Stabilized blends containing antioxidants

Abstract

The present invention relates to functional fluid compositions containing antioxidants, and specifically stable compositions containing antioxidants with limited solubility in and / or limited compatibility with the functional fluids with which they are used. In particular the present invention deals with functional fluids used in internal combustion engines, such as engine oils, and antioxidants containing a phenolic or benzoic group, where the antioxidant is present in the functional fluid composition at levels that would otherwise cause the composition to be unstable and / or hazy.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to functional fluid compositions containing antioxidants, and specifically stable compositions containing antioxidants with limited solubility in and / or limited compatibility with the functional fluids with which they are used.[0002]Antioxidants and their importance to various types of functional fluids are known. However, many antioxidants may only be used in limited ways due to solubility and / or compatibility issues with the functional fluids in which they are used. Many antioxidants, including phenolic or benzoic antioxidants, have limited solubility in functional fluids, such as engine oils, gear oils and greases. These antioxidants, when used at levels above their solubility and / or compatibility limits, may fall out of the functional fluid composition over time and / or cause the composition to appear hazy or cloudy.[0003]These are serious issues in the manufacturing and blending processes of the fluids as well as in ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a way to create functional fluid compositions with high amounts of antioxidants that are normally not very soluble in the fluid. This is done by adding a stabilizing component that improves the solubility of the antioxidant. The resulting composition is clear and stable, with improved clarity and reduced turbidity. The process involves mixing the components together and ensuring that the particles of the antioxidant are very small. The resulting composition is also more stable and compatible with other components used in the fluid.

Problems solved by technology

However, many antioxidants may only be used in limited ways due to solubility and / or compatibility issues with the functional fluids in which they are used.

These antioxidants, when used at levels above their solubility and / or compatibility limits, may fall out of the functional fluid composition over time and / or cause the composition to appear hazy or cloudy.

These are serious issues in the manufacturing and blending processes of the fluids as well as in the field.

This stringent standard greatly limits the choices of and available treatment levels for many additives, including the antioxidants discussed herein.

These antioxidants could provide improved performance to a functional fluid but are not widely used and / or are not used at the optimal level because the additive does not meet the solubility and / or compatibility requirements discussed above.

In the field, functional fluid compositions that drop out one or more components over time may not perform properly unless they are well-mixed before use, or may be removed by filters associated with the equipment in which the functional fluid is used.

Such conditions are not desired in functional fluid compositions, for both performance and aesthetic related reasons.

This reality has created constraints on the use of various antioxidants, such as effective maximum treat rates.

Greater performance may even be achievable with lesser amounts of chemical as well as greater amounts, depending on the selection of the more effective, but otherwise not suitable chemicals from a compatibility or solubility standpoint when delivered in a conventional manner.

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