Production of cylinder oil

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 binder nucleus (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 identifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data identifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; and obtaining data identifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first, second, and third fluids. At least based on the kinematic viscosity and BN 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 according to the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This 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, an apparatus for preparing cylinder oil, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and a marine vessel for preparing cylinder oil. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Marine vessels, such as container ships, have engines powered by heavy fuel oil or similar fuels. Fuel consumption constitutes the largest portion of the daily operating costs of marine vessels. Furthermore, the amount of fuel directly consumed corresponds to the amount of pollutants generated (e.g., carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and / or sulfur oxides (SOx)). Fuel consumption is affected by the efficiency of engine operation and / or the speed at which the engine is operated.

[0003] The components of an engine on a marine vessel require lubrication during operation. The effectiveness of lubrication affects the efficiency of engine operation, and thus, in turn, affects the amount of fuel consumed during engine operation. Frictional losses in the engine can be reduced by proper lubrication.

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

[0005] The ability to form an oil film with 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. Cylinder oils with higher kinematic viscosity typically provide a thicker oil film between the surfaces; cylinder oils with lower kinematic viscosity typically provide a thinner film. However, the required kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil used to lubricate the cylinders can vary during engine operation due to variations in engine operation, such as engine load.

[0006] Another function of cylinder oil is to reduce corrosion of piston and gasket materials by neutralizing the sulfuric acid formed from the combustion of sulfur-containing fuels. The ability to reduce piston and cylinder gasket corrosion depends at least in part on the basicity of the cylinder oil, known as its base number (BN). BN is typically expressed as milligrams of potassium hydroxide per gram of oil (mg KOH / g). For marine applications, cylinder oils typically have a BN of 25 to 140, depending on the sulfur content of the fuel used to power the engine. However, the required BN for cylinder oil can vary during engine operation due to variations in fuel sulfur content or engine load.

[0007] Offshore vessels may be equipped with blending systems to produce onboard cylinder oils with alkalinity that varies in response to changing demands during engine operation. The procedure is specified by the target BN of the required cylinder oil and does not take into account the target kinematic viscosity.

[0008] Marine vessels typically carry lubricating oil on land and cannot obtain lubricating oils with different properties during the voyage. Depending on the fluids available for blending to produce cylinder oil on board, it may not always be possible to provide cylinder oils that simultaneously have a target BN (e.g., an ideal BN for current operating conditions) and a target viscosity (e.g., an ideal kinematic viscosity for current operating conditions).

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention aim to reduce the amount of fuel consumption and pollutants generated during the operation of marine reciprocating internal combustion engines, while solving the aforementioned problems. [Summary of the Invention]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention provides a method for producing cylinder oil for a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, the method comprising: 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 identifying a target kinematic viscosity of a cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data identifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data identifying the kinematic viscosity and 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 at least on the kinematic viscosity and BN of each 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 blending the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid according to the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil.

[0011] The inventors have confirmed that the method described above can respond to information provided to the controller, such as the available fluid for blending, to produce cylinder oil having kinematic viscosity and BN. Taking into account both the viscosity and BN of the fluid to be blended, the inventors have devised a method for producing cylinder oil having at least one of a kinematic viscosity corresponding to a target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to a target BN.

[0012] Furthermore, in examples, this method is capable of producing cylinder oil with desired properties even if the available fluid used for blending to provide the cylinder oil cannot achieve both the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN. For example, if it is not possible to blend the available fluid in a manner that provides cylinder oil with both the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN, several examples are provided herein in which a cylinder oil is provided having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN close to the target BN (based on the properties of the available blendable 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 blendable fluid).

[0013] Depending on the circumstances, the determination of the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid includes: determining a range of BN for the cylinder oil based on the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity 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 range of BN having an upper limit and a lower limit.

[0014] Advantageously, in these examples, the target kinematic viscosity is considered more important than the target BN (e.g., the user selects kinematic viscosity over BN). Therefore, by implementing this method, the produced cylinder oil will have a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to or close to the target BN, depending on the properties of the fluid that can be used for blending.

[0015] Depending on the circumstances, the determination of 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 the upper limit or the lower limit of the determined BN range, or between the upper limit and the lower limit of the determined BN range, and determining one of the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN.

[0016] Advantageously, in these examples, it is determined that it is 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. Therefore, the method includes blending the available fluid to produce a cylinder oil having these properties.

[0017] Depending on the circumstances, the determination of the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid may further include determining the upper limit of the determination that the target BN of the cylinder oil is higher than the determined BN range, and determining the ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the upper limit of the determined BN range.

[0018] In these examples, it is determined that it is impossible to blend the available fluid to provide cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to the target BN. For example, using the available blending fluid can only provide cylinder oil with a BN higher than the target BN. However, advantageously, the method provides cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN close to the target BN.

[0019] Depending on the circumstances, the determination of the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid may further include determining the lower limit of the determination that the target BN of the cylinder oil is lower than the determined BN range, and determining the ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the lower limit of the determined BN range.

[0020] In these examples, it is determined that it is impossible to blend the available fluid to provide cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to the target BN. For example, using the available blending fluid can only provide cylinder oil with a BN lower than the target BN. However, advantageously, the method provides cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN close to the target BN.

[0021] Depending on the circumstances, the determination of the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid includes: determining a kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil based on the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity 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 kinematic viscosity range having an upper limit and a lower limit.

[0022] Advantageously, in these examples, the target BN is considered more important than the target kinematic viscosity (e.g., the user selects BN over kinematic viscosity). Therefore, by implementing this method, the produced cylinder oil will have a BN corresponding to the target BN and a kinematic viscosity corresponding to or close to the target BN, depending on the properties of the fluids that can be blended.

[0023] Depending on the circumstances, the determination of 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 determined kinematic viscosity range, or between the upper limit and the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determining one of the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN.

[0024] Advantageously, in these examples, it is determined that it is 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. Therefore, the method includes blending the available fluid to produce a cylinder oil having these properties.

[0025] Depending on the circumstances, the determination of 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 higher than the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determining the ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target BN and the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range.

[0026] In these examples, it is determined that it is impossible to blend the available fluid to provide cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to the target BN. For example, using the available blending fluid can only provide cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity higher than the target kinematic viscosity. However, advantageously, the method provides cylinder oil having a BN corresponding to the target BN and a kinematic viscosity close to the target kinematic viscosity.

[0027] Depending on the circumstances, the determination of 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 lower than the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determining the ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target BN and the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range.

[0028] In these examples, it is determined that it is impossible to blend the available fluid to provide cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN corresponding to the target BN. For example, using the available blending fluid can only provide cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity lower than the target kinematic viscosity. However, advantageously, the method provides cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and a BN close to the target BN.

[0029] Depending on the circumstances, the data for obtaining the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced may include determining a target kinematic viscosity based on an engine operating parameter and / or an engine condition parameter.

[0030] Depending on the circumstances, the data for obtaining the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced includes determining a target BN based on an engine operating parameter and / or an engine condition parameter.

[0031] Depending on the circumstances, the method may be implemented offshore, such as on a vessel at sea. Advantageously, implementing the method on a vessel at sea, compared to onshore, enables the cylinder oil properties to meet the requirements of the engine during operation.

[0032] Depending on the circumstances, the first fluid is a system oil. In examples, the system oil has a kinematic viscosity of 10 to 15 mm² / s at 100°C. Typically, the system oil has a kinematic viscosity corresponding to SAE viscosity grade SAE 30; for example, the system oil has a kinematic viscosity of 11 to 12 mm² / s at 100°C. In examples, the system oil is at least partially used system oil, such as used system oil. The use of used system oil reduces engine operating costs. In other examples, the system oil is new (initial) oil. System oil typically has a BN of 5 to 30 (such as 5 to 10). In examples, such as in the case where the system oil is new cylinder oil, the system oil has a BN of 5 to 8.

