Amine-Functionalized Dispersants for Coolant-Induced Oil Filter Plugging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heavy-duty diesel engines with cooled exhaust gas recirculation systems face coolant-induced oil filter plugging issues, which existing lubricant formulations, including those meeting CI-4 and CI-4 PLUS standards, are unable to effectively address, leading to maintenance costs and emission challenges.

Innovation Solution

The use of amine-functionalized olefin copolymer dispersant viscosity index improvers in lubricating oil compositions, which inhibit coolant-induced filter plugging by enhancing engine oil pumpability and reducing filter plugging occurrences, as measured by tests like the Cummins ISM EGR Test or ISO 13357-2 filtration methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional additives are used in lubricating oil, then performance enhancement is achieved, but ash and metallic components foul the exhaust filtration systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine performanceVSAvoidash and metallic components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional high-ash additives to low-ash or ash-free additive packages that meet API CJ-4 specifications. This involves modifying the chemical composition parameters of the lubricant to reduce metallic components while maintaining protective functions through alternative additive chemistries such as organic metalates and sulfur-phosphorus-free formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by formulating complex additive packages that combine multiple functional components including dispersants, detergents, antiwear agents, and antioxidants in specific ratios. These composite additive systems provide multifunctional protection while maintaining low ash content, resolving the contradiction between performance enhancement and emission system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If cooled EGR systems are implemented to reduce emissions, then nitrogen oxide emissions are reduced, but coolant leaks cause oil filter plugging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenitrogen oxide emissionsVSAvoidcoolant contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing specific dispersant additives that act as mediators between coolant contaminants and the oil filter. These dispersants adsorb coolant molecules and keep them suspended in the lubricant, preventing their deposition on filter media and thereby protecting the filtration system while allowing the use of cooled EGR technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of coolant contamination into a beneficial outcome by using dispersant additives that transform coolant molecules from filter-plugging contaminants into suspended particles that remain harmlessly dispersed in the lubricant. The harmful coolant leakage is thus converted into a manageable condition that does not compromise filter performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If low SAP lubricant formulations are used to reduce ash, then emission system compatibility is improved, but protection against coolant-induced filter plugging is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveash contentVSAvoidfilter plugging resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing dispersant additives that perform multiple functions simultaneously: they maintain low ash content compatibility with emission systems while also providing robust protection against coolant-induced filter plugging. These multifunctional additives satisfy both the low SAP requirement and the filter protection requirement without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by creating enhanced dispersant systems that combine multiple chemical components with complementary functions. The composite additive package achieves both low ash content and superior coolant contamination resistance through synergistic interactions between different additive molecules, resolving the apparent contradiction between low SAP and filter protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS8093189B2Lubricating oil compositions for inhibiting coolant-induced oil filter plugging
Publication Date: 2012.01.10 AFTON CHEMICAL CORPORATION
  • US8093189B2 patent drawing
  • US8093189B2 patent drawing
  • US8093189B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Lubricating oil compositions are provided that inhibit coolant-induced oil filter plugging in heavy-duty diesel engines, and particularly CJ-4 and CI-4 PLUS compliant lubricating oil compositions that inhibit coolant-induced oil filter plugging in exhaust gas recirculation or recycle engines.