Integrated performance test evaluation system for aviation lubricating oil

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of aviation testing devices, and discloses an integrated performance testing and evaluating system for aviation lubricating oil, which comprises a testing subsystem; the testing subsystem comprises a No. I testing area for testing the oxidation corrosion stability of aviation lubricating oil, a No. II testing area for testing the thermal oxidation stability of aviation lubricating oil and a No. III testing area for testing the effective service life of aviation lubricating oil, which are integrally arranged; a constant-temperature solid bath and a pipeline interface arranged around the constant-temperature solid bath are arranged in the testing areas; the constant-temperature solid bath is used for containing and constant-temperature heating of a test pool; the pipeline interface is connected with the test pool; the pipeline interface is used for inputting liquid medium or gas medium required by the test into the test pool; the test pool matched with the No. I testing area and the No. II testing area is an oxidation test pool; and the test pool in the No. III testing area is a service life test pool. The application can effectively improve the testing efficiency and shorten the test period.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aviation testing equipment technology, and more specifically to an integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricants. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure the safe and stable operation of aircraft engines, a lubrication system is needed to provide a stable flow of aviation lubricating oil to all lubrication points of the engine.

[0003] Aviation lubricating oils undergo a continuous cycle of heat absorption, heating, oxidation, and cooling during circulation. During this process, the oil exhibits reactions such as evaporation, coking, and corrosion. Furthermore, as the lubricating oil's service life increases, it oxidizes and deteriorates due to these reactions, leading to a continuous decline in quality and potentially causing corrosion of lubricated components, thus affecting the normal operation of aircraft engines and other components. Therefore, selecting aviation lubricating oils with excellent lubrication and oxidation resistance is crucial.

[0004] Determining whether an aviation lubricant meets the basic requirements of an aircraft engine requires testing and evaluating multiple properties of the lubricant according to certain specifications and standards. These include evaluations of oxidation and corrosion stability, thermal oxidation stability, and effective life. Existing testing and evaluation methods all involve oxidation tests on aviation lubricants according to existing standards. While the test results meet the standard requirements, the test cycles for each test are quite long (e.g., the test cycle for oxidation and corrosion stability is 72 hours, and the test cycle for thermal oxidation stability is 96 hours), and the required test conditions vary for each test, resulting in low testing efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricants, which can effectively improve testing efficiency and shorten the test cycle.

[0006] The basic solution provided by this invention is: an integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricating oil, including a testing subsystem; the testing subsystem includes an integrated testing area I for determining the oxidative corrosion stability of aviation lubricating oil, a testing area II for determining the thermal oxidative stability of aviation lubricating oil, and a testing area III for determining the effective life of aviation lubricating oil.

[0007] Each test area is equipped with a constant-temperature solid bath and pipe interfaces located around the constant-temperature solid bath; the constant-temperature solid bath is used to contain and heat the test pool at a constant temperature; the pipe interfaces are connected to the test pool; the pipe interfaces are used to input the liquid or gaseous medium required for the test into the test pool.

[0008] The test pools in Test Area I and Test Area II are oxidation test pools, each comprising an oxidation tube integrally connected to a capillary tube at its top; the bottom of the oxidation tube is open, and the opening is sealed during the test; the test pool in Test Area III is a lifetime test pool, each comprising a test tube connected to a four-way adapter at its top.

[0009] The working principle and advantages of this invention are as follows: The testing subsystem integrates the test areas for three types of tests, allowing all three types of tests to be completed within a single subsystem, and all three tests can be performed simultaneously. This solution, by integrating test areas and addressing the common requirements of the three types of tests, sets up constant-temperature solid baths in each test area, enabling the creation of different temperature environments for each type of test. Each constant-temperature solid bath is surrounded by several pipe interfaces, facilitating the input of test gases or condensate into the test tank, thus aiding in the construction of a complete test environment and simplifying test operation. Combined with different types of test tanks, the needs of all three types of tests can be met simultaneously, providing the basic conditions for simultaneous start-up of all three types of tests.

[0010] This invention relates to an integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricants. It can simultaneously provide a test environment for the oxidation and corrosion stability test, thermal oxidation stability test, and effective life test of aviation lubricants. Using this system, the three types of tests can be started and observed in a centralized manner, which can effectively shorten the testing and evaluation cycle of aviation lubricants and improve testing efficiency.

[0011] In particular, this solution constructs a new, comprehensive, and integrated testing and evaluation system, and provides hardware support for its operation. Based on existing research, various performance indicators of aviation lubricants often exhibit positive correlations; when an aviation lubricant exhibits superior oxidation-corrosion stability, its thermal oxidation stability and effective life are also correspondingly superior. Considering the long testing cycles for each performance test, current testing often does not measure the oxidation-corrosion stability, thermal oxidation stability, and effective life of a single lubricant. However, the results of individual tests only roughly indicate whether the lubricant meets the standard requirements and cannot provide further reference for performance optimization. To address this, this solution integrates the test areas corresponding to the three types of tests, considering all three performance indicators. This allows for more comprehensive and detailed lubricant performance data, resulting in more accurate performance evaluation and providing reliable data for performance optimization.

[0012] Furthermore, even if a few testers measure all three performance aspects, the parallel implementation of these tests is challenging due to the different test conditions (e.g., temperature, test gas, time, and environmental conditions). Synchronous control is difficult, resulting in the current testing methods requiring sequential testing, leading to extremely low efficiency. In contrast, this solution equips the three integrated test areas with corresponding constant-temperature solid baths, piping interfaces, and test tanks. This allows for tailored test conditions for each area, reducing the difficulty of synchronous control and enabling simultaneous testing without interference, thus achieving higher testing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the test subsystem layout of an embodiment of the integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricating oils of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single test area in an embodiment of the integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricants of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the oxidation test tank structure of an embodiment of the integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricating oils of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the life test tank structure of an embodiment of the integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricating oil of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the test subsystem in an embodiment of the integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricating oils according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The following detailed explanation illustrates the specific implementation methods:

[0019] The markings in the accompanying drawings include: test chamber 1, constant temperature solid bath 2, sample position 21, control back panel 3, pipeline interface 31, gas control module 32, liquid control module 33, oxidation test cell 4, life test cell 5, four-way adapter 51, and test tube 52.

[0020] The basic implementation examples are as follows: Figure 1 As shown: An integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricants, comprising a testing subsystem and an evaluation subsystem.

[0021] As attached Figure 5As shown, the test subsystem includes an integrated test area I for determining the oxidative corrosion stability of aviation lubricating oil, a test area II for determining the thermal oxidative stability of aviation lubricating oil, and a test area III for determining the effective life of aviation lubricating oil.

[0022] Each test area is equipped with a constant-temperature solid bath 2 and several pipe interfaces 31 located around the constant-temperature solid bath 2; the constant-temperature solid bath 2 is used to contain and heat the test pool at a constant temperature; in this embodiment, the temperature of the constant-temperature solid bath 2 is set to 100℃-300℃. Each constant-temperature solid bath 2 has four sample positions 21 for containing the test pool, enabling simultaneous heating of four test pools; multiple constant-temperature solid baths 2 can be placed in a single test area.

[0023] Specifically, the pipeline interface 31 is located on the control backplate 3, and its height is above the constant temperature solid bath 2. In this embodiment, the control backplate 3 is located behind the constant temperature solid bath 2. The pipeline interface 31 is connected to the test tank; the pipeline interface 31 is used to input the liquid or gaseous medium required for the test into the test tank. The pipeline interface 31 includes a gas interface and a liquid interface; the gas interface is connected to an air pump; the liquid interface is connected to a circulating cold bath system. A condenser pipe is connected between the test tank and the liquid interface. The control backplate 3 is also equipped with a gas control module 32 and a liquid control module 33, which are used to control the opening and closing of each gas interface and each liquid interface, and to control the output flow of the air pump and the circulating cold bath system, respectively.

[0024] And as attached Figure 2 As shown, each test area corresponds to a test chamber 1. The constant temperature solid bath 2 and the control back panel 3 are both located inside the test chamber 1. Each test area is equipped with an electric retractable door (not shown in the figure) for opening and closing the space of each test chamber 1. Specifically, the electric retractable door is an up-and-down retractable door, which is set opposite to the control back panel 3. Before the test begins, the electric retractable door is opened, the configured test tank is placed into the constant temperature solid bath 2, and the condenser tube assembly and pipeline connection are completed. Then the electric retractable door is closed to ensure that the internal environment of the test chamber 1 is not affected by external interference, resulting in more accurate test results.

[0025] The test chambers equipped in Test Zones I and II are oxidation test chambers 4, which include sample tubes and sample tube heads assembled together; the bottom end of the sample tube is open, and this opening is fused sealed during the test; as shown in the attached... Figure 3As shown (the opening in the figure is sealed). The test cell in the No. III test area is the life test cell 5, which includes a test tube 52 with a four-way adapter 51 connected to its top; one interface of the four-way adapter 51 is connected to the test tube 52, and the other three interfaces are the experimental gas inlet, the aviation lubricating oil sample addition port, and the sampling port, respectively; as shown in the attached figure. Figure 4 As shown. Furthermore, in the experiment, the oxidation test tank 4 was filled with aviation lubricating oil samples and metal sheets; the life test tank 5 was filled with aviation lubricating oil samples.

[0026] The evaluation subsystem includes a central processing unit and a display connected to it; each test area is equipped with a monitor; the monitors are connected to the display. Specifically, the monitors are installed in test chamber 1, with their monitoring angle facing the test pool. The real-time test progress in each test chamber 1 can be displayed on the monitor, allowing test operators to monitor the test progress and promptly identify potential risks during the test.

[0027] The evaluation subsystem also includes an information acquisition module connected to the central processing unit. This module collects and stores test data obtained from each test area. The test data includes viscosity, acid value, insoluble content, evaporation loss, and infrared analysis data of the aviation lubricating oil samples; and corrosion rate and intergranular corrosion data of the metal sheets. The diverse types of test data collected here allow for accurate assessment of aviation lubricating oil performance and its impact on the actual components (from metal sheets to engines). Furthermore, the collection of intergranular corrosion data specifically for the metal sheets allows for further analysis of the internal corrosion of the metal sheets at the grain level. This confirms the relatively hidden effects of aviation lubricating oil on the metal sheets, yielding more multi-dimensional analytical data and contributing to improved accuracy in aviation lubricating oil performance testing.

[0028] In practical applications, samples are first loaded into oxidation test cell 4 and life test cell 5. Specifically, when loading samples into oxidation test cell 4, a metal sheet is inserted into the sample tube through the bottom opening and the opening is sealed; then, aviation lubricating oil sample is injected into the sample tube through the top opening and the opening is sealed. When loading samples into life test cell 5, a certain amount of aviation lubricating oil sample is added to test tube 52; in this embodiment, 50 ml of aviation lubricating oil sample is added.

[0029] In Test Area I, where oxidation corrosion stability tests are conducted, the test cycle is set to 72 hours. The electric retractable gate is opened, and the oxidation test tank 4 is placed in a constant-temperature solid bath 2 at a preset temperature for heating. Simultaneously, a condenser pipe is connected to the top of the oxidation test tank 4, which is connected to pipe interface 31. The preset temperatures here are 175℃, 204℃, and 218℃. The electric retractable gate is then closed. In Test Area II, where thermal oxidation stability tests are conducted, the test cycle is set to 96 hours. The electric retractable gate is opened, and the oxidation test tank 4 is placed in a constant-temperature solid bath 2 at a preset temperature for heating. Simultaneously, a condenser pipe is connected to the top of the oxidation test tank 4, which is connected to pipe interface 31. The preset temperature here is 274±1℃. The electric retractable gate is then closed. Within 1-2 hours after the test is completed, the electric retractable gate is opened, and aviation lubricating oil samples and metal fragments are taken for analysis.

