Cylinder oil generation

Abstract

A method for producing cylinder oil for a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine is disclosed, the method includes providing a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first BN, providing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN, providing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN, obtaining data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the produced cylinder oil, obtaining data specifying a target BN of the produced cylinder oil, and obtaining data specifying a kinematic viscosity and a BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids. Based on at least the kinematic viscosities and BNs of each of the first, second, and third fluids, the method further includes determining a ratio of the first, second, and third fluids to produce a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN, and blending the first, second, and third fluids in the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing cylinder oil for a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, a method for operating a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, a cylinder oil preparation device, a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, and a marine vessel equipped with a cylinder oil preparation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Ships such as container ships are equipped with engines that use fuel such as heavy oil. The biggest factor affecting the daily running costs of a ship is the amount of fuel consumed. Furthermore, the amount of fuel consumed affects the amount of pollutants produced, such as carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), nitrogen oxides (NO x ) and / or sulfur oxides (SO x )) The amount of fuel consumed is affected by the engine's operating efficiency and / or the engine's operating speed.

[0003] Marine engine components require lubrication during operation. The effectiveness of the lubrication affects the engine's operating efficiency, which in turn affects the amount of fuel consumed during engine operation. Proper lubrication can reduce friction losses in the engine.

[0004] Cylinder oil is used to lubricate the cylinders in marine reciprocating internal combustion engines. Cylinder oil serves various functions, including reducing mechanical wear of the pistons and / or piston rings and cylinder liners by forming an oil film between the pistons and / or piston rings and the cylinder liners, thereby reducing friction between the surfaces.

[0005] The ability to form an oil film having suitable lubricating properties between the piston and / or piston rings and the cylinder liner depends at least in part on the viscosity of the cylinder oil. A cylinder oil with a higher kinematic viscosity will typically form a thicker oil film between the surfaces, and a cylinder oil with a lower kinematic viscosity will typically form a thinner film. However, the kinematic viscosity required for the cylinder oil to lubricate the cylinder may change during engine operation due to changes in engine operation, such as engine load.

[0006] An additional function of cylinder oil is to reduce corrosion of piston materials and liner materials by neutralizing sulfur acids formed by the combustion of sulfur-containing fuels. The ability to reduce piston and cylinder liner corrosion depends, at least in part, on the alkalinity of the cylinder oil, referred to as its Base Number (BN). BN is usually expressed as milligrams of potassium hydroxide per gram of oil (mg KOH / g). In marine applications, cylinder oils typically have a BN between 25 and 140, depending on the sulfur content of the fuel used to power the engine. However, the required BN of the cylinder oil may change during engine operation due to changes in the sulfur content of the fuel or engine load.

[0007] Ships may be provided with a blending system that produces cylinder oils of different alkalinities on board depending on the changing requirements during engine operation. The process is driven by the target BN of the required cylinder oil and does not take into account the target kinematic viscosity.

[0008] Usually, ships are loaded with lubricating oils ashore and it is not possible to obtain lubricating oils with different properties during the voyage. Depending on the fluids available for mixing to produce cylinder oil on board, it may not always be possible to supply cylinder oil that simultaneously has a target BN (e.g., an ideal BN for the current operating conditions) and a target viscosity (e.g., an ideal kinematic viscosity for the current operating conditions).

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to address the aforementioned problems whilst enabling a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine to consume less fuel and produce less pollutants during operation. Summary of the Invention

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention provides a method of producing cylinder oil for a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, the method comprising: supplying a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first BN; supplying a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN; supplying a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN; obtaining data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data specifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data specifying a kinematic viscosity and a BN of each of the first, second and third fluids; determining a ratio of the first, second and third fluids based on the kinematic viscosity and BN of at least the first, second and third fluids, respectively, to produce a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN; and blending the first, second and third fluids in the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil.

[0011] The inventors have confirmed that the above method allows the generation of cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity and BN according to information provided to the controller, such as parameters of the fluid available for preparation. The inventors have devised a method for generating cylinder oil having at least one of a kinematic viscosity corresponding to a target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to a target BN by considering both the viscosity and BN of the fluid to be prepared.

[0012] Further, in embodiments, methods allow for the production of cylinder oil with desirable properties even when the target kinematic viscosity and target BN are not achievable with the fluids available for formulation to provide the cylinder oil. For example, when the available fluids cannot be formulated to provide a cylinder oil with both a target kinematic viscosity and a target BN, embodiments provided herein provide a cylinder oil with a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN close to the target BN based on the properties of the available formulateable fluid, or a BN corresponding to the target BN and a kinematic viscosity close to the target kinematic viscosity based on the properties of the available formulateable fluid.

[0013] Optionally, determining the ratios of the first, second, and third fluids includes identifying a BN range for the cylinder oil having upper and lower limits based on a target kinematic viscosity of the resulting cylinder oil, the kinematic viscosities of each of the first, second, and third fluids, and a BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids.

[0014] Advantageously, in these embodiments, the target kinematic viscosity is weighted more heavily than the target BN (e.g., kinematic viscosity is selected by a user in preference to BN), and the method is thus performed such that, depending on the properties of the fluids available for formulation, the resulting cylinder oil has a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to or close to the target BN.

[0015] Optionally, determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid further includes determining that a target BN of the cylinder oil is equal to an upper or lower limit of a specified BN range, or is between the upper and lower limits of a specified BN range, and determining ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN.

[0016] Advantageously, in these embodiments, it is determined that it is possible to blend an available fluid to provide a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to the target BN, and thus the method includes blending the available fluid such that a cylinder oil having these properties is produced.

[0017] Optionally, determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid further includes determining that a target BN of the cylinder oil is higher than a specified upper limit of the specified BN range, and determining ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the upper limit of the specified BN range.

[0018] In these embodiments, it is determined that it is not possible to blend the available fluid to provide a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to the target BN. For example, it is only possible to use the fluid available for blending to provide a cylinder oil having a BN higher than the target BN. However, advantageously, the method provides a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN close to the target BN.

[0019] Optionally, determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid further includes determining that a target BN of the cylinder oil is lower than a specified lower limit of the specified BN range, and determining ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the lower limit of the specified BN range.

[0020] In these embodiments, it is determined that it is not possible to blend the available fluid to provide a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to the target BN. For example, it is only possible to use the fluid available for blending to provide a cylinder oil having a BN lower than the target BN. However, advantageously, the method provides a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN close to the target BN.

[0021] Optionally, determining the ratios of the first, second, and third fluids includes identifying a kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil having upper and lower limits based on a target BN of the resulting cylinder oil, the kinematic viscosities of each of the first, second, and third fluids, and the BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids.

[0022] Advantageously, in these embodiments, the target BN is weighted more heavily than the target kinematic viscosity (e.g., the BN is selected by the user in preference to the kinematic viscosity), and the method is thus performed such that, depending on the properties of the fluids available for formulation, the resulting cylinder oil has a BN that corresponds to the target BN and a kinematic viscosity that corresponds to or is close to the target kinematic viscosity.

[0023] Optionally, determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid further includes determining that a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is equal to an upper or lower limit of a specified kinematic viscosity range, or is between an upper and lower limit of a specified kinematic viscosity range, and determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN.

[0024] Advantageously, in these embodiments, it is determined that it is possible to blend an available fluid to provide a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to the target BN, and thus the method includes blending the available fluid such that a cylinder oil having these properties is produced.

[0025] Optionally, determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid further includes determining that a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is higher than a specified upper limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range, and determining ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid corresponding to the target BN and the upper limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range.

[0026] In these embodiments, it is determined that it is not possible to blend the available fluid to provide a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to the target BN. For example, it is only possible to use the fluid available for blending to provide a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity higher than the target kinematic viscosity. However, advantageously, the method provides a cylinder oil having a BN corresponding to the target BN and a kinematic viscosity close to the target kinematic viscosity.

