Determination of total base number in lubricants
AssigneeExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company
InventorsGary Christensen, Nabila Brabez, Willie A. Givens, Jr., Kevin L. Crouthamel, Andrew D. Satterfield
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for estimating the total base number of used oil in an engine. The systems and methods can involve characterizing the sulfur content and at least one other element content of the oil both before introduction into the engine and after passing through an engine cylinder during combustion. Depending on the aspect, a total base number of the oil prior to use can also be measured, or the total base number before use can be estimated based on the at least one element content.
Claims24
A method for determining a total base number for a used lubricating oil, comprising:
- determining a first sulfur content for a marine lubricating oil prior to introduction into a cylinder in an engine;
- measuring a second sulfur content for oil that has passed through the cylinder during fuel combustion;
- determining a first element content for an element in the marine lubricating oil prior to introduction into the cylinder;
- measuring a second element content for the element in the oil that has passed through the cylinder during fuel combustion;
- and
- calculating a total base number for the oil that has passed through the cylinder during fuel combustion based on the first sulfur content, the second sulfur content, the first element content, and the second element content.
A method for determining a total base number for a used lubricating oil, comprising:
- determining a first sulfur content for a lubricating oil prior to introduction into a cylinder in an engine;
- measuring a second sulfur content for oil that has passed through the cylinder during fuel combustion;
- determining a first element content for an element in the lubricating oil prior to introduction into the cylinder;
- measuring a second element content for the element in the oil that has passed through the cylinder during fuel combustion;
- and
- calculating a total base number for the oil that has passed through the cylinder during fuel combustion based on the first sulfur content, the second sulfur content, the first element content, and the second element content.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.