EP0206280B1

EP0206280B1 - Improved mist lubrication process and composition

Info

Publication number: EP0206280B1
Application number: EP86108427A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Eugene R. Zehler; Clark J. Flake; Bruce J. Beimesch
Original assignee: Henkel Corp
Current assignee: Henkel Corp
Priority date: 1985-06-21
Filing date: 1986-06-20
Publication date: 1990-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2006-06-20
Also published as: EP0206280A3; MX165970B; KR940005550B1; JPH0768536B2; EP0206280A2; ES556225A0; AU5874786A; DE3673701D1; KR870000414A; JPS61296091A; ES8802247A1; BR8602881A

Description

This invention relates to an improved mist lubricant process and composition whereby excellen lubrication and misting properties are obtained utilizing specific synthetic esters with a mixture o polyisobutylene polymers having different molecular weights. Synthetic esters employed for the compositions are polyol esters, trimellitate esters, and polymeric fatty acid esters.
Automatic lubrication using mist oils is well known and, for certain applications, recognized as the most effective and economical means of providing a controlled amount of lubricant to the point ₀1 lubrication. Mist oil lubrication is particularly useful when the point or area to be lubricated is not readily or safely accessible.
Oil mists are extensively utilized for lubrication of equipment used in steel processing operations. It has been found to be a particularly effective form of lubrication for the bearings of hot roll mills and results in more efficient lubricant utilization and prolonged bearing life. The extended bearing life is generally believed to be the result of (1) more uniform lubricant distribution, (2) lower bearing temperatures, and (3) elimination of contaminants - these latter two benefits being the direct result of the positive air flow associated with the application of the mist to the bearing.
In addition to having acceptable lubrication properties, to be suitable for mist lubrication the oils must also have acceptable mist characteristics. High molecular weight polymers, such as polybutenes, polyisobutylenes, polyacrylates, and ethylene-propylene copolymers, are added to the base oil to develop proper mist characteristics. A general discussion of the effect of polymeric additives on mist properties is presented by T. D. Newingham in Lubrication Engineering, 33 (3), 128-132 (1977).
US―A―3,510,425 discloses a mist lubrication process utilizing mineral oil compositions useful as mist oils which contain 0.05 to 3.5 weight percent of a polyester. Polyesters which are useