Lubricant Blends for Hydraulic Air Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lubricating oil systems face issues with air entrainment, leading to problems such as pump cavitation, erratic hydraulic operation, and reduced lubricant viscosity, which are not effectively addressed by existing solutions like antifoamants and reservoir redesigns.
Innovation Solution
A lubricating oil formulation comprising two base stocks with a viscosity difference greater than 96 cSt, specifically a high viscosity synthetic oil and a low viscosity oil, blended to achieve air release times of less than 20 minutes to 0.1% in the ASTM D3427 test, while maintaining improved viscosity and pour point performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lubricating oils are used, then the system operates normally, but air entrainment causes pump cavitation, erratic hydraulic operation, and reduced lubricant viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the lubricating oil by incorporating specific additives (silane-modified polyisobutylene, polyester oils, or polyalphaolefin oils) to modify the oil's interaction with air bubbles, enabling faster air release and reducing air entrainment harmful effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary substances (additives) that act as mediators between the lubricating oil and air bubbles, facilitating the separation and release of entrained air from the oil system
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antifoamants including silicone additives are used to reduce air entrainment, then smaller bubbles are produced, but serious air entrainment problems occur in stagnant systems with quiescent reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs short-chain polymers and esters that provide temporary surfactant-like action to facilitate air release, then are consumed or degraded, preventing the long-term stability issues associated with conventional silicone antifoamants in quiescent reservoirs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the molecular structure and chemical composition of the antifoamant components, using silane-modified polyisobutylene with specific molecular weights and polyester oils to achieve effective air release without the destabilizing effects of traditional silicones
3Ease of manufacture
If silicone-coated components are used in the hydraulic system, then manufacturing is simplified, but air entrainment problems are caused by the silicone coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful interaction between silicone coatings and lubricating oil into a beneficial relationship by formulating the oil with specific additives that counteract the silicone's air-entraining effects, allowing continued use of cost-effective silicone-coated components
4Productivity
If the residence time in the reservoir is too short, then the system operates efficiently, but air bubbles cannot rise to the oil surface resulting in poor hydraulic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the natural gravitational separation mechanism (which requires long residence time) with a chemical mechanism using additives that actively promote air bubble coalescence and release, achieving effective air separation in shorter residence times
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The novel lubricant formulation significantly reduces air entrainment issues, enhancing air release properties, viscosity, and low-temperature performance, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
the lubricating oil provides air release of less than 20 minutes time to 0.1% air in a ASTM D3427 test
Implementation Method 2
A method of achieving favorable air release properties is disclosed. The method comprises a lubricating oil comprising at least two base stocks with the viscosity difference between the first and second base stocks is greater than 96 cSt
Data Source
AI summary
A method of improving air release is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a lubricant comprising two base stocks. The first base stock comprises a viscosity greater than 100 cSt, Kv100° C. The second base stock comprises a viscosity less than 10 cSt, Kv100° C. In addition, a lubricant formulation and method of blending a lubricant formulation is also disclosed. The lubricant formulation comprises at least two base stocks. At least 5 percent and no more than 90 percent of a first base stock comprising oil with a viscosity greater than 300 cSt, Kv100° C. At least 5 percent and no more than 90 percent of a second base stock comprising oil with a viscosity less than 10 cSt, Kv100° C.