[0027] Optionally, determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid further includes determining that a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is lower than a specified lower limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range, and determining ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid corresponding to the target BN and the lower limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range.

[0028] In these embodiments, it is determined that it is not possible to blend the available fluid to provide a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to the target BN. For example, it is only possible to use the fluid available for blending to provide a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity lower than the target kinematic viscosity. However, advantageously, the method provides a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN close to the target BN.

[0029] Optionally, obtaining data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the resulting cylinder oil includes determining the target kinematic viscosity based on engine operating parameters and / or engine condition parameters.

[0030] Optionally, obtaining data identifying a target BN for the resulting cylinder oil includes determining the target BN based on engine operating parameters and / or engine condition parameters.

[0031] Optionally, the method is performed offshore, such as on a ship. Advantageously, performing the method on a ship, as opposed to on land, allows the properties of the cylinder oil to be adapted to meet the requirements of the engine during operation.

[0032] Optionally, the first fluid is a system oil. In an embodiment, the system oil has a viscosity of 10-15 mm at 100° C. 2 Typically, system oils have a kinematic viscosity equivalent to an SAE viscosity grade of SAE 30. For example, system oils have a kinematic viscosity of 11-12 mm / s at 100°C. 2 The system oil has a kinematic viscosity of 100 / s. In an embodiment, the system oil is at least partially used system oil, such as used system oil. Using used system oil reduces the operating costs of the engine. In another embodiment, the system oil is fresh (unused) oil. System oils typically have a BN of 5-30, such as a BN of 5-10. In an embodiment, the system oil is fresh cylinder oil, the system oil has a BN of 5-8.

[0033] Optionally, the second fluid is an additive packet, fresh cylinder oil, or at least partially used cylinder oil. In embodiments, the second fluid is an additive package including a base oil and one or more additives, such as overbased detergents and / or neutral detergents (metal alkali salts), and optionally other performance additives. In these embodiments, the additive package typically has a high kinematic viscosity (often 50-200 mm at 100° C. 2 / sec, e.g. 100mm 2 / sec or higher) and a high BN (often 150-400). In an embodiment, the second fluid is virgin cylinder oil (e.g., cylinder oil that has not yet been used to lubricate pistons and cylinder liners) and has a viscosity of 16-21 mm at 100°C. 2 / sec, and a BN of 15 to 145. In an embodiment, the second fluid is used cylinder oil (eg, cylinder oil that has been used at some point to lubricate pistons and cylinder liners).

[0034] Optionally, the third fluid is a base oil. In an embodiment, the base oil has a viscosity of 3 to 8 mm at 100° C. 2Typically, the base oil has a kinematic viscosity corresponding to an SAE viscosity grade of SAE 20, e.g., the base oil has a kinematic viscosity of 4 to 7 mm / s at 100°C. 2 / sec. Advantageously, the base oil is usually low cost, and thus including the base oil in the formulation reduces the production cost of the cylinder oil. The base oil usually has a BN of less than 1, for example less than 0.5, or less than 0.1.

[0035] Optionally, at least one of the first fluid, the second fluid, or the third fluid is at least partially used oil, such as used oil. Using used system oil reduces the operating costs of the engine.

[0036] Optionally, at least one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid is a monograde oil, e.g., each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid is a monograde oil. Optionally, at least one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid is a multigrade oil, e.g., each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid is a multigrade oil.

[0037] Optionally, the cylinder oil is a total loss cylinder oil.

[0038] Optionally, the resulting cylinder oil has a viscosity of 14 mm at 100°C. 2 The present inventors have determined that providing a cylinder oil with a reduced kinematic viscosity (e.g., below the minimum kinematic viscosity recommended by the engine manufacturer) allows for cylinder oil lubrication that reduces friction losses during engine operation. Lower cylinder oil viscosity means that a thinner oil film is formed between the piston and the cylinder liner, leading to reduced fluid friction. Reduced friction losses lead to reduced fuel consumption during engine operation, which in turn leads to reduced amounts of pollutants produced.

[0039] Surprisingly, the inventors have further determined that the reduction in kinematic viscosity does not significantly adversely affect the oil's ability to control piston and / or cylinder liner wear, and in some embodiments, can provide better control of engine component wear. Thus, the inventors have provided, for the first time, a cylinder oil with a low kinematic viscosity that can be reliably used in marine reciprocating internal combustion engines.

[0040] All kinematic viscosities described herein are measured at a temperature of 100° C. unless otherwise stated. The kinematic viscosity of an oil at 100° C. can be expressed in centistokes (cSt). Thus, a kinematic viscosity of 14 mm at 100° C. is 2 A cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity of 13.5 mm / s or less is equivalent to 14 cSt. 2 / sec or less, or 13mm 2 / sec or less, or 12.5 mm 2 / sec or less, or 10mm 2 In the embodiment, the cylinder oil has a kinematic viscosity of 8 mm / s or less. 2 / sec or more, e.g. 8mm 2 / sec~14mm 2 / sec, or 8mm 2 / sec~12.5mm 2 / sec, or 8mm 2 / sec~10mm 2 / sec.

[0041] Optionally, the resulting cylinder oil has a kinematic viscosity corresponding to an SAE viscosity grade SAE 40, or SAE 30, or SAE 20. The cylinder oil has any viscosity index suitable for use in lubricating piston liners and piston rings in a cylinder of an engine. In an embodiment, the cylinder oil has a viscosity index of 59 to 120.

[0042] Optionally, the resultant cylinder oil has a BN of 15 to 160 mg KOH / g, or 25 to 150 mg KOH / g, or 40 to 140 mg KOH / g, or 50 to 120 mg KOH / g.

[0043] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method of operating a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, the method comprising producing cylinder oil according to the method described above and supplying cylinder oil to a cylinder of the marine reciprocating internal combustion engine.

[0044] Optionally, the cylinder oil has a viscosity of 14 mm at 100°C. 2 Surprisingly, safe operation of marine internal reciprocating engines, such as two-stroke crosshead engines, requires a kinematic viscosity of 14 mm 2 The inventors have determined that the engine can be maintained with a cylinder oil having a viscosity of less than 1000 rpm.

[0045] Optionally, the kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is less than the minimum cylinder oil kinematic viscosity recommended by the manufacturer for marine reciprocating internal combustion engines.

[0046] Optionally, the marine reciprocating internal combustion engine is operating at an engine load of 60% or less. For example, the engine may be operating at a speed significantly less than the maximum engine speed (sometimes referred to as "slow steaming"). In another embodiment, the marine reciprocating internal combustion engine is operating at an engine load of more than 60%, for example up to 70% or 80%.

[0047] Optionally, the marine reciprocating internal combustion engine is a two-stroke crosshead engine. In an embodiment, the two-stroke crosshead engine is a low speed engine.

[0048] A third aspect of the present invention provides an apparatus for preparing cylinder oil, the apparatus comprising a blender, a first vessel for containing a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first BN, the first vessel being in selectable fluid communication with the blender, a second vessel for containing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN, the second vessel being in selectable fluid communication with the blender, a third vessel for containing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN, the third vessel being in selectable fluid communication with the blender, and a controller, the controller controlling a cylinder oil produced. The system is configured to: obtain data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the oil; obtain data specifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data specifying a kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids; determine a ratio of the first, second, and third fluids to produce a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN; and cause a blender to blend the first, second, and third fluids in the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil.

[0049] Optionally, the controller is configured to selectively operate in a first mode (eg, a "viscosity mode") and a second mode (eg, a "BN mode").

[0050] Optionally, the controller is configured to operate in the first mode or the second mode based on user input received, for example, from a user input device, hi an embodiment, the user input device is part of a user interface.