[0033] Depending on the circumstances, the second fluid may be an additive package, new cylinder oil, or at least partially used cylinder oil. In examples, the second fluid may be an additive package containing a base oil and one or more additives, such as highly alkaline and / or neutral detergents (alkali metal salts) and optional other performance additives. In these examples, the additive package typically has a high kinematic viscosity (often 50 to 200 mm² / s at 100°C, such as 100 mm² / s or greater) and a high BN (often 150 to 400). In examples, the second fluid may be initial cylinder oil (e.g., cylinder oil not yet used to lubricate pistons and cylinder liners) with a kinematic viscosity of 16 to 21 mm² / s at 100°C and a BN of 15 to 145. In examples, the second fluid may be used cylinder oil (e.g., cylinder oil that has been used at some point to lubricate pistons and cylinder liners).

[0034] Depending on the circumstances, the third fluid is a base oil. In examples, the base oil has a kinematic viscosity of 3 to 8 mm² / s at 100°C. Typically, the base oil has a kinematic viscosity corresponding to SAE viscosity grade SAE 20; for example, the base oil has a kinematic viscosity of 4 to 7 mm² / s at 100°C. Advantageously, base oils are generally low in cost, and therefore including base oils in blending reduces the cost of producing cylinder oils. Base oils typically have a BN of less than 1 (such as less than 0.5, or less than 0.1).

[0035] Depending on the circumstances, at least one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid may be at least partially used oil, such as used oil. The use of used system oil reduces engine operating costs.

[0036] Depending on the circumstances, at least one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid may be a single-stage oil; for example, each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid may be a single-stage oil. Depending on the circumstances, at least one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid may be a multi-stage oil; for example, each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid may be a multi-stage oil.

[0037] Depending on the circumstances, the cylinder oil is an all-loss cylinder oil.

[0038] Depending on the circumstances, the cylinder oil produced has a kinematic viscosity equal to or less than 14 mm² / s at 100°C. The inventors have determined that providing cylinder oil with reduced kinematic viscosity (e.g., below the minimum kinematic viscosity recommended by the engine manufacturer) can reduce frictional losses during engine operation while lubricating the cylinder oil. The lower viscosity of the cylinder oil means that a thinner oil film is formed between the piston and the cylinder liner, which results in reduced hydrodynamic friction. The reduction in frictional losses leads to reduced fuel consumption during engine operation, and thus a reduction in the amount of contaminants generated.

[0039] Surprisingly, the inventors have further confirmed that the reduced kinematic viscosity has no significant negative effect on the oil's ability to control activity and / or cylinder head gasket wear, and provides stronger control over engine component wear in examples. Thus, for the first time, the inventors have provided a cylinder oil with low kinematic viscosity that can be reliably used in marine reciprocating internal combustion engines.

[0040] All kinematic viscosities described herein are measured at 100°C unless otherwise stated. The kinematic viscosity of oil at 100°C can be expressed in centistokes (cSt). Therefore, cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity equal to or less than 14 mm² / s at 100°C is equivalent to 14 cSt. In examples, cylinder oil has a kinematic viscosity equal to or less than 13.5 mm² / s, or equal to or less than 13 mm² / s, or equal to or less than 12.5 mm² / s, or equal to or less than 10 mm² / s. In examples, cylinder oil has a kinematic viscosity equal to or greater than 8 mm² / s (such as 8 mm² / s to 14 mm² / s, or 8 mm² / s to 12.5 mm² / s, or 8 mm² / s to 10 mm² / s).

[0041] Depending on the circumstances, the cylinder oil produced may have a kinematic viscosity corresponding to an SAE viscosity grade of SAE 40, SAE 30, or SAE 20. The cylinder oil may have any suitable viscosity index for lubricating piston liners and piston rings in the cylinders of an engine. In examples, the cylinder oil may have a viscosity index of 59 to 120.

[0042] Depending on the circumstances, the cylinder oil produced may have a BN of 15 to 160 mg KOH / g, 25 to 150 mg KOH / g, 40 to 140 mg KOH / g, or 50 to 120 mg KOH / g.

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

[0044] Depending on the circumstances, the cylinder oil has a kinematic viscosity of 14 mm² / s or less at 100°C. Surprisingly, the inventors have determined that cylinder oil with a viscosity of less than 14 mm² / s can maintain the safe operation of marine reciprocating internal combustion engines (such as two-stroke crosshead engines).

[0045] Depending on the circumstances, the kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil may be lower than the minimum kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil recommended by the manufacturer for marine reciprocating internal combustion engines.

[0046] Depending on the circumstances, marine reciprocating internal combustion engines operate at 60% or less of engine load. For example, the engine may operate at a speed significantly below its maximum speed (sometimes referred to as "slowing down"). In other instances, marine reciprocating internal combustion engines operate at more than 60% of engine load (such as up to 70% or 80%).

[0047] Depending on the circumstances, the marine reciprocating internal combustion engine is a two-stroke crosshead engine. In this example, the two-stroke crosshead engine is a low-speed engine.

[0048] A third embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for preparing a cylinder oil, the apparatus comprising: a blender; a first container for containing a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first BN, the first container being selectively fluid-communicated with the blender; a second container for containing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN, the second container being selectively fluid-communicated with the blender; and a third container for containing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN, the third container being selectively fluid-communicated with the blender. The system includes a connection; and a controller configured to: acquire data identifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; acquire data identifying a target nitric acid (BN) of the cylinder oil to be produced; acquire data identifying the 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 the 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 according to the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil.

[0049] Depending on the circumstances, the controller can be configured to operate selectively in a first mode (e.g., "viscosity mode") and a second mode (e.g., "BN mode").

[0050] Depending on the circumstances, the controller may be configured to operate in either the first mode or the second mode based on user input received, for example, from a user input device. In an example, the user input device is part of the user interface.

[0051] Depending on the circumstances, the controller may be further configured to operate in a third operating mode. Depending on the circumstances, the controller may be configured to operate in the third operating mode based on user input received, for example, from an input device.

[0052] Depending on the situation, when operating in the first mode, when determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid, the controller is configured to: determine a range of BN for the cylinder oil based on the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity 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 range of BN having an upper limit and a lower limit.

[0053] In an example, determining the BN range of the cylinder oil involves solving the following equation:

[0054]

[0055] Where BNC1 is the first calculated BN of the cylinder oil, BNC2 is the second calculated BN of the cylinder oil, BNC3 is the third calculated BN of the cylinder oil, ViC(T) is the value corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity (for example, the value is proportional to the target kinematic viscosity, or the value is equal to the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced), Vi1 is the value corresponding to the kinematic viscosity of the first fluid (for example, the value is proportional to the kinematic viscosity of the first fluid, or the value is equal to the kinematic viscosity of the first fluid), and Vi2 is the value corresponding to the kinematic viscosity of the second fluid (for example, the value is proportional to the kinematic viscosity of the second fluid). Vi3 is a value proportional to the kinematic viscosity of the third fluid (e.g., a value proportional to the kinematic viscosity of the third fluid, or a value equal to the kinematic viscosity of the third fluid), BN1 is the BN of the first fluid or a value corresponding to the BN of the first fluid (e.g., proportional to the BN of the first fluid), BN2 is the BN of the second fluid or a value corresponding to the BN of the second fluid (e.g., proportional to the BN of the second fluid), and BN3 is the BN of the third fluid or a value corresponding to the BN of the third fluid (e.g., proportional to the BN of the third fluid).

