PRCI

Recent Results

Characterization of Compressor Engine Lube Oil Carryover

Excessive power cylinder (engine) lubrication in large bore two-stroke cycle natural gas engines can lead to increased operating costs due to high lubricating oil consumption, poisoning of catalyst elements, and potentially increased pollutant emissions of the oxidized oil base and additive package.  Catalyst poisoning and increased pollutant emissions can occur when lubricating oil, either fully, partially or unburned, passes through the cylinder and into the exhaust system, where it may react to form other compounds. 

Key Results

Testing conducted on a Cooper-Bessemer GMV-4 at Colorado State University quantified the mass of oil carryover into the exhaust system by its physical form – either as free oil, particulate matter (the solids residue of combusted oil) or incremental volatile organic compounds (from the hydrocarbons that comprise oil).  The relationship between lubrication rates and particulate and VOC emissions was established, as was the chemistry of the lube oil combustion residue.  This characterization of oil properties has implications for catalyst maintenance practices and catalyst material selection.  There was no indication that lubricating oil alone comprised a significant fraction of the exhaust volatile organic compounds.  A follow-on project in 2012 will develop a timed lube oil injection system for slow-speed integral two-stroke engines that will provide improved control lubrication rates to minimize oil carryover.

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