[0051] Optionally, the controller is further configured to operate in a third mode of operation. Optionally, the controller is configured to operate in the third mode based on user input, for example received from an input device.

[0052] Optionally, when operating in the first mode, when determining the ratios of the first, second, and third fluids, the controller is configured to identify a BN range for the cylinder oil having upper and lower limits based on a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosities of each of the first, second, and third fluids, and the BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids.

[0053] In an embodiment, determining the BN range of a cylinder oil includes solving the following equation:

number

[0054] In an embodiment, the specifying the range further comprises: C1 , B.N. C2 , and BN C3 and setting the identified maximum value as an upper limit of the BN range being identified. C1 , B.N. C2 , and BN C3 and setting the identified second highest value as a lower limit of the BN range being identified.

[0055] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the target BN of the cylinder oil is equal to or between the upper or lower limits of the identified BN range. Thus, in determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller determines a ratio of the cylinder oil that corresponds to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN (e.g., BN C(T) is the target BN of the resulting cylinder oil, and Vi C(T) and BN C(T) The apparatus is configured to determine a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (corresponding to both the first and second fluids).

[0056] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the target BN of the cylinder oil is higher than a specified upper limit of the specified BN range. Thus, in determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller determines the target kinematic viscosity and the upper limit of the specified BN range (e.g., Vi C(T) , and BN C1 , B.N. C2 , and BN C3 the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (corresponding to the identified highest value among the first, second, and third fluids).

[0057] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the target BN of the cylinder oil is lower than a specified lower limit of the specified BN range. Thus, in determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller determines a ratio of the target kinematic viscosity and a lower limit of the specified BN range (e.g., Vi C(T) , and BN C1 , B.N. C2 , and BN C3 the second fluid is adjusted to a value that corresponds to the second highest value identified among the first, second, and third fluids.

[0058] Optionally, when operating in the second mode, when determining the ratios of the first, second, and third fluids, the controller is configured to identify a kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil having upper and lower limits based on a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosities of each of the first, second, and third fluids, and the BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids.

[0059] In an embodiment, identifying the kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil includes solving the following equation:

number

[0060] In an embodiment, the specifying the range further comprises:C1 , Vi C2 , and Vi C3 and setting the identified minimum value as the lower limit of the kinematic viscosity range being identified. In an embodiment, the range specifying further includes: C1 , Vi C2 , and Vi C3 and setting the identified second lowest value as an upper limit of the kinematic viscosity range being identified.

[0061] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is equal to or between the upper or lower limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range. Thus, when determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller determines a ratio of the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN (e.g., Vi C(T) and BN C(T) The apparatus is configured to determine a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (corresponding to both the first and second fluids).

[0062] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is higher than a specified upper limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range. Thus, in determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller determines a ratio of the target BN and a corresponding upper limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range (e.g., BN C(T) , and Vi C1 , Vi C2 , and Vi C3 the second fluid is adjusted to a value that corresponds to the second lowest value identified among the first, second, and third fluids.

[0063] Optionally, the controller is configured to determine that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is lower than a specified lower limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range. Thus, in determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller determines a ratio of the target BN corresponding to the target BN and the lower limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range (e.g., BN C(T) , and ViC1 , Vi C2 , and Vi C3 the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (corresponding to the identified lowest value among

[0064] Optionally, the controller is configured to operate in a first operating mode as described above, but not necessarily configured to operate in a second operating mode as well (e.g., the controller is configured to operate in a "viscosity mode" but not necessarily configured to alternatively operate in a "BN mode"). Optionally, the controller is configured to operate in a second operating mode as described above, but not necessarily configured to operate in the first operating mode as well (e.g., the controller is configured to operate in a "BN mode" but not necessarily configured to alternatively operate in a "viscosity mode").

[0065] Optionally, the controller is communicatively connected to one or more sensors that sense engine operating parameters, engine condition parameters, and / or fluid condition parameters.

[0066] Optionally, the engine operating parameter, engine condition parameter, or fluid condition parameter is at least one of fuel sulfur content, engine load, engine speed, relative air humidity, cylinder iron wear emissions, cylinder total iron content, fluid viscosity (fluid viscosity of the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and / or the resultant cylinder oil), fluid BN (fluid BN of the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and / or the resultant cylinder oil), fluid temperature (fluid temperature of the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and / or the resultant cylinder oil), cylinder lubricant residual BN, and cylinder oil liner temperature.

[0067] Optionally, the controller is communicatively connected to an input device, such as a user input device, through which a user inputs data, including, for example, fluid parameters (e.g., kinematic viscosity and / or BN of the first fluid, the second fluid, or the third fluid), target cylinder oil parameters (e.g., target kinematic viscosity and / or target BN), engine operating parameters (as described above), engine condition parameters (as described above), and mode selection (e.g., instructing the controller to operate in a first operating mode - "viscosity mode" or a second operating mode - "BN mode").

[0068] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: obtain data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of a cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data specifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data specifying a kinematic viscosity and a BN of each of a first fluid, a second fluid and a third fluid; determine a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid to produce a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN; and generate instructions to a blender to blend the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid in the determined ratio.

[0069] Optionally, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform any of the methods described above.

[0070] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a marine vessel comprising an apparatus as described above with respect to the third aspect, and / or a non-transitory computer readable storage medium as described above with respect to the fourth aspect.

[0071] Optionally, the vessel is a cargo vessel, such as a container ship, a tanker, a bulk dry carrier, or a reefer ship. Optionally, the vessel is a passenger ship.

[0072] Optionally, the vessel is a container ship.

[0073] Features described in connection with one aspect of the invention are expressly disclosed in combination with all other aspects, to the extent compatible.

[0074] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0075] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0076] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an example of a watercraft, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary apparatus for preparing cylinder oil, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary apparatus for preparing cylinder oil, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for producing cylinder oil, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for producing cylinder oil, according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 shows a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for operating a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary computer-readable medium in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0077] 1 shows a schematic side view of an example of a ship, according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the ship is a container ship 1. In other embodiments, the ship may be another type of cargo ship, such as a tanker, a bulk dry carrier, or a reefer ship, or a passenger ship, or any other ship that uses cylinder oil.

[0078] The vessel 1 has a hull 2 ​​and one or more engine rooms 3 inside the hull 2. The vessel 1 is powered by one or more large internal combustion engines 4, such as four-stroke or two-stroke auto-ignition combustion engines 4, arranged in the engine room 3. The engine(s) 4 drive a propulsion mechanism (such as one or more propellers). The vessel 1 may also include one or more auxiliary engines (known as generator sets) that provide power and / or heat to various power consumers on the vessel 1. The vessel 1 also includes a cylinder oil preparation device 10, 20 for supplying cylinder oil to the engine(s) 4. The device 10, 20 may be any cylinder oil preparation device described herein as an embodiment of the invention, such as the device shown in FIG. 2 or the device shown in FIG. 3.

[0079] The engine 4 is a marine two-stroke internal combustion engine. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the engine 4 is powered by marine heavy fuel oil. In another embodiment (not shown), the marine two-stroke internal combustion engine is powered by a fuel other than heavy fuel oil, such as marine gas oil, marine diesel oil, marine gas oil, liquid natural gas, liquid petroleum gas, biofuel, methanol, ethanol, ammonia, hydrogen, methane, biomethane, or a combination thereof. In these examples, the fuel may be a natural fuel or a synthetic fuel. The two-stroke internal combustion engine is any suitable engine, such as a diesel uniflow engine or an Otto cycle engine. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with the components and systems of the vessel 1, and further details of these will be omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0080] Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 10 for preparing cylinder oil, according to an embodiment, for supplying cylinder oil to a cylinder liner of a cylinder of an engine, such as the marine engine 4 shown in Fig. 1 or any of the variations of the engine 4 described herein.