[0056] In an example, the determination of the range further includes the highest value of BNC1, BNC2, and BNC3, and the highest value of the determination is set as the upper limit of the BN range of the determination. In an example, the determination of the range further includes a second highest value of BNC1, BNC2, and BNC3, and the second highest value of the determination is set as the lower limit of the BN range of the determination.

[0057] Depending on the circumstances, the controller is configured to determine that the target BN of the cylinder oil is equal to the upper or lower limit of the determined BN range, or between the upper and lower limits of the determined BN range. Therefore, when determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller is configured to determine one of the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, which corresponds to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN (e.g., corresponding to both ViC(T) and BNC(T), where BNC(T) is the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced).

[0058] Depending on the circumstances, the controller is configured to determine that the target BN of the cylinder oil is higher than the upper limit of the determined BN range. Therefore, when determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller is configured to determine one of the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, which corresponds to the target kinematic viscosity and the upper limit of the determined BN range (e.g., corresponding to the highest value of ViC(T) and BNC1, BNC2, and BNC3).

[0059] Depending on the circumstances, the controller is configured to determine that the target BN of the cylinder oil is lower than the lower limit of the determined BN range. Therefore, when determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller is configured to determine one of the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, which corresponds to the target kinematic viscosity and the lower limit of the determined BN range (e.g., corresponding to the second highest value of the determined ViC(T) and BNC1, BNC2, and BNC3).

[0060] Depending on the situation, when operating in the second mode, when determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller is configured to: determine a kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil based on the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity 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 kinematic viscosity range having an upper limit and a lower limit.

[0061] In an example, determining the kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil involves solving the following equation:

[0062]

[0063] Where ViC1 is a first calculated value corresponding to the kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil (e.g., a value proportional to the first kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil), ViC2 is a second calculated value corresponding to the kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil (e.g., a value proportional to the second kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil), ViC3 is a third calculated value corresponding to the kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil (e.g., a value proportional to the third kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil), and BNC(T) is the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced. Other symbols used in Equations 4 to 6 have the same meaning as those used in Equations 1 to 3 above.

[0064] In an example, the determination of the range further includes determining the lowest values ​​of ViC1, ViC2, and ViC3, and the lowest value of the determination is set as the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range. In an example, the determination of the range further includes determining a second lowest value of ViC1, ViC2, and ViC3, and the second lowest value of the determination is set as the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range.

[0065] Depending on the circumstances, the controller is configured to determine that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is equal to the upper or lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, or between the upper and lower limits of the determined kinematic viscosity range. Therefore, when determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller is configured to determine one of the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, which corresponds to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN (e.g., corresponding to both ViC(T) and BNC(T)).

[0066] Depending on the circumstances, the controller is configured to determine that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is higher than the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range. Therefore, when determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller is configured to determine one of the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, which corresponds to the target BN and the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range (e.g., corresponding to the second lowest value of the determined BNC(T) and ViC1, ViC2, and ViC3).

[0067] Depending on the circumstances, the controller is configured to determine that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is lower than the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range. Therefore, when determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the controller is configured to determine one of the ratios of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, which corresponds to the target BN and the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range (e.g., corresponding to the lowest values ​​of BNC(T) and ViC1, ViC2, and ViC3).

[0068] Depending on the circumstances, the controller may be configured to operate in the first operating mode described above without also being configured to operate in the second operating mode (e.g., the controller may be configured to operate in "viscosity mode" and also without being configured to operate in "BN mode" instead). Depending on the circumstances, the controller may be configured to operate in the second operating mode described above without also being configured to operate in the first operating mode (e.g., the controller may be configured to operate in "BN" mode and also without being configured to operate in "viscosity mode" instead).

[0069] Depending on the circumstances, the controller may be configured to communicate with one or more sensors for sensing an engine operating parameter, an engine condition parameter and / or a fluid condition parameter.

[0070] Depending on the circumstances, the engine operating parameter, the engine condition parameter, or the fluid condition parameter may be at least one of the following: fuel sulfur content; engine load; engine speed; relative air humidity; cylinder iron wear emissions; total cylinder iron content; fluid viscosity (of the first fluid, second fluid, third fluid, and / or produced cylinder oil); fluid BN (of the first fluid, second fluid, third fluid, and / or produced cylinder oil); fluid temperature (of the first fluid, second fluid, third fluid, and / or produced cylinder oil); cylinder lubricant residue BN; and cylinder oil gasket temperature.

[0071] Depending on the circumstances, the controller may be communicatively connected to an input device, such as a user input device for a user to input data such as: fluid parameters (e.g., the kinematic viscosity and / or BN of a first fluid, a second fluid, or a third fluid), target cylinder oil parameters (e.g., target kinematic viscosity and / or target BN), engine operating parameters (as discussed above), engine condition parameters (as discussed above), and mode selection (e.g., commanding the controller to operate in a first operating mode - "viscosity mode" or a second operating mode - "BN mode").

[0072] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: obtain data identifying a target kinematic viscosity of a cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data identifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data identifying the kinematic viscosity and 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 the cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN; and generate an instruction to cause a blender to blend the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid at the determined ratio.

[0073] Depending on the circumstances, the non-transitory computer-readable storage media storage instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform any of the methods described above.

[0074] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a marine vessel that includes the equipment described above with respect to the third aspect and / or the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium described above with respect to the fourth aspect.

[0075] Depending on the circumstances, the vessel at sea may be a cargo ship, such as a container ship, tanker, bulk carrier, or refrigerated ship. Depending on the circumstances, the vessel at sea may be a passenger ship.

[0076] Depending on the circumstances, the vessel at sea is a container ship.

[0077] The states described in relation to one state of the present invention are explicitly disclosed in combination with any and all other states to achieve the degree of compatibility of such states.

[0078] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are given by way of example only and are made with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0167] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG1 shows a schematic side view of an example of a marine vessel according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0168] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example apparatus for preparing cylinder oil according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0169] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example apparatus for preparing cylinder oil according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] Figure 4 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for producing cylinder oil according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0171] Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for producing cylinder oil according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0172] FIG6 shows a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for operating a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0173] FIG7 shows a schematic diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Implementation Method

[0079] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of one example of a maritime vessel according to an example. In this embodiment, the vessel is a container ship 1. In other embodiments, the maritime vessel may be another type of cargo ship, such as an oil tanker using cylinder oil, a bulk dry cargo ship, a refrigerated ship, a passenger ship, or any other maritime vessel.

[0080] The marine vessel 1 has a hull 2 ​​and one or more engine rooms 3 within the hull 2. The marine vessel 1 is powered by one or more large internal combustion engines 4 (such as four-stroke or two-stroke self-igniting combustors 4) located within the engine room 3. The engines 4 drive propulsion mechanisms (such as one or more propellers). The vessel 1 may also include one or more auxiliary engines (referred to as engine sets) that provide electricity and / or heat to various electrical consumers on the vessel 1. The vessel 1 also includes equipment 10, 20 for preparing cylinder oil for supplying cylinder oil to the engines 4. The equipment 10, 20 may be any equipment for preparing cylinder oil described herein as an embodiment of the invention, such as the equipment shown in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3.

