear [153].…”

Comparative Analysis of Soft Computing Models for Predicting Viscosity in Diesel Engine Lubricants: An Alternative Approach to Condition Monitoring

“…22 Consequently, the identification of contaminants in oil through lubricant analysis allows for the recognition of initial component wear before failure occurs. 23 In essence, information regarding the physical properties and chemical composition of engine oil is yielded through its examination, facilitating the prediction of friction and wear. The potential benefits of engine oil analysis extend to the prevention of costly repairs, reduction of downtime, and optimization of oil change intervals, resulting in early issue cost savings.…”

“…Engine oil analysis constitutes a crucial aspect of diesel engine and lubricant maintenance. , Alterations in the physical and chemical properties of lubricating oil can be induced by various factors, including the utilization of hydrogen in diesel engines, the application of biodiesel in diesel engines, and the prolonged use-induced degradation of engine oil . Consequently, the identification of contaminants in oil through lubricant analysis allows for the recognition of initial component wear before failure occurs . In essence, information regarding the physical properties and chemical composition of engine oil is yielded through its examination, facilitating the prediction of friction and wear.…”