[0081] Generally, the apparatus 10 comprises a compounder 110 for compounding fluid to provide cylinder oil, a first container 120 for containing a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first BN, the first container 120 being in selectable fluid communication with the compounder 110, a second container 130 for containing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN, the second container 130 being in selectable fluid communication with the compounder 110, a third container 140 for containing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN, the third container 140 being in selectable fluid communication with the compounder 110, and a controller 150. The controller 150 is configured to: obtain data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data specifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data specifying a kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid; determine a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid to produce cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN; and cause the blender to blend the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid in the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil.

[0082] More specifically, in FIG. 2 , the first container 120 is connected to the dispenser 110 via a valve 122 through which the first fluid flows from the first container 120 to the dispenser 110. The valve is for controlling the flow of the first fluid from the first container 120 to the dispenser 110. For example, the valve can be closed to prevent or impede the flow of the first fluid from the first container 120 to the dispenser 110, and can be opened to allow the flow of the first fluid from the first container 120 to the dispenser 110. Thus, the first container 120 is in selectable fluid communication with the dispenser 110. Optionally, the valve 122 can be operated to allow a limited flow of the first fluid from the first container 120 to the dispenser 110 (e.g., the valve 122 can be “partially” closed or “partially” open). The valves can be operated manually or via a controller, as described further herein. In another embodiment (not shown), the first container 120 is in selectable fluid communication with the dispenser 110 via a pump that pumps the first fluid from the first container 120 to the dispenser 110.

[0083] In an embodiment, the first container 120 contains a first fluid, such as a system oil. The system oil is an oil suitable for use in a crankcase lubrication system of a marine low-speed two-stroke diesel engine. The system oil may be unused oil (e.g. oil that has not been used in the crankcase lubrication system), in which case the first container 120 is typically a storage tank for storing unused system oil. Alternatively, the system oil is at least partially used system oil, such as system oil that has been circulated around the crankcase lubrication system. In this case, in an embodiment, the first container 120 is a storage tank for storing used system oil. Such a used system oil storage tank is in an embodiment fluidly connected to the crankcase to receive used system oil from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the used system oil storage tank is connected to the crankcase via a pump that pumps used system oil from the crankcase to the used system oil tank. In another embodiment where the system oil is at least partially used system oil, first container 120 resides in or is the crankcase of the engine, for example, first container 120 is a sump in the crankcase of the engine.

[0084] In FIG. 2 , the second container 130 is connected to the dispenser 110 via a valve 132 through which the second fluid flows from the second container 130 to the dispenser 110. More specifically, the valve is for controlling the flow of the second fluid from the second container 130 to the dispenser 110. For example, the valve may be closeable to prevent or impede the flow of the second fluid from the second container 130 to the dispenser 110 and openable to allow the flow of the second fluid from the second container 130 to the dispenser 110. Thus, the second container 130 is in selectable fluid communication with the dispenser 110. Optionally, the valve 132 may be operated to allow a limited flow of the second fluid from the second container 130 to the dispenser 110 (e.g., the valve 132 may be “partially” closed or “partially” open). As described further herein, the valve 132 can be operated manually or via a controller. In another embodiment (not shown), the second container 130 is connected to the dispenser 110 via a pump that pumps the second fluid from the second container 130 to the dispenser 110.

[0085] In an embodiment, the second container 130 contains a second fluid, such as an additive package, unused cylinder oil, or at least partially used cylinder oil (e.g., cylinder oil that has been delivered to a cylinder to lubricate the piston and cylinder liner and then recovered).

[0086] When the second fluid is an additive package, the second container 130 is a storage tank for storing the additive package. The additive package typically includes a base oil and one or more additives, such as overbased detergents and / or neutral detergents (metal alkali salts), and optionally other performance additives. The additive package typically contains a high kinematic viscosity (often 50-200 mm at 100° C. 2 / sec, e.g. 100mm 2 / sec or higher) and a high BN (often 150-400).

[0087] When the second fluid is unused cylinder oil (e.g., cylinder oil that has not yet been used to lubricate a piston and a cylinder liner), the second container 130 is a storage tank for storing cylinder oil. Usually, unused cylinder oil has a volume of 16 to 21 mm. 2 / sec, and a BN of 15 to 145.

[0088] The second fluid is used cylinder oil (e.g., cylinder oil that has been used at some point to lubricate pistons and cylinder liners), and the second container 130 in some embodiments is a storage tank for storing used cylinder oil. In other embodiments, the used cylinder oil is alternatively or additionally provided to the dispenser directly from a cylinder. In this case, the second container 130 is the cylinder of the engine.

[0089] In FIG. 2 , the third container 140 is connected to the dispenser 110 via a valve 142 through which the third fluid flows from the third container 140 to the dispenser 110. More specifically, the valve is for controlling the flow of the third fluid from the third container 140 to the dispenser 110. For example, the valve may be closeable to prevent or impede the flow of the third fluid from the third container 140 to the dispenser 110 and openable to allow the flow of the third fluid from the third container 140 to the dispenser 110. Thus, the third container 140 is in selectable fluid communication with the dispenser 110. Optionally, the valve 142 may be operated to allow a limited flow of the third fluid from the third container 140 to the dispenser 110 (e.g., the valve 142 may be “partially” closed or “partially” open). As described further herein, the valve 142 can be operated manually or via a controller. In another embodiment (not shown), the third container 140 is connected to the dispenser 110 via a pump that pumps the third fluid from the third container 140 to the dispenser 110.

[0090] In an embodiment, the third container 140 contains a third fluid, such as a base oil. When the third fluid is a base oil, the third container 140 is a storage tank for storing the base oil. A base oil is typically an oil suitable for combining with other ingredients to provide a lubricating product. A base oil typically has a viscosity of 4-7 mm. 2 / sec. In an embodiment, the base oil is a virgin base oil (e.g., a base oil that has not been used to lubricate a machine component). In another embodiment, the base oil is a used or recycled base oil (e.g., a base oil that has been used to lubricate a machine component, optionally having additives and / or contaminants removed prior to being provided to the compounder 110).

[0091] The apparatus 10 includes a controller 150 that controls the apparatus 10. In this embodiment, the controller 150 is communicatively connected to and controls each of a first valve 122 for controlling the flow of a first fluid from a first container 120 to the compounder 110, a second valve 132 for controlling the flow of a second fluid from a second container 130 to the compounder 110, a third valve 142 for controlling the flow of a third fluid from a third container 140, and the compounder 110. In some embodiments, some or all of these elements are controlled by an entity other than the controller 150.

[0092] The controller 150 is configured to determine the ratios of the fluids required to provide the cylinder oil. For example, the controller 150 is configured to determine the ratios of the first, second, and third fluids to be blended to provide the cylinder oil, which ratios correspond to the amounts of the first, second, and third fluids to deliver to the blender 110 to provide the cylinder oil.

[0093] For the purpose of determining the ratio of fluids for supplying cylinder oil, the controller 150 comprises a memory and one or more processors. The memory circuit is configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the controller 150 to perform the following: obtain data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data specifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data specifying a kinematic viscosity and a BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids; determine a ratio of the first, second, and third fluids based on at least the kinematic viscosity and the BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids to produce a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN; and generate instructions for a blender (such as the blender 110) to blend the first, second, and third fluids in the determined ratio. In an embodiment, the one or more processors of the controller 150 include one or more microprocessors(es).