[0081] Engine 4 is a marine two-stroke internal combustion engine. In the example shown in Figure 1, engine 4 is powered by marine heavy fuel oil. In other examples (not shown), the marine two-stroke internal combustion engine is powered by fuels other than heavy fuel oil, such as marine light oil, marine diesel, marine gasification oil, liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, biofuels, methanol, ethanol, ammonia, hydrogen, methane, biomethane, or combinations thereof. In these examples, the fuel may be natural or synthetic. The two-stroke internal combustion engine is any suitable engine, such as a diesel unidirectional flow engine or an Otto cycle engine. Those skilled in the art are familiar with the components and systems of marine vessel 1, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, a more detailed description of these components and systems is omitted.

[0082] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 10 for preparing cylinder oil according to an example. The apparatus 10 is used to supply cylinder oil to the cylinder liner of an engine such as the engine 4 of a marine vessel shown in Figure 1 or any variant thereof described herein.

[0083] Generally, the device 10 includes: a blender 110 for blending fluids 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 selectively in fluid communication with the blender 110; a second container 130 for containing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN, the second container 130 being selectively in fluid communication with the blender 110; a third container 140 for containing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN, the third container 140 being selectively in fluid communication with the blender 110; and a controller 150. The controller 150 is configured to: obtain data identifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data identifying a target nitric acid (BN) of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data identifying the 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 the 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 according to the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil.

[0084] More specifically, in FIG. 2, a first container 120 is connected to a blender 110 via a valve 122 through which a first fluid flows from the first container 120 to the blender 110. The valve is used to control the flow of the first fluid from the first container 120 to the blender 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 blender 110, and can be opened to allow the first fluid to flow from the first container 120 to the blender 110. Thus, the first container 120 and the blender 110 are selectively in fluid communication. Depending on the situation, the valve 122 can be operated to allow restricted flow of the first fluid from the first container 120 to the blender 110 (e.g., the valve 122 can be "partially" closed or "partially" open). The valve can be operated manually or via a controller further described herein. In other instances (not shown), the first container 120 may be in fluid communication with the blender 110 via a pump for pumping a first fluid from the first container 120 to the blender 110.

[0085] In an example, the first container 120 contains a first fluid, such as system oil. The system oil is an oil suitable for use in the crankcase lubrication system of a low-speed two-stroke marine diesel engine. The system oil may be initial oil (e.g., not yet used in the crankcase lubrication system), in which case the first container 120 is typically a reservoir for storing initial system oil. Alternatively, the system oil is at least partially used system oil, such as system oil that has circulated around the crankcase lubrication system. In this case, in an example, the first container 120 is a reservoir for storing used system oil. In an example, such a used system oil reservoir is fluidly connected to the crankcase to receive used system oil from the crankcase. In an example, the used system oil reservoir is connected to the crankcase via a pump to pump the used system oil from the crankcase to the used system oil reservoir. In other examples where the system oil is at least partially used system oil, the first container 120 is inside the crankcase of the engine, or is the crankcase of the engine. For example, the first container 120 is the oil tank in the crankcase of the engine.

[0086] In Figure 2, the second container 130 is connected to the blender 110 via a valve 132 through which a second fluid flows from the second container 130 to the blender 110. More precisely, the valve is used to control the flow of the second fluid from the second container 130 to the blender 110. For example, the valve can be closed to prevent or impede the flow of the second fluid from the second container 130 to the blender 110, and can be opened to allow the second fluid to flow from the second container 130 to the blender 110. Thus, the second container 130 and the blender 110 are selectively in fluid communication. Depending on the situation, the valve 132 can be operated to allow the second fluid to flow restrictedly from the second container 130 to the blender 110 (e.g., the valve 132 can be "partially" closed or "partially" open). The valve 132 can be operated manually or via a controller further described herein. In other examples (not shown), the second container 130 is connected to the blender 110 via a pump for pumping the second fluid from the second container 130 to the blender 110.

[0087] In an example, the second container 130 contains a second fluid, such as an additive package, initial cylinder oil, or at least partially used cylinder oil (e.g., cylinder oil that has been delivered to the cylinder for lubricating the piston and cylinder liner and subsequently collected).

[0088] In the case where the second fluid is an additive package, the second container 130 is a storage tank for storing the additive package. The additive package typically contains a base oil and one or more additives, such as highly alkaline and / or neutral detergents (alkali metal salts) and optional other performance additives. The additive package typically has a high kinematic viscosity (often 50 to 200 mm² / s at 100°C, such as 100 mm² / s or greater) and a high BN (often 150 to 400).

[0089] When the second fluid is initial cylinder oil (e.g., cylinder oil that has not yet been used to lubricate the piston and cylinder liner), the second container 130 is a reservoir for storing the cylinder oil. The initial cylinder oil typically has a kinematic viscosity of 16 to 21 mm² / s and a BN of 15 to 145.

[0090] When the second fluid is used cylinder oil (e.g., cylinder oil that has been used at some point to lubricate the piston and cylinder head gasket), the second container 130 is, in some instances, a reservoir for storing the used cylinder oil. In other instances, alternatively or additionally, the used cylinder oil is supplied directly from the cylinder to the blender. In this case, the second container 130 is the cylinder of the engine.

[0091] In Figure 2, a third container 140 is connected to a blender 110 via a valve 142 through which a third fluid flows from the third container 140 to the blender 110. More precisely, the valve is used to control the flow of the third fluid from the third container 140 to the blender 110. For example, the valve can be closed to prevent or impede the flow of the third fluid from the third container 140 to the blender 110, and can be opened to allow the third fluid to flow from the third container 140 to the blender 110. Thus, the third container 140 and the blender 110 are selectively in fluid communication. Depending on the situation, the valve 142 can be operated to allow the third fluid to flow restrictedly from the third container 140 to the blender 110 (e.g., the valve 142 can be "partially" closed or "partially" open). The valve 142 can be operated manually or via a controller further described herein. In other examples (not shown), a third container 140 is connected to a blender 110 via a pump for pumping a third fluid from the third container 140 to the blender 110.

[0092] In an example, the third container 140 contains a third fluid, such as a base oil. In the case of a base oil, the third container 140 is a reservoir for storing the base oil. The base oil is typically an oil suitable for combination with other components used to provide a lubricant product. The base oil typically has a kinematic viscosity of 4 to 7 mm² / s. In an example, the base oil is an initial base oil (which, for example, has not yet been used to lubricate machine components). In other examples, the base oil is an initial base oil (which, for example, has already been used to lubricate machine components, and additives and / or contaminants have been removed, where applicable, before being supplied to the blender 110).

[0093] The device 10 includes a controller 150 for controlling the device 10. In this example, the controller 150 is communicatively connected to and used to control each of the following: a first valve 122 for controlling the flow of a first fluid from a first container 120 to a blender 110; a second valve 132 for controlling the flow of a second fluid from a second container 130 to a blender 110; a third valve 142 for controlling the flow of a third fluid from a third container 140; and the blender 110. In some examples, some or all of these elements are controlled by an entity other than the controller 150.

[0094] The controller 150 is configured to determine the ratio of the fluids required to supply cylinder oil. For example, the controller 150 is configured to determine the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid used for blending to supply cylinder oil, which corresponds to the amount of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid to be delivered to the blender 110 to supply cylinder oil.

[0095] For the purpose of determining the ratio of fluids used to supply cylinder oil, controller 150 includes memory and one or more processors. The memory circuitry is configured to store machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause controller 150 to: obtain data identifying a target kinematic viscosity of a cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data identifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data identifying the 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, at least based on the kinematic viscosity and BN of each 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 an instruction to cause a blending machine (such as blender 110) to blend the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid according to the determined ratio. In an example, the one or more processors of controller 150 include one or more microprocessors.