[0030] Preferably, when selecting the sampling and analysis interval, for Test Area I undergoing the oxidative corrosion stability test, the sampling and analysis interval is set to be within (1.39% to 2.78% × test cycle) hours after the test is completed. For Test Area II undergoing the thermal oxidation stability test, the sampling and analysis interval is set to be within (1.04% to 2.08% × test cycle) hours after the test is completed.

[0031] Test Zone III, where the effective life test is conducted, includes an isochronous temperature variation test phase and an isothermal time variation test phase. In the isochronous temperature variation test phase, the test period is set to 192 hours. The life test pool 5 is placed in a constant-temperature solid bath 2 at a preset temperature for heating. Simultaneously, a condenser tube is connected to the top of the life test pool 5, and the condenser tube is connected to the pipe interface 31. The preset temperature here is set to 100-260°C. In this embodiment, 100°C is used as the baseline and 260°C as the threshold, with isochronous temperature variations performed at intervals of 5-10°C over 192 hours. Sampling and analysis are performed at each time point of temperature change during this phase. In the isothermal time variation test phase, the preset temperature is set to 200°C, and the duration is set to 5 hours, 25 hours, 50 hours, 100 hours, etc. Sampling and analysis are performed at the end of each duration during this phase. Furthermore, during sampling and analysis, after taking X ml of aviation lubricating oil sample from the test tank, an equal amount of the same type of aviation lubricating oil sample was added back to the test tank to ensure that the sample volume in the test tank remained unchanged before and after sampling. The effective life test was stopped when any change in an analytical index in the sampling analysis results exceeded the corresponding change threshold for that index.

[0032] In addition, during the experiment, the process was monitored online via monitors and displays, and the experimental data was recorded using an information acquisition module.

[0033] This embodiment provides an integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricants, which can simultaneously provide a test environment for the oxidation and corrosion stability test, thermal oxidation stability test, and effective life test of aviation lubricants. Using this system, the three types of tests can be started and observed simultaneously, which can effectively shorten the testing and evaluation cycle of aviation lubricants and improve testing efficiency.

[0034] Furthermore, compared to existing oil testing, current tests focus more on the single function of the oil itself. According to existing research, various performance indicators of aviation lubricants often show a positive correlation; when an aviation lubricant exhibits superior oxidation and corrosion stability, its thermal oxidation stability and effective life are also correspondingly superior. However, comprehensive evaluation of oils has been lacking. Oil selection is often based on meeting specific performance requirements or functional requirements, rather than on a holistic evaluation. More importantly, to meet the evaluation of a particular function, existing tests are designed based on that specific requirement. This means that the current testing and evaluation system, from its inception, is not designed for comprehensive evaluation, but rather for single-function testing to meet specific functional requirements.

[0035] However, this solution reveals that in actual use, the existing method of selecting oils based on a single function (or a single indicator) and comparing other functions (indicators) does not necessarily yield the best-performing oils. Theoretically, oils with a relatively inferior function may actually perform better in practice (for example, oil A has better oxidative corrosion resistance than oil B, oil B has better thermal stability than oil C; oil C has the same effective life as oils A and B. According to the single-criteria oil selection method, if evaluated based on oxidative corrosion stability, oil A should be selected. However, in actual use, oil C performs better than oil A in aircraft systems).

[0036] The reason for this is that, in actual use, the quality of fuel, as reflected in its various properties, is a comprehensive and inseparable whole; single-performance evaluations are inherently human-made and based on considerations. However, with the upgrading of aircraft, the operating environment of fuel has become more complex, and there are more influencing factors in the actual environment that were not considered in previous evaluation standards. This makes it impossible for existing testing and evaluation standards to accurately assess fuel performance. Furthermore, re-developing testing procedures would be extremely costly and difficult.