[0094] The controller 150 is further configured to cause the blender to blend the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid in the determined ratio to produce cylinder oil. In the apparatus 10 of Figure 2, the controller 150 is configured to control the first valve 122 to supply a controlled amount of the first fluid to the blender 110 according to the determined ratio, control the second valve 132 to supply a controlled amount of the second fluid to the blender 110 according to the determined ratio, and control the third valve 142 to supply a controlled amount of the third fluid to the blender 110 according to the determined ratio. The ratio is typically a mass ratio (so that the controller 150 is configured to determine the mass of the first fluid and the mass of the second fluid to deliver to the compounder 110), but in some cases may be a volume ratio (so that the controller 150 is configured to determine the volume of the first fluid and the volume of the second fluid to deliver to the compounder 110).

[0095] In an embodiment, the controller 150 is configured to determine the ratio of fluids based on data received from one or more other entities (not shown), including at least data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, data specifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, and data specifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid.

[0096] In some embodiments, the controller 150 is configured to receive such data from one or more user input device(s) (not shown) in which a user provides information regarding at least one of the target kinematic viscosity of the resulting cylinder oil, the target BN of the resulting cylinder oil, the kinematic viscosity and BN of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid. Suitable user input devices include touch screens, keyboards, wheels, and joysticks. In embodiments, the one or more user input device(s) are provided as part of a user interface.

[0097] Upon receiving data indicative of at least some of the aforementioned data, the controller 150 is configured to determine, based on an algorithm stored in the memory of the controller 150, the proportions of fluid required to provide cylinder oil having a target viscosity and / or target BN.

[0098] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive data indicative of an engine state parameter, an engine operating parameter, or a fluid parameter, as described in more detail with respect to Figure 3. In another embodiment, the controller is configured to receive data indicative of a fluid state parameter related to the first fluid, the second fluid, the product cylinder oil, or any combination thereof. For example, the controller is configured to receive data indicative of a kinematic viscosity, alkalinity (BN), and / or temperature of the first fluid, the second fluid, the product cylinder oil, or any combination thereof.

[0099] In the embodiment, the controller 150 is 14 mm 2 The method is configured to determine an amount of the first fluid, an amount of the second fluid, and an amount of the third fluid to supply to the dispenser 110 to supply cylinder oil having a target kinematic viscosity of no more than 1 / 2 s.

[0100] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 20 for preparing cylinder oil according to another embodiment. Some elements of the apparatus 20 shown in Figure 3 correspond to elements already described in connection with Figure 2, in which case the reference signs used in Figure 2 are increased by 100.

[0101] Generally, the apparatus 20 comprises a compounder 210 for compounding fluids to provide cylinder oil, a first container 220 for containing a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first BN, the first container 220 being in selectable fluid communication with the compounder 210, a second container 230 for containing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN, the second container 230 being in selectable fluid communication with the compounder 210, a third container 240 for containing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN, the third container 240 being in selectable fluid communication with the compounder 210, and a controller 250 configured to determine an amount of the first fluid, an amount of the second fluid, and an amount of the third fluid to provide to the compounder 210 to provide cylinder oil having a desired target viscosity and / or target BN. In an embodiment, the target kinematic viscosity is 14 mm. 2 / sec or less.

[0102] More specifically, the device 20 includes one or more pumps for pumping fluid through the system. The one or more pumps may have any suitable configuration. The one or more pumps are optionally provided with respective valves (not shown) for controlling the flow of fluid. In the absence of such valves, one or more pumps are used for selective fluid communication between elements of the device, such as between each of the containers 220, 230, 240 and the compounder 210, and the pumps control the flow of fluid from each of the containers 220, 230, 240 to the compounder 210. In some embodiments, there may be flow or backflow through the pumps when the pumps are not operating (e.g., when the pumps are not pumping), but such flow or backflow is minor and does not substantially affect the amount of fluid delivered to the compounder 210. Thus, each of the containers 220, 230, 240 is in selectable fluid communication with the compounder 210.

[0103] In this embodiment, the apparatus 20 includes a pump 222 that pumps a first fluid from a first container 220 to the compounder 210. The pump 222 is selectively controlled by a controller 250, as described further herein. The first container 220 corresponds to the first container of the apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 2, and is optionally adapted to function with the apparatus according to the embodiment shown in FIG.

[0104] The apparatus 20 includes a pump 232 for pumping the second fluid from a second container 230 to the compounder 210. The pump 232 is selectively controlled by a controller 250, as described further herein. The second container 230 corresponds to the second container 130 of the apparatus 10 shown in Figure 2, and is optionally adapted to function in an apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0105] The apparatus 20 includes a pump 242 for pumping a third fluid from a third container 240 to the compounder 210. The pump 242 is selectively controlled by a controller 250, as described further herein. The third container 240 corresponds to the third container 140 of the apparatus 10 shown in Figure 2, and is optionally adapted to function in an apparatus according to the embodiment shown in Figure 3.

[0106] In some embodiments (not shown), pump 222 for pumping the first fluid and / or pump 232 for pumping the second fluid and / or pump 242 for pumping the third fluid are omitted, e.g., they are replaced with valves and the first fluid and / or the second fluid and / or the third fluid flow to compounder 210 under the influence of gravity or by the actuation of another pump in device 20.

[0107] In another embodiment (not shown), rather than each container 220, 230, 240 being connected to the compounder 210 via a respective pump, each container 220, 230, 240 is connected to the compounder 210 via a single pump that is selectively connected and disconnected to each of the containers 220, 230, 240, and the pump is fluidly connected to one inlet of the compounder 210. In operation, for example, the pump is connected to the first container 220 and disconnected from the second container 230 and the third container 240, and pumps a quantity of a first fluid from the first container 220 to the compounder 210. The pump is then disconnected from the first container 220 and connected to the second container 230, and pumps a quantity of a second fluid from the second container 230 to the compounder 210. The pump is then disconnected from the second container 230 and connected to the third container 240 and pumps a quantity of the third fluid from the third container 240 to the dispenser 210 .

[0108] Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the device 20 includes a controller 250 that controls the device 20 .

[0109] The controller 250 is provided with an algorithm to determine the required proportions of a first fluid (e.g., system oil), a second fluid (e.g., additive package), and a third fluid (base oil) to provide a prepared cylinder oil in the compounder 210 having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to a target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to a target BN. For example, the controller 250 may include a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor (not shown) of the controller 250, cause the processor to determine the required proportions of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid to provide a prepared cylinder oil, as described above.

[0110] The controller 250 is configured to control the dispenser 210 and the pumps 222, 232, 242 to deliver appropriate amounts of each fluid to the dispenser 210. For example, the controller 250 is configured to operate each pump for a period of time to provide a suitable amount of fluid to the dispenser 210 according to the required proportions of the fluids as determined by the controller 250.

[0111] In an embodiment, the controller 250 is configured to recalculate the ratios of the fluids to provide a second cylinder oil having a different viscosity and / or BN. For example, after formulating the first cylinder oil, when the controller 250 receives data indicating a change in temperature of the cylinder liner and / or a change in sulfur content of the fuel and / or data from an input data generator (such as a user input device or a sensor), the controller 250 is configured to determine the necessary ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid to produce a second cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the new target kinematic viscosity and / or an appropriate BN corresponding to the new target BN to lubricate the cylinder liner with the changed conditions, kinematic viscosity and / or BN different from the previous cylinder oil.

[0112] Controller 250 receives data indicative of information about the engine from one or more input data generators that generate data indicative of information about the engine. In an embodiment, at least some of the data is provided by one or more sensors that detect parameters. In an embodiment, at least some of the data is provided from a memory, which includes information provided by a user entering data, for example, using a user input device provided as part of a user interface (not shown). In an embodiment, the data is obtained from a look-up table included in the memory of controller 250.