[0096] The controller 150 is further configured to blend the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid in the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil. In the apparatus 10 of FIG. 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. This ratio is typically a mass ratio (and therefore, the controller 150 is configured to determine the mass of the first fluid and the mass of the second fluid to be supplied to the blender 110), but in some cases it may be a volume ratio (and therefore, the controller 150 is configured to determine the volume of the first fluid and the volume of the second fluid to be supplied to the blender 110).

[0097] In an example, the controller 150 is configured to determine the ratio of fluids based on data received from one or more other entities (not shown), the data including at least: data identifying a target kinematic viscosity of a cylinder oil to be produced; data identifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; and data identifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid.

[0098] In some instances, the controller 150 is configured to receive such data from one or more user input devices (not shown), to which the user has provided information about at least one of the following: a target kinematic viscosity of a cylinder oil to be produced; data on a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; and data identifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid. Suitable user input devices include touch screens, keyboards, rotary wheels, and joysticks. In some instances, the one or more user input devices are provided as part of a user interface.

[0099] Upon receiving at least some of the data described above, the controller 150 is configured to determine the ratio of fluid required to provide cylinder oil with target viscosity and / or target BN based on an algorithm stored in the memory of the controller 150.

[0100] In some instances, the controller is configured to receive data indicating engine condition parameters, engine operating parameters, or fluid parameters, which will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 3. In other instances, the controller is configured to receive data indicating fluid condition parameters relating to a first fluid, a second fluid, the produced cylinder oil, or any combination thereof. For example, the controller is configured to receive data indicating the kinematic viscosity, basicity (BN), and / or temperature of the first fluid, the second fluid, the produced cylinder oil, or any combination thereof.

[0101] In an example, the controller 150 is configured to determine the amount of a first fluid, a second fluid, and a third fluid supplied to the blender 110 for providing cylinder oil having a target kinematic viscosity equal to or less than 14 mm² / s.

[0102] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an apparatus 20 for preparing cylinder oil according to another example. Some components of the apparatus 20 shown in Figure 3 correspond to the components described with respect to Figure 2, in which case the reference symbols are enlarged by 100 from the reference symbols used in Figure 2.

[0103] Generally, the device 20 includes: a blender 210 for blending 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 selectively in fluid communication with the blender 210; a second container 230 for containing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN, the second container 230 being selectively in fluid communication with the blender 210; a third container 240 for containing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN, the third container 240 being selectively in fluid communication with the blender 210; and a controller 250 configured to determine the amounts of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid supplied to the blender 210 to provide cylinder oil having a desired target viscosity and / or a target BN. In an example, the target kinematic viscosity is equal to or less than 14 mm² / s.

[0104] More precisely, the apparatus 20 includes one or more pumps for pumping fluid through the system. These pumps may take any suitable form. The pumps are provided, as appropriate, with corresponding valves (not shown) for controlling the fluid flow rate. In the absence of such valves, the pumps are used for selective fluid communication between components of the apparatus, such as selective fluid communication between each of the containers 220, 230, 240 and the blender 210, because the pumps control the flow of fluid from each of the containers 220, 230, 240 to the blender 210. Although in some instances, flow or backflow may exist through the valves when not in operation (e.g., when the pumps are not pumping), such flow or backflow is small enough that it does not substantially affect the amount of fluid supplied to the blender 210. Therefore, each of the containers 220, 230, 240 is selectively in fluid communication with the blender 210.

[0105] In this example, device 20 includes a pump 222 for pumping a first fluid from a first container 220 to a blender 210. Pump 222 is selectively controlled by a controller 250, which is further described herein. The first container 20 corresponds to the first container of device 10 depicted in FIG. 2 and is adapted as needed to operate in the device according to the example depicted in FIG. 3.

[0106] Device 20 includes a pump 232 for pumping a second fluid from the second container 230 to the blender 210. Pump 232 is selectively controlled by a controller 250, which is further described herein. The second container 230 corresponds to the second container 130 of device 10 depicted in FIG. 2 and is adapted as needed to operate in the device according to the example depicted in FIG. 3.

[0107] The apparatus 20 includes a pump 242 for pumping a third fluid from the third container 240 to the blender 210. The pump 242 is selectively controlled by a controller 250, which is further described herein. The third container 140 corresponds to the third container 140 of the apparatus 10 depicted in FIG. 2 and is adapted as needed to operate in the apparatus according to the example depicted in FIG. 3.

[0108] In some instances (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. For example, these pumps will be replaced by valves, and the first fluid and / or the second fluid and / or the third fluid will flow to the blender 210 under the influence of gravity or by means of another pump of the device 20.

[0109] In other examples (not shown), instead of each of the containers 220, 230, 240 being connected to the blender 210 via a corresponding pump, each of the containers 220, 230, 240 is connected to the blender 210 via a pump that is selectively connected and disconnected from each of the containers 220, 230, 240, and this pump is fluidly connected to one inlet of the blender 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 certain amount of first fluid from the first container 220 to the blender 210. Subsequently, the pump is disconnected from the first container 220 and connected to the second container 230, and pumps a certain amount of second fluid from the second container 230 to the blender 210. Subsequently, the pump is disconnected from the second container 230 and connected to the third container 240, and pumps a certain amount of third fluid from the third container 240 to the blender 210.

[0110] As illustrated in Figure 2, device 20 includes a controller 250 for controlling device 20.

[0111] The controller 250 includes an algorithm that determines the desired proportions of a first fluid (e.g., system oil), a second fluid (e.g., an additive package), and a third fluid (base oil), such that the cylinder oil prepared in the blender 210 has a kinematic viscosity corresponding to a target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to a target BN. For example, the controller 250 includes 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 desired proportions of the first, second, and third fluids to provide the cylinder oil prepared as described above.

[0112] The controller 250 is configured to control the blender 210 and pumps 222, 232, and 242 to deliver appropriate amounts of corresponding fluids to the blender 210. For example, the controller 250 is configured to operate each pump for a period of time so that an appropriate amount of fluid is supplied to the blender 210 according to the required proportion of fluid determined by the controller 250.

[0113] In an example, the controller 250 is configured to recalculate the ratio of fluids used to provide a second cylinder oil with a different viscosity and / or BN. For example, after blending the first cylinder oil, after the controller 250 receives data indicating changes in cylinder head gasket temperature and / or changes in fuel sulfur content and / or data from an input data generator (such as a user input device or sensor), the controller 250 is configured to determine the required ratio of the first, second, and third fluids. This results in the second cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to a new target kinematic viscosity and / or a suitable BN corresponding to a new target BN, for lubricating the cylinder head gasket under changing conditions, with a kinematic viscosity and / or BN different from the previous cylinder oil.

[0114] Controller 250 receives data from one or more input data generators indicating information about the engine, for use in generating data indicating information about the engine. In one example, at least some of the data is provided by one or more sensors for detecting parameters. In another example, at least some of the data is provided from memory containing information provided by the user, for example, by inputting data using a user input device provided as part of a user interface (not shown). In another example, the data is obtained from a lookup table contained in the memory of controller 250.

[0115] Controller 250 is communicatively connected to one or more input data generators in input data generator array 280 and is used to receive data from the one or more input data generators. Each input data generator provides data to controller 250, which indicates engine operating parameters and / or engine condition parameters and / or fluid parameters. Typically, each input data generator is a sensor for sensing engine operating parameters, engine condition parameters, or fluid parameters (or parameters indicating such parameters), or a memory containing data indicating engine operating parameters or engine condition parameters. For example, the input data generator may include memory into which information about parameters that can be communicated to controller 250 has been entered (e.g., sulfur content fuel is supplied to engine 4). The input data generator or controller 250 typically determines the engine operating parameters or engine condition parameters based on data received from the memory or sensor and a lookup table stored in controller 250 or from the input data generator.