[0037] This solution improves the accuracy of oil product evaluation at minimal cost. In existing evaluation systems, the various evaluation indicators are relatively isolated and lack connectivity, leading to inaccurate evaluations that deviate from reality. This solution breaks this pattern, constructing a new, comprehensive, and integrated testing and evaluation system, and providing hardware support for its operation. By connecting various tests, it facilitates operation while effectively improving evaluation accuracy. Through comprehensive testing and evaluation, it can accurately select oil products with the best actual performance.

[0038] Furthermore, in the integration of the three tests, this solution is not simply a sequential or synchronous approach. While integrating the three tests, this solution, by equipping corresponding constant-temperature solid baths 2, pipe interfaces 31, and test tanks, allows for the setting of different test conditions for each test area. This reduces the difficulty of synchronous control of the three types of tests, enabling them to be conducted simultaneously without interference, resulting in high test efficiency. Corresponding sampling times are set for the three tests with different test cycles. Based on the test cycle and conditions of each test, sampling and analysis are performed within a preset time period. This allows for timely sampling, minimizing errors caused by the natural environment on the test tank, and further improving test accuracy. Simultaneously, this time period setting provides sufficient operation time for sampling of each test, facilitating operation. In addition, the test data collected by this system specifically includes intergranular corrosion data, enabling more comprehensive and accurate individual test results based on the integrated tests, thus improving the accuracy of the overall evaluation.

[0039] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention. Commonly known structures and characteristics of the solutions are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are aware of all existing technologies in that field, and have the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can, under the guidance of this application, improve and implement this solution in combination with their own capabilities. Some typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention. These should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent.

Claims

1. An integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricants, characterized in that, It includes a testing subsystem; the testing subsystem includes an integrated testing area I for determining the oxidative corrosion stability of aviation lubricating oil, a testing area II for determining the thermal oxidative stability of aviation lubricating oil, and a testing area III for determining the effective life of aviation lubricating oil. Each test area is equipped with a constant-temperature solid bath and pipe interfaces located around the constant-temperature solid bath; the constant-temperature solid bath is used to contain and heat the test pool at a constant temperature; the pipe interfaces are connected to the test pool; the pipe interfaces are used to input the liquid or gaseous medium required for the test into the test pool. The test pools equipped in Test Area I and Test Area II are oxidation test pools, each including an oxidation tube with a capillary tube integrally connected to its top; the bottom end of the oxidation tube is open, and the opening is sealed during the test; the test pool in Test Area III is a lifetime test pool, each including a test tube with a four-way adapter connected to its top. The pipeline interface includes a gas interface and a liquid interface; the gas interface is connected to an air pump; the liquid interface is connected to a circulating cold bath system; the pipeline interface is located on the control back panel and its height is above the constant temperature solid bath; the control back panel is also equipped with a gas control module and a liquid control module, which are used to control the opening and closing of each gas interface and each liquid interface, and to control the output flow of the air pump and the circulating cold bath system, respectively; each test area corresponds to a test chamber, and the constant temperature solid bath and the control back panel are both located in the test chamber; It also includes an evaluation subsystem; the evaluation subsystem includes a central processing unit and a display and information acquisition module connected thereto; each test area is equipped with a monitor; the monitor and the display establish a signal connection; the information acquisition module is used to collect and store the test data obtained in each test area; the test data includes the viscosity, acid value, insoluble content, evaporation loss value and infrared analysis data of aviation lubricating oil samples; and the corrosion rate and intergranular corrosion data of metal sheets.

2. The integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricating oil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature of the constant temperature solid bath is set to 100℃-300℃.

3. The integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricating oil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oxidation test tank contains aviation lubricating oil samples and metal sheets; the life test tank contains aviation lubricating oil samples.

4. The integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricating oil according to claim 1, characterized in that, A condenser tube is connected between the test tank and the liquid interface.

5. The integrated performance testing and evaluation system for aviation lubricating oil according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each test area is equipped with an electric retractable gate.

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