[0113] The controller 250 is communicatively coupled to and receives data from one or more input data generators of the input data generator array 280. Each input data generator provides data indicative of an engine operating parameter and / or engine state parameter and / or fluid parameter to the controller 250. Typically, each input data generator is a sensor that senses an engine operating parameter, engine state parameter, or fluid parameter (or a parameter indicative of such a parameter) or a memory that contains data indicative of the engine operating parameter or engine state parameter. For example, an input data generator may include a memory populated with information regarding a parameter that may be communicated to the controller 250 (e.g., a sulfur-containing fuel provided to the engine 4). The input data generator or controller 250 typically identifies the engine operating parameter or engine state parameter based on data received from the memory or sensor and a look-up table stored in the controller 250 or input data generator.

[0114] 3, input data generator array 280 includes an input data generator 282 for generating data indicative of the sulfur content of the fuel, an input data generator 284 for generating data indicative of the engine load of engine 4, an input data generator 286 for generating data indicative of the engine speed of engine 4, an input data generator 288 for generating data indicative of the relative air humidity in the cylinder, an input data generator 290 for generating data indicative of the iron wear emissions of the cylinder, an input data generator 292 for generating data indicative of the lubricant residual BN of the cylinder, and an input data generator 294 for generating data indicative of the temperature of the cylinder oil liner. In an embodiment, one or more of the input data generators are user input devices included in a user interface, as described above in connection with FIG.

[0115] In an embodiment, the input data generator is a sensor that senses an engine operating parameter or engine state parameter and generates data indicative of the parameter, or a sensor that senses a parameter related to the engine operating parameter or engine state parameter based on the related parameter, whereby the sensor and / or controller 250 identifies the engine operating parameter or engine state parameter. For example, input data generator 282 generating data indicative of the sulfur content of the fuel is a fuel sensor (e.g., an in-line or offline X-ray fluorescence sulfur in oil analyzer) that senses a property of the fuel oil supplied to engine 4, such as the sulfur content of the fuel oil; input data generator 288 generating data indicative of the relative air humidity is a hygrometer positioned in or near the cylinder of engine 4 to sense the relative air humidity; input data generator 290 generating data indicative of the iron wear emissions of the cylinder is a magnetometer positioned to detect iron wear emissions in the cylinder; input data generator 292 generating data indicative of the lubricant residual BN of the cylinder is an infrared spectrometer positioned to analyze cylinder oil in the cylinder; and input data generator 294 generating data indicative of the temperature of the cylinder oil liner is a temperature sensor, such as a thermometer, thermocouple, or thermistor, positioned in or near the cylinder of engine 4 to sense the temperature.

[0116] In another embodiment, the controller 250 is communicatively coupled to receive data from any combination of the aforementioned input data generators.

[0117] In another embodiment (not shown), the controller 250 is configured to receive data indicative of a fluid condition parameter for the system oil, the additive packet, the base oil, the product cylinder oil, or any combination thereof. The controller 250 is communicatively coupled to one or more input data generators from which it receives data indicative of the fluid condition parameter. Typically, each input data generator is a sensor that senses the fluid condition parameter (or a parameter indicative of that parameter) or a memory that contains information regarding the fluid condition parameter.

[0118] The fluid condition parameters include the kinematic viscosity, alkalinity (BN), and / or temperature of the fluid. In an embodiment, the input data generator that generates the data indicative of the kinematic viscosity is a viscosity sensor arranged to detect the kinematic viscosity of the fluid, the input data generator that generates the data indicative of the alkalinity is an infrared spectrometer arranged to detect the alkalinity of the fluid, and the input data generator that generates the data indicative of the fluid temperature is a temperature sensor, such as a thermometer, thermocouple, or thermistor, disposed in or near the fluid that senses temperature.

[0119] In an embodiment, the controller 250 is configured to obtain or identify a target BN for the resulting cylinder oil. The controller 250 is configured to receive information (e.g., data from the input data generator 282 indicating the sulfur content of the fuel) and identify the target BN from a look-up table stored in a memory of the controller 250 or by using an algorithm stored in a memory of the controller 250.

[0120] The blender 210 is in selectable fluid communication with a storage tank 260 for storing cylinder oil prepared in the blender. The storage tank 260 is, for example, a day tank. A pump 212 is disposed between the blender 210 and the storage tank 260 to pump the prepared cylinder oil to the storage tank 260. The controller 250 is configured to selectively cause the pump 212 to pump the prepared cylinder oil from the blender 210 to the storage tank 260. In another embodiment (not shown), the controller 250 is not communicatively connected to the pump 212, which is instead controlled by a separate controller.

[0121] The storage tank 260 is in selectable fluid communication with a cylinder liner 270 of the engine 4. A pump 262 is disposed between the storage tank 260 and the cylinder liner 270 to pump stored cylinder oil from the storage tank 260 to the cylinder liner 270. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the pump 262 is controlled by a controller that is not part of the blending device 20. In another embodiment (not shown), the controller 250 of the blending device 20 is configured to selectively cause the pump 262 to pump the stored cylinder oil from the storage tank 260 to the cylinder liner 270.

[0122] In another embodiment (not shown), the storage tank 260 is omitted and the blender 210 is fluidly connected to the cylinder liner 270 via a pump such that prepared fluid is delivered directly from the blender 210 to the cylinder liner 270.

[0123] In embodiments (not shown), the device 20 includes a user input device for a user to select an operating mode of the device 20 / controller 250. In these embodiments, the user input device is communicatively coupled to the controller 250 and configured to transmit data to the controller 250 indicative of the selected operating mode. The controller 250 is configured to operate the device 20 in the first mode upon receiving data indicative of the user selecting the first operating mode, and the controller 250 is configured to operate the device 20 in the second mode upon receiving data indicative of the user selecting the second operating mode. In some embodiments, additional operating modes are selectable and operable. In other embodiments, the controller 250 and the device 20 are operated in an operating mode based on data received from an input data generator as described above.

[0124] 4 shows a flow chart illustrating a method for producing cylinder oil for a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine according to an embodiment. The method 30 includes providing a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first BN (310), providing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN (312), providing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN (314), obtaining data identifying a target kinematic viscosity of the produced cylinder oil (316), obtaining data identifying a target BN of the produced cylinder oil (318), and obtaining data identifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (320). The method 30 further includes determining (322) a ratio of the first, second, and third fluids based on the kinematic viscosity and BN of at least the first, second, and third fluids, respectively, to produce a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN. The method further includes blending (324) the first, second, and third fluids in the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil. In an embodiment, the method 30 of FIG. 4 is performed using an apparatus as described above.

[0125] The ratio of blending (324) depends on the amount of the first fluid provided to the blender 110,210, the amount of the second fluid provided to the blender 110,210, and the amount of the third fluid provided to the blender 110,210.

[0126] Supplying (310) the first fluid typically involves supplying a controlled amount of the first fluid from a first container 120, 220 containing the first fluid, e.g., system oil. The controlled amount corresponds to the amount of the first fluid needed to dispense the fluid in the determined ratio. In some embodiments, supplying (310) is controlled by a controller 150, 250, e.g., the controller 150, 250 causes a pump to pump an amount of the first fluid from the first container 120, 220 to the dispenser 110, 210. In other embodiments, supplying (310) is manually controlled, e.g., an operator operates a valve 122 or pump 222 to supply a controlled amount to the dispenser 110, 210.

[0127] Supplying (312) the second fluid typically involves supplying a controlled amount of the second fluid from a second container 130, 230 containing the second fluid, e.g., an additive packet. The controlled amount corresponds to the amount of the second fluid needed to compound the fluid in the determined ratio. In some embodiments, supplying (312) is controlled by a controller 150, 250, e.g., the controller 150, 250 causes a pump to pump an amount of the second fluid from the second container 130, 230 to the compounder 110, 210. In other embodiments, supplying (312) is manually controlled, e.g., an operator operates a valve 132 or pump 232 to supply a controlled amount to the compounder 110, 210.