[0116] In Figure 3, the input data generator array 280 includes: an input data generator 282 for generating data indicating the sulfur content of the fuel; an input data generator 284 for generating data indicating the engine load of the engine 4; an input data generator 286 for generating data indicating the engine speed of the engine 4; an input data generator 288 for generating data indicating the relative humidity of the air in the cylinder; an input data generator 290 for generating data indicating the amount of iron wear emissions from the cylinder; an input data generator 292 for generating data indicating the amount of residual lubricant (BN) in the cylinder; and an input data generator 294 for generating data indicating the temperature of the cylinder oil gasket. In an example, one or more of these input data generators are user input devices included in the user interface, as described above with respect to Figure 2.

[0117] In an example, the data input generator is a sensor for sensing engine operating parameters or engine condition parameters and generating data indicating such parameters, or a sensor for sensing parameters related to engine operating parameters or engine condition parameters, and the sensor and / or controller 250 determines the engine operating parameters or engine condition parameters based on such parameters. For example, the input data generator 282 for generating data indicating the sulfur content of fuel is a fuel sensor (e.g., an online or offline X-ray fluorescence oil sulfur analyzer) for sensing the properties of the heavy fuel oil to be supplied to engine 4 (such as, for example, the sulfur content of the heavy fuel oil); the input data generator 288 for generating data indicating relative air humidity is a hygrometer disposed in or near the cylinder of engine 4 for sensing relative air humidity; the input data generator 290 for generating data indicating the amount of iron wear emissions from the cylinder is a magnetometer configured to detect the amount of iron wear emissions from the cylinder; the input data generator 292 for generating data indicating the amount of cylinder lubricant residue (BN) is an infrared spectrometer configured to analyze the cylinder oil in the cylinder; and the input data generator 294 for generating data indicating the cylinder oil gasket temperature is a temperature sensor disposed in or near the cylinder of engine 4 for sensing temperature, such as a thermometer, thermocouple, thermal resistor, or the like.

[0118] In other instances, the controller 250 is communicatively connected to any combination of the input data generators described above and is used to receive data from the input data generators described above.

[0119] In other examples (not shown), the controller 250 is configured to receive data indicating fluid condition parameters of system oil, additive packages, base oil, produced cylinder oil, or any combination thereof. The controller 250 is communicatively connected to one or more input data generators indicating the fluid condition parameters and is used to receive data from the one or more input data generators. Typically, each input data generator is a sensor for sensing the fluid condition parameter (or a parameter indicating the parameter) or a memory containing information about the fluid condition parameter.

[0120] Fluid condition parameters include the fluid's kinematic viscosity, alkalinity (BN), and / or temperature. In an example, the input data generator for generating data indicating kinematic viscosity is a viscosity sensor configured to detect the fluid's kinematic viscosity; the input data generator for generating data indicating alkalinity is an infrared spectrometer configured to detect the fluid's alkalinity; and the input data generator for generating data indicating fluid temperature is a temperature sensor, such as a thermometer, thermocouple, thermal resistor, or the like, disposed in or near the fluid for sensing temperature.

[0121] In this example, the controller 250 is configured to obtain or determine the target BN of the generated cylinder oil. The controller 250 is configured to receive information (e.g., data indicating the sulfur content of the fuel from the input data generator 282) and determine the target BN based on a lookup table stored in the memory of the controller 250 or by using an algorithm stored in the memory of the controller 250.

[0122] The blender 210 is optionally in fluid communication with a storage tank 260 for storing the 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 for pumping the prepared cylinder oil to the storage tank 260. A 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 other embodiments, the controller 250 is not communicatively connected to the pump 212, but is instead controlled by a separate controller.

[0123] The reservoir 260 is optionally in fluid communication with the cylinder head gasket 270 of the engine 4. A pump 262 is disposed between the reservoir 260 and the cylinder head gasket 270 for pumping stored cylinder oil from the reservoir 260 to the cylinder head gasket 270. In the example of FIG3, the pump 262 is controlled by a controller that is not part of the blending device 20. In other examples (not shown), the controller 250 of the blending device 20 is configured to selectively cause the pump 262 to pump stored cylinder oil from the reservoir 260 to the cylinder head gasket 270.

[0124] In other examples (not shown), the storage tank 260 is omitted, and the mixer 210 is fluidly connected to the cylinder liner 270 via a pump, so that the prepared fluid is directly supplied from the mixer 210 to the cylinder liner 270.

[0125] In one example (not shown), device 20 includes a user input device for a user to select an operating mode of device 20 / controller 250. In these examples, the user input device is communicatively connected to controller 250 and configured to send data indicating the selected operating mode to controller 250. Controller 250 is configured to operate device 20 in a first mode upon receiving data indicating that the user has selected a first operating mode; controller 250 is configured to operate device 20 in a second mode upon receiving data indicating that the user has selected a second operating mode. In some examples, additional operating modes are selectable and operable. In other examples, controller 250 and device 20 operate in an operating mode based on data received by the input data generator as described above.

[0126] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for producing cylinder oil for a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine. Method 30 includes: providing a first fluid 310 having a first kinematic viscosity and a first BN; providing a second fluid 312 having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN; providing a third fluid 314 having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN; obtaining data 316 identifying a target kinematic viscosity of a cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data 318 identifying a target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; and obtaining data 320 identifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid. Method 30 further includes: determining 322 a ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, at least based on the kinematic viscosity and BN of each 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. The method further includes blending the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid in the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil 324. In an example, method 30 of Figure 4 is implemented using the equipment described above.

[0127] The blending ratio 324 depends on the amount of the first fluid supplied to the blenders 110 and 210, the amount of the second fluid supplied to the blenders 110 and 210, and the amount of the third fluid supplied to the blenders 110 and 210.

[0128] The first fluid provided 310 typically comprises a controlled amount of first fluid provided from a first container 120, 220 containing a first fluid such as system oil. This controlled amount corresponds to the quantity of first fluid required to blend the fluids at the determined ratio. In examples, the first fluid provided 310 is typically controlled by controllers 150, 250, for example, controllers 150, 250 causing a pump to pump the quantity of first fluid from the first container 120, 220 to the blender 110, 210. In other examples, the first fluid provided 312 is manually controlled, for example, by an operator operating valve 122 or pump 222 to provide the controlled amount to the blender 110, 210.

[0129] The provision 312 of the second fluid typically comprises a controlled amount of second fluid provided from a second container 130, 230 containing, for example, an additive package of second fluid. This controlled amount corresponds to the quantity of second fluid required to blend the fluids at the determined ratio. In examples, the provision 312 is typically controlled by controllers 150, 250, for example, controllers 150, 250 causing a pump to pump the quantity of second fluid from the second container 130, 230 to the blender 110, 210. In other examples, the provision 312 is manually controlled, for example, by an operator operating valve 132 or pump 232 to provide the controlled amount to the blender 110, 210.

[0130] The provision 314 of the third fluid typically comprises a controlled amount of third fluid provided from a third container 140, 240 containing a third fluid such as base oil. This controlled amount corresponds to the quantity of third fluid required to blend the fluids at the determined ratio. In examples, the provision 314 is typically controlled by controllers 150, 250, such as controllers 150, 250 causing a pump to pump the quantity of third fluid from the third container 140, 240 to the blender 110, 210. In other examples, the provision 314 is manually controlled, for example, by an operator operating valve 142 or pump 242 to provide the controlled amount to the blender 110, 210.

