Marine Lubricating Oil Composition for Fuel Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current marine diesel engine lubricants fail to adequately improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions while maintaining cleanliness and resistance to thermal degradation, despite the high costs of fuel and stringent emission regulations.

Innovation Solution

A marine lubricating oil composition using a bimodal base stock blend of low viscosity Group III and high viscosity co-base stocks, combined with a molydithiocarbamate friction modifier and zinc dithiocarbamate anti-wear additive, which reduces friction and improves fuel efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional marine lubricants are used, then basic lubrication function is maintained, but fuel efficiency cannot be improved and emissions cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the lubricant by incorporating specific additives including molydithiocarbamate friction modifier, zinc dithiocarbamate anti-wear additive, and a bimodal base stock blend. These parameter changes in the lubricant formulation enable reduced friction and improved fuel efficiency while maintaining protective functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite lubricant formulation combining multiple base stocks (Group III with KV100 of 4-12 cSt and Group I/IV/V co-base stock with KV100 of 29-1000 cSt) and multiple additive packages. This composite approach creates synergistic effects that simultaneously reduce friction, improve fuel efficiency, and maintain engine protection and cleanliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If friction reduction additives are added to improve fuel efficiency, then fuel consumption decreases, but engine cleanliness and thermal stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidengine cleanliness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional additives into a single lubricant formulation: molydithiocarbamate for friction modification, zinc dithiocarbamate for anti-wear protection, detergent additives for cleanliness maintenance, and dispersants for deposit control. This combination ensures that friction reduction does not compromise engine cleanliness or thermal stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lubricant formulation is designed with multi-functionality where the additive package simultaneously provides friction modification, anti-wear protection, corrosion inhibition, detergent action, and dispersant properties. The bimodal base stock blend also provides both low-temperature flow characteristics and high-temperature film strength, ensuring comprehensive protection while improving fuel efficiency.

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

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 lubricating oil composition achieves lower traction coefficients and improved fuel efficiency, reducing brake specific fuel consumption and emissions, while maintaining cleanliness and thermal stability.

Implementation Method 1

a molydithiocarbamate friction modifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction modification: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a zinc dithiocarbamate anti-wear additive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnti-wear protection: Wear

Data Source

PatentEP3642315B1Marine lubricating oils and method of making and use thereof
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 EXXONMOBIL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING CO
  • EP3642315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3642315B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3642315B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are marine lubricating oils including from 15 to 95 wt% of a Group III base stock having a kinematic viscosity at 100 deg. C of 4 to 12 cSt, 0.5 to 55 wt% of cobase stock having a kinematic viscosity at 100 deg. C of 29 to 1000 cSt, 0.1 to 2.0 wt% of a molydithiocarbamate friction modifier, 0.1 to 2.0 wt% of a zinc dithiocarbamate anti-wear additive, and 2 to 30 wt% of other lubricating oil additives. The cobase stock is selected from the group consisting of a Group I, a Group IV, a Group V and combinations thereof. Also provided are methods of making and using the marine lubricating oils.