[0128] Supplying (314) the third fluid typically involves supplying a controlled amount of the third fluid from a third container 140, 240 containing the third fluid, e.g., a base oil. The controlled amount corresponds to the amount of the third fluid needed to dispense the fluids in the determined ratio. In some embodiments, supplying (314) is controlled by a controller 150, 250, e.g., the controller 150, 250 causes a pump to pump an amount of the third fluid from the third container 140, 240 to the dispenser 110, 210. In other embodiments, supplying (314) is manually controlled, e.g., an operator operates a valve 142 or pump 242 to supply a controlled amount to the dispenser 110, 210.

[0129] Obtaining data identifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced (316) typically involves receiving data indicative of the target kinematic viscosity by the controller 150, 250. In an embodiment, the data is received from a user input device (e.g., a user inputs the target kinematic viscosity into a user input device communicatively coupled to the controller 150, 250) or from a sensor (e.g., the data is generated by a sensor communicatively coupled to the controller 150, 250).

[0130] Obtaining 318 data identifying a target BN for the cylinder oil to be produced typically involves receiving data indicative of the target BN by the controller 150, 250. In an embodiment, the data is received from a user input device (e.g., a user inputs the target BN into a user input device communicatively coupled to the controller 150, 250) or from a sensor (e.g., the data is generated by a sensor communicatively coupled to the controller 150, 250).

[0131] Obtaining (320) data identifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids typically involves the controller 150, 250 receiving data indicative of the kinematic viscosity of the first fluid, the BN of the first fluid, the kinematic viscosity of the second fluid, the BN of the second fluid, the kinematic viscosity of the third fluid, and the BN of the third fluid. In some embodiments, the data is received from one or more user input device(s) (e.g., a user inputs data relating to at least some of the aforementioned parameters into a user input device communicatively connected to the controller 150, 250) or from a sensor (e.g., one or more sensors communicatively connected to the controller 150, 250 that sense the aforementioned fluid parameters generate the data). In some embodiments, obtaining (320) includes receiving data from both a user input device and one or more sensors.

[0132] Determining (322) the ratios of the first, second, and third fluids to produce the cylinder oil is based on at least the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids. In an embodiment, the determination is also based on a target viscosity of the produced cylinder oil. In another embodiment, the determination is also based on a target BN of the produced cylinder oil. An embodiment of determining (322) is shown in FIG. 5, described below.

[0133] Once the controlled amounts of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid are received by the blender 110, 210, blending (324) in the determined ratio includes operating the blender 110, 210 to mix the fluids in the determined ratio, thereby delivering cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN.

[0134] Figure 5 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 40 for producing cylinder oil. Some elements of the method 40 correspond to elements of the method 30 described in Figure 4. Where this is the case, the reference symbols in Figure 5 are the same as those used in Figure 4, but increased by 100.

[0135] Method 40 includes performing steps 410-418, which correspond, respectively, to steps 310-318 of method 30. Method 40 further includes obtaining (420) data identifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, as described above with reference to step 320 of method 30.

[0136] The method 40 further includes determining (422) a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid to produce the cylinder oil.

[0137] Determining (422) the ratios of the first, second, and third fluids to produce cylinder oil includes receiving (450) data indicative of a selection of an operational mode for the controller 150, 250 and / or the apparatus 10, 20. Typically, receiving (450) the data includes receiving data indicative of a user's operational selection from a user input device (e.g., included in a user interface), the user's operational selection indicating whether the apparatus 10, 20 should operate in the first mode or the second mode. In another embodiment (not shown), receiving (450) the data includes receiving data indicating that the apparatus 10, 20 should operate in the third mode.

[0138] If the user inputs the first operating mode selection, method 40 includes determining that the first operating mode is selected by the user 454. In an embodiment, the first operating mode is referred to as a "viscosity mode."

[0139] In the first mode of operation, determining (422) the ratios of the first, second, and third fluids to produce the cylinder oil includes identifying (454) a BN range for the cylinder oil having upper and lower limits based on a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosities of each of the first, second, and third fluids, and the BNs of each of the first, second, and third fluids.

[0140] In an embodiment, determining 454 the BN range for the cylinder oil includes calculating the following equation (where the symbols have the meanings given in the Summary):

number

[0141] By solving the equation, the calculated value BN C1 , B.N. C2 , and BN C3 Identifying the BN range (454) further determines the BN C1 , B.N. C2 , and BN C3 and determining a maximum value among the BN ranges being determined, and setting the determined maximum value as an upper limit of the BN range being determined; C1 , B.N. C2 , and BN C3 and setting the identified second highest value as the lower limit of the BN range being identified.

[0142] In some embodiments, the method 40 includes determining (456) that the target BN of the cylinder oil is equal to or between the upper or lower limits of the identified BN range. In these embodiments, the method 40 further includes determining (456) a target kinematic viscosity (VV) corresponding to the target BN (e.g., Vi C(T) and BN C(T) determining (458) a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (corresponding to both the first and second fluids).

[0143] In some embodiments, the method 40 includes determining (460) that the target BN of the cylinder oil is greater than a specified upper limit of the specified BN range. In these embodiments, the method 40 further includes determining (460) the target kinematic viscosity and the corresponding upper limit of the specified BN range (e.g., Vi C(T) , and BN C1 , B.N. C2 , and BN C3 determining (462) a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (corresponding to the identified highest value among

[0144] In some embodiments, the method 40 includes determining (464) that the target BN of the cylinder oil is below a specified lower limit of the specified BN range. In these embodiments, the method 40 further includes determining (464) the target kinematic viscosity and the corresponding lower limit of the specified BN range (e.g., Vi C(T) , and BN C1 , B.N. C2 , and BN C3 determining (466) a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (corresponding to the identified second highest value among

[0145] If the user inputs the second operating mode selection, method 40 includes determining that the second operating mode is selected by the user 468. In an embodiment, the second operating mode is referred to as "BN mode."

[0146] In the second mode of operation, determining (422) the ratios of the first, second, and third fluids to produce the cylinder oil includes identifying (470) a kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil having upper and lower limits based on a target BN of the produced cylinder oil, the kinematic viscosities of each of the first, second, and third fluids, and the BNs of each of the first, second, and third fluids.

[0147] In an embodiment, determining 470 the kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil includes calculating the following equation (where the symbols have the meanings given in the Summary):

number

[0148] By solving the equation, the calculated value Vi C1 , Vi C2 , and Vi C3 Determining the kinematic viscosity range (470) further determines the kinematic viscosity range, Vi C1 , Vi C2 , and Vi C3and determining a minimum value among the Vi ranges being determined, and setting the determined minimum value as the lower limit of the Vi range being determined. C1 , Vi C2 , and Vi C3 and setting the identified second lowest value as an upper limit of the range of Vi being identified.

[0149] In some embodiments, the method 40 includes determining (472) that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is equal to or between the upper or lower limits of the identified kinematic viscosity range. In these embodiments, the method 40 determines (472) a target kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN (e.g., Vi C(T) and BN C(T) determining (474) a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (corresponding to both the first and second fluids).

[0150] In some embodiments, the method 40 includes determining (476) that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is greater than a specified upper limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range. In these embodiments, the method 40 determines (476) the target BN and the upper limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range (e.g., BN C(T) , and Vi C1 , Vi C2 , and Vi C3 determining (478) a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (corresponding to the identified second lowest value among

[0151] In some embodiments, the method 40 includes determining (480) that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is lower than a specified lower limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range. In these embodiments, the method 40 determines (480) the target BN and the corresponding lower limit of the specified kinematic viscosity range (e.g., BN C(T) , and Vi C1 , Vi C2 , and Vi C3 determining (482) a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid (corresponding to the identified lowest value among

[0152] The method 40 further includes dispensing (424) the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid in the ratios determined according to blocks 458, 462, 466, 474, 478, or 482 depending on the outcome of the determination performed in block 422.