[0131] Obtaining data to identify the target kinematic viscosity of one of the cylinder oils to be produced typically includes controllers 150 and 250 receiving data indicating the target kinematic viscosity. In an example, the data is received from a user input device (e.g., the user has input the target kinematic viscosity into a user input device communicatively connected to controllers 150 and 250) or from a sensor (e.g., the data is generated by a sensor communicatively connected to controllers 150 and 250).

[0132] Obtaining data 318 to identify a target BN for one of the cylinder oils to be produced typically includes controllers 150 and 250 receiving data indicating the target BN. In an example, the data is received from a user input device (e.g., the user has entered the target BN into a user input device communicatively connected to controllers 150 and 250) or from a sensor (e.g., the data is generated by a sensor communicatively connected to controllers 150 and 250).

[0133] The acquisition 320, which identifies the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, typically includes the controllers 150 and 250 receiving data indicating the following: 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 examples, the data is received from one or more user input devices (e.g., a user has input data about at least some of the above parameters to a user input device communicatively connected to the controllers 150 and 250), or from sensors (e.g., one or more sensors communicatively connected to the controllers 150 and 250 for sensing the fluid parameters as described above have generated data). In some examples, acquisition 320 includes receiving data from both the user input device and one or more sensors.

[0134] Determination 322, which determines the ratio of a first fluid, a second fluid, and a third fluid to produce a cylinder oil system, is based at least on the kinematic viscosity and the bulk density (BN) of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid. In one example, the determination is also based on the target viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced. In other examples, the determination is also based on the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced. An example of determination 322 is depicted in Figure 5, described below.

[0135] The blenders 110 and 210 have received the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid in a controlled amount, and blend them in a determined ratio. 324 includes operating the blenders 110 and 210 to mix the fluids together in the determined ratio, thereby providing cylinder oil having a kinematic viscosity corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and / or a BN corresponding to the target BN.

[0136] Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating method 40 for producing cylinder oil. Some elements of method 40 correspond to elements of method 30 described in Figure 4. Where applicable, the reference symbols in Figure 5 are enlarged by 100 degrees from the reference symbols used in Figure 4.

[0137] Method 40 includes performing steps 410 to 418, respectively corresponding to steps 310 to 318 of method 30. Method 40 further includes obtaining data 420 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.

[0138] Method 40 further includes determining 422 the ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid to produce a cylinder oil.

[0139] Determining the ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid to produce cylinder oil includes receiving information 450 indicating the selection of the operating mode of controllers 150, 250 and / or devices 10, 20. Typically, receiving information 450 includes receiving information from (e.g., included in a user interface) a user input device instructing the user to select an operation mode, indicating whether devices 10, 20 should operate in a first mode or a second mode. In other instances (not shown), receiving information 450 includes receiving information indicating whether devices 10, 20 should operate in a third mode.

[0140] If the user inputs a selection of a first operating mode, method 40 includes determining 452 that the first operating mode has been selected by the user. In this example, the first operating mode is referred to as "viscosity mode".

[0141] In the first operating mode, a ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid is determined to produce a cylinder oil comprising a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity 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; and a range of the BN of the cylinder oil is determined to be ...

[0142] In an example, it is determined that the BN range of the cylinder oil 454 includes the calculation of the following equation (the symbols have the meanings given in the description of the invention):

[0143]

[0144]

[0145] Solving these equations provides calculated values ​​BNC1, BNC2, and BNC3. Determination 454 further includes: determining the highest value of BNC1, BNC2, and BNC3 and setting the highest value of the determination as the upper limit of the determined BN range; and determining a second highest value of BNC1, BNC2, and BNC3 and setting the second highest value of the determination as the lower limit of the determined BN range.

[0146] In an example, method 40 includes determining 456 that the target BN of the cylinder oil is equal to the upper or lower limit of the determined BN range, or between the upper and lower limits of the determined BN range. In such examples, method 40 further includes determining 458 a ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN (e.g., corresponding to both ViC(T) and BNC(T)).

[0147] In an example, method 40 includes determining 460 that the target BN of the cylinder oil is higher than the upper limit of the determined BN range. In such examples, method 40 further includes determining 462 a ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the upper limit of the determined BN range (e.g., corresponding to the highest value of ViC(T) and BNC1, BNC2, and BNC3).

[0148] In an example, method 40 includes determining 464 that the target BN of the cylinder oil is lower than the lower limit of the determined BN range. In such examples, method 40 further includes determining 466 a ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the lower limit of the determined BN range (e.g., corresponding to a second maximum value of the determinations of ViC(T) and BNC1, BNC2, and BNC3).

[0149] If the user inputs a selection of a second operating mode, method 40 includes determining 468 that the second operating mode has been selected by the user. In this example, the second operating mode is referred to as "BN mode".

[0150] In the second operating mode, 422 the ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid is determined to produce a cylinder oil comprising the kinematic viscosity and the BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid based on the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, and 470 a kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil having an upper limit and a lower limit.

[0151] In an example, determining the kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil 470 involves calculating the following equation (symbols have the meanings given in the description of the invention):

[0152]

[0153]

[0154] Solving these equations provides calculated values ​​ViC1, ViC2, and ViC3. The determination 470 of the kinematic viscosity range further includes: determining the lowest value of ViC1, ViC2, and ViC3 and setting the determined lowest value as the upper limit of the determined Vi range; and determining a second lowest value of ViC1, ViC2, and ViC3 and setting the determined second lowest value as the upper limit of the determined Vi range.

[0155] In an example, method 40 includes determining 472 that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is equal to the upper or lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, or between the upper and lower limits of the determined kinematic viscosity range. In such examples, method 40 further includes determining 474 a ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN (e.g., corresponding to both ViC(T) and BNC(T)).

[0156] In an example, method 40 includes determining 476 that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is higher than the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range. In such examples, method 40 further includes determining 478 a ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target BN and the upper limit of the determined target kinematic viscosity (e.g., corresponding to a second minimum value of the determinations of BNC(T) and ViC1, ViC2, and ViC3).

[0157] In an example, method 40 includes determining 480 that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is lower than the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range. In such examples, method 40 further includes determining 482 a ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target BN and the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range (e.g., corresponding to the lowest values ​​of BNC(T) and ViC1, ViC2, and ViC3).

[0158] Method 40 further includes, depending on the result of the determination performed in block 422, mixing the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid at a ratio as determined according to one of the determinations in blocks 458, 462, 466, 474, 478 or 482 424.

[0159] Figure 6 shows a flowchart illustrating a method 50 for operating a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine. Method 50 includes producing cylinder oil 510. Producing cylinder oil 510 includes performing any of the methods described above. Method 50 further includes supplying the produced cylinder oil 520 to a cylinder of the marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, such as a cylinder gasket. This supply typically includes pumping the produced cylinder oil from a reservoir 260 (e.g., a day tank) to a cylinder gasket 270.

[0160] In an example, any of the above methods may be executed at least partially by the controllers 150 and 250 of devices 10 and 20. Therefore, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for storing instructions that, when executed by a processor of controller 150 or 250, cause that processor to perform the methods described above.

[0161] Figure 7 illustrates an example 60 of a processor 602 configured to execute instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 604. The storage medium 604 may contain volatile or non-volatile memory, such as random access memory. Alternatively, the storage medium 604 may contain non-volatile data storage, such as a hard disk drive or solid-state memory. In this example, the processor 602 and the storage medium 604 form part of a cylinder oil blending device for marine vessels. In this example, the processor 602 and the storage medium 604 form part of an embedded computing system.

[0162] Some instructions stored on the storage medium 604 in FIG. 7 cause the processor 602 to perform steps corresponding to the steps of method 30 described in FIG. 4. Where applicable, the reference symbols in FIG. 7 are increased by 100 compared to the reference symbols used in FIG. 4.

[0163] By instruction 616, the processor 602 is instructed to obtain data identifying a target kinematic viscosity of a cylinder oil to be produced. This typically includes obtaining data stored in memory 604, or data from one or more input data generators such as a user input device or sensor. By instruction 618, the processor 602 is instructed to obtain data identifying a target nitric acid (BN) of the cylinder oil to be produced. This typically includes obtaining data stored in memory 604, or data from one or more input data generators such as a user input device or sensor. By instruction 620, the processor 602 is instructed to obtain data identifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of a first fluid, a second fluid, and a third fluid. This typically includes obtaining data stored in memory 604, and / or data from one or more input data generators such as a user input device or sensor. Instruction 622 instructs processor 602 to determine the ratio of one 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. In an example, this includes determining a ratio as depicted in FIG5. Instruction 630 instructs the processor to generate an instruction to cause a blender to blend the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid in the determined ratio. In an example, the processor generating the instruction for the blender via instruction 630 includes causing the equipment to blend the fluids as described with reference to FIG4.

[0164] In an example, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 604 includes additional instructions that cause the processor to perform steps that cause any of the steps in the above methods to be executed by the relevant components.

[0165] In other embodiments, two or more of the above embodiments may be combined. In other embodiments, a feature of one embodiment may be combined with features of one or more other embodiments.

[0166] Embodiments of the present invention have been discussed with particular reference to the described examples. However, it will be understood that variations and modifications may be made to the examples within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for producing cylinder oil for marine reciprocating internal combustion engines, the method comprising: providing a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first base number (BN); providing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second base number (BN); providing a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third base number (BN); obtaining data identifying a target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data identifying a target base number (BN) of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtaining data identifying the kinematic viscosity and the base number (BN) of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid; (a) or (b) either of the above, (a) based at least on the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid. The kinematic viscosity and BN of each fluid are used to determine the BN range of the cylinder oil, which has an upper and lower limit; and the target BN of the cylinder oil is determined to be equal to the upper or lower limit of the determined BN range, or between the upper and lower limits of the determined BN range, and the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid is determined, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN; or the target BN of the cylinder oil is determined to be higher than the determined upper limit of the determined BN range, and the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid is determined, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the upper limit of the determined BN range; or the target BN of the cylinder oil is determined to be lower than the determined upper limit of the determined BN range. (a) The lower limit of the determined BN range, and the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the lower limit of the determined BN range; (b) At least based on the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity 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 kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil is determined, the kinematic viscosity range having an upper limit and a lower limit; and the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is determined to be equal to the upper limit or the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, or between the upper limit and the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid is determined to be equal to the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity range of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity ... The ratio of the first fluid and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN; or determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is higher than the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target BN and the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range; or determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is lower than the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target BN and the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range; and blending the first fluid, the second fluid and the third fluid according to the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the data for obtaining the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced includes determining the target kinematic viscosity based on engine operating parameters and / or engine condition parameters.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the data for obtaining the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced includes determining the target BN based on engine operating parameters and / or engine condition parameters.

4. As in request item 1 or 2, wherein: The first fluid is system oil; and / or the second fluid is an additive package, new cylinder oil, or used cylinder oil; and / or the third fluid is base oil.

5. A method of operating a marine reciprocating internal combustion engine, the method comprising: producing cylinder oil by any one of claims 1 to 4; and supplying the cylinder oil to the cylinders of the marine reciprocating internal combustion engine.

6. An apparatus for preparing cylinder oil, the apparatus comprising: a blender; a first container for containing a first fluid having a first kinematic viscosity and a first boron nitride (BN), the first container being optionally in fluid communication with the blender; and a second container for containing a second fluid having a second kinematic viscosity and a second BN. The second container is selectively fluid-communicated with the blender; a third container, which contains a third fluid having a third kinematic viscosity and a third BN, is selectively fluid-communicated with the blender; and a controller configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode and: obtains data identifying the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtains data identifying the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtains data identifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid; wherein... When operating in the first mode, the controller is further configured to: determine the BN range of the cylinder oil based at least on the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity 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 BN range having an upper limit and a lower limit. The system determines that the target BN of the cylinder oil is equal to the upper or lower limit of the determined BN range, or between the upper and lower limits of the determined BN range, and determines the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN; or determines that the target BN of the cylinder oil is higher than the upper limit of the determined BN range, and determines the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the upper limit of the determined BN range; or determines that the target BN of the cylinder oil is lower than the lower limit of the determined BN range, and determines the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the lower limit of the determined BN range; and causes the blending machine to blend the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid according to the determined ratio to produce the cylinder oil.

7. The equipment as requested in item 6, wherein, When operating in the second mode, the controller is configured to: determine a kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil, having an upper and a lower limit, based at least on the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity 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; and determine that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is equal to the upper or lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, or between the upper and lower limits of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determine the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid... The ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN; or determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is higher than the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determining the ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target BN and the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range; or determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is lower than the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determining the ratio of one of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target BN and the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range.

8. The device as claimed in item 6 or 7, wherein the controller is communicatively connected to one or more sensors for sensing an engine operating parameter, an engine condition parameter and / or a fluid condition parameter.

9. The device of claim 8, wherein the engine operating parameter, the engine condition parameter, or the fluid condition parameter is at least one of the following: fuel sulfur content; engine load; engine speed; relative air humidity; cylinder iron wear emission; total cylinder iron content; fluid viscosity of the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and / or the produced cylinder oil; fluid BN of the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and / or the produced cylinder oil; fluid temperature of the first fluid, the second fluid, the third fluid, and / or the produced cylinder oil; cylinder lubricant residue BN; and cylinder oil gasket temperature.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: obtain data identifying a target kinematic viscosity of a cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data identifying a target binder viscosity (BN) of the cylinder oil to be produced; obtain data identifying the kinematic viscosity and BN of each of a first fluid, a second fluid, and a third fluid; (a) or (b) alternatively, (a) determining a range of BN of the cylinder oil, having an upper limit and a lower limit, based at least on the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity of each of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, and the BN; and The cylinder oil's target viscosity (BN) is determined to be equal to the upper or lower limit of the determined BN range, or between the upper and lower limits of the determined BN range, and the ratio of the first, second, and third fluids is determined, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN; or the cylinder oil's target BN is determined to be higher than the upper limit of the determined BN range, and the ratio of the first, second, and third fluids is determined, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the upper limit of the determined BN range; or the cylinder oil's target BN is determined to be lower than the lower limit of the determined BN range, and the ratio of the first, second, and third fluids is determined. (a) a ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the lower limit of the determined BN range; (b) determining the kinematic viscosity range of the cylinder oil, having an upper limit and a lower limit, based at least on the target BN of the cylinder oil to be produced, the kinematic viscosity 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; and determining that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is equal to the upper limit or the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, or between the upper limit and the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determining the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target kinematic viscosity and the lower limit of the determined BN range; The system determines the target kinematic viscosity and the target BN; or determines that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is higher than the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determines the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target BN and the upper limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range; or determines that the target kinematic viscosity of the cylinder oil is lower than the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range, and determines the ratio of the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid, the ratio corresponding to the target BN and the lower limit of the determined kinematic viscosity range; and generates an instruction to cause a blender to blend the first fluid, the second fluid, and the third fluid according to the determined ratio.

11. A marine vessel comprising equipment as described in any one of claims 6 to 9 and / or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium as described in claim 10.

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