Coupled oil analysis trending and life-cycle cost analysis for vessel oil-change interval decisions

Abstract

Extending lube oil-drain intervals is a practical way to save money on engine operating costs. At the same time, there may be increased risk of engine damage with increased drain intervals. The risks and benefits can be difficult to weigh and, as a result, starting an oil-drain interval extension programme can be an intimidating endeavour. This paper combines oil-analysis programme data interpretation and life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) into a methodology for weighing oil-drain interval options. LCCA has shown decreasing incremental cost savings as oil-drain intervals are further extended, indicating that highly extended drain intervals may not be necessary to reap the majority of available cost benefits. Using oil-analysis property trending with life-cycle cost savings can allow an engine operator to set an hours-based extended drain interval based on projected risks and benefits. This interval is set as the baseline under the protocol, but continual oil analysis is used as a precaution to protect against unpredictable events. This methodology helps to reduce the risk of engine damage and ensure that the most easily attainable cost savings are still captured, making the decision about how to extend oil-drain intervals more approachable.

Study on comprehensive degradation stability of special and nonspecific motor oils

“…Motor oil is considered as the “blood” of fuelled vehicles, 1,2 which reduce friction between moving surfaces and aids in transportation of contaminants and other particles away from moving parts 3,4 . Oils are prone to thermal and oxidative degradation during service in internal combustion engines as they are exposed to extremely high temperatures and pressures under air environment 5‐7 . Therefore, oil degradation stability directly influences the reliability of operation vehicles.…”

“…3,4 Oils are prone to thermal and oxidative degradation during service in internal combustion engines as they are exposed to extremely high temperatures and pressures under air environment. [5][6][7] Therefore, oil degradation stability directly influences the reliability of operation vehicles. Further study on oil degradation stability can help improve oil application, and provide reference for oil products developing.…”

Discussion on the influence of driving parameters of civilian cars on motor oil degradation

“…[2][3][4][5] Oil drain intervals that are too long increase the engine wear and the likelihood of engine damage, while intervals that are too short result in unnecessary preventive maintenance costs, energy wastage, and environment pollution. [6][7][8] According to the research of the United States Environment Protection Agency, one gallon of waste lubricating oil can pollute one million gallons of drinking water. There is also a report showing that draining the motor oil too frequently may lead to high concentration of additives in the oil, which react with the tribology surface and result in excessive wear.…”

Oil change interval evaluation of civilian cars in urban traffic condition

“…Oil must be changed to counter degradation and contamination, and to maintain the quality necessary to protect the engine. [4][5][6] Large amounts of the usage and draining of engine oil increases the maintenance cost and bring great pressure to environmental protection. [7][8][9][10] According to the research of the environment protection agency (EPA, USA), one gallon of oil has the potential to contaminate one million gallons of drinking water.…”