[0153] 6 shows a flow chart illustrating a method 50 of operating a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine. The method 50 includes producing (510) cylinder oil. Producing (510) cylinder oil 510 includes performing any of the methods described above. The method 50 further includes delivering (520) the produced cylinder oil to a cylinder of the marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, such as a cylinder liner of the cylinder. Delivering typically includes pumping the produced cylinder oil from a storage tank 260 (e.g., a day tank) to the cylinder liner 270.

[0154] In an embodiment, any of the aforementioned methods may be performed at least in part by the controller 150, 250 of the apparatus 10, 20. Accordingly, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is also provided that stores instructions that, when executed by a processor of the controller 150, 250, cause the processor to perform the aforementioned methods.

[0155] 7 illustrates an example 60 of a processor 602 arranged to execute instructions stored on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium 604. The storage medium 604 may comprise volatile memory, such as random access memory, or non-volatile memory. Alternatively, the storage medium 604 may include non-volatile data storage, such as a hard disk drive or solid state memory. In an embodiment, the processor 602 and the storage medium 604 form part of a marine cylinder oil blending apparatus. In an embodiment, the processor 602 and the storage medium 604 form part of an embedded computing system.

[0156] Some instructions stored in the storage medium 604 of Figure 7 cause the processor 602 to execute steps that correspond to the steps of the method 30 described in Figure 4. Where this is the case, the reference symbols in Figure 7 are those used in Figure 4, increased by 100.

[0157] The processor 602 is instructed via instructions 616 to obtain data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced. This typically includes obtaining data stored in the memory 604 or from one or more input data generators, such as a user input device or a sensor. The processor 602 is instructed via instructions 618 to obtain data specifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced. This typically includes obtaining data stored in the memory 604 or from one or more input data generators, such as a user input device or a sensor. The processor 602 is instructed via instructions 620 to obtain data specifying a kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid. This typically includes obtaining data stored in the memory 604 and / or from one or more input data generators, such as a user input device or a sensor. The processor 602 is instructed via instructions 622 to determine ratios of the first, second, and third fluids to produce a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN. In an embodiment, this includes determining ratios as shown in Figure 5. The processor is instructed via instructions 630 to generate instructions for a blender to blend the first, second, and third fluids in the determined ratios. In an embodiment, the processor generating instructions for the blender via instructions 630 includes causing an apparatus to blend the fluids as described with reference to Figure 4.

[0158] In an embodiment, the non-transitory computer readable storage medium 604 includes further instructions that cause the processor to perform steps that cause the associated components to perform the steps of any of the methods described above.

[0159] In another embodiment, two or more of the above-described embodiments may be combined. In another embodiment, the features of one embodiment may be combined with the features of one or more other embodiments.

[0160] The embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the illustrated examples. It will be appreciated, however, that variations and modifications may be made to the described examples within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A method for producing cylinder oil for a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of: Providing a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first BN; providing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN; providing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN; Obtaining data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; Obtaining data specifying a target BN for the cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data identifying the kinematic viscosity and the BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid based on the kinematic viscosity and the BN of at least the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, respectively, to produce a cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN; combining the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid in the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil; The method comprising:

2. Determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid includes: determining a BN range for the cylinder oil having an upper limit and a lower limit based on the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosities of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, and the BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid; The method of claim 1 , comprising:

3. Determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid may further include: determining that the target BN of the cylinder oil is equal to or between the upper and lower limits of the identified BN range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN; The method of claim 2 , comprising:

4. Determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid may further include: determining that the target BN of the cylinder oil is greater than the identified upper limit of the identified BN range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid that corresponds to the target kinematic viscosity and the upper limit of the identified BN range; or, determining that the target BN of the cylinder oil is below the identified lower limit of the identified BN range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid that corresponds to the target kinematic viscosity and the lower limit of the identified BN range; The method of claim 2 , comprising:

5. Determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid includes: determining a kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil having an upper limit and a lower limit based on the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosities of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, and the BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid; The method of claim 1 , comprising:

6. Determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid may further include: Determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is equal to the upper limit or the lower limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range, or is between the upper limit and the lower limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN; The method of claim 5 , comprising:

7. Determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid may further include: determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is greater than the identified upper limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid that corresponds to the target BN and the upper limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range; or, determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is lower than the identified lower limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid that corresponds to the target BN and the lower limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range; The method of claim 5 , comprising:

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining data identifying the target kinematic viscosity of the resulting cylinder oil comprises determining the target kinematic viscosity based on engine operating parameters and / or engine condition parameters.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein obtaining data identifying the target BN of the resulting cylinder oil comprises determining the target BN based on engine operating parameters and / or engine condition parameters.

10. the first fluid is a system oil; and / or the second fluid is an additive packet, fresh cylinder oil, or used cylinder oil; and / or The third fluid is a base oil. The method of claim 1.

11. 1. A method of operating a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, comprising the steps of: Producing a cylinder oil by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10; supplying the cylinder oil to a cylinder of the marine reciprocating internal combustion engine; The method comprising:

12. 1. An apparatus for preparing cylinder oil, comprising: A mixer and a first container for containing a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first BN, the first container in selectable fluid communication with the dispenser; a second container for containing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN, the second container in selectable fluid communication with the dispenser; a third container for containing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN, the third container in selectable fluid communication with the dispenser; A controller; The controller comprises: Obtaining data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; Obtaining data specifying a target BN for the cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data identifying the kinematic viscosity and the BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid to produce the cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN; causing the blender to blend the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid in the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil; The apparatus is configured to execute the steps of:

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the controller is configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode.

14. When operating in the first mode, in determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller further comprises: Identifying a BN range of the cylinder oil having an upper limit and a lower limit based on the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosities of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, and the BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid; determining that the target BN of the cylinder oil is equal to or between the upper and lower limits of the identified BN range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN; or, determining that the target BN of the cylinder oil is greater than the identified upper limit of the identified BN range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid that corresponds to the target kinematic viscosity and the upper limit of the identified BN range; or, determining that the target BN of the cylinder oil is below the identified lower limit of the identified BN range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid that corresponds to the target kinematic viscosity and the lower limit of the identified BN range; The apparatus of claim 13 configured to execute the following:

15. When operating in the second mode, in determining the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller further comprises: Identifying a kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil having an upper limit and a lower limit based on the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosities of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, and the BN of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid; Determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is equal to the upper limit or the lower limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range, or is between the upper limit and the lower limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN; or, determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is greater than the identified upper limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid that corresponds to the target BN and the upper limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range; or, determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is lower than the identified lower limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid that corresponds to the target BN and the lower limit of the identified kinematic viscosity range; 15. The apparatus of claim 13 or 14, configured to execute the following:

16. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the controller is communicatively coupled to one or more sensors that sense engine operating parameters, engine condition parameters, and / or fluid condition parameters.

17. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the engine operating parameter, the engine condition parameter, or the fluid condition parameter is at least one of fuel sulfur content, engine load, engine speed, relative air humidity, cylinder iron wear emissions, cylinder total iron content, fluid viscosity (fluid viscosity of the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and / or the resultant cylinder oil), fluid BN (fluid BN of the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and / or the resultant cylinder oil), fluid temperature (fluid temperature of the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and / or the resultant cylinder oil), cylinder lubricant residual BN, and cylinder oil liner temperature.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, Obtaining data specifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; Obtaining data specifying a target BN for the cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data identifying the kinematic viscosity and the BN of each of a first fluid, a second fluid, and a third fluid; determining a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid to produce the cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN; generating instructions to a blender to blend the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid in the determined ratio; The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium causes the processor to execute.

19. 19. A marine vessel comprising an apparatus according to claim 12 and / or a non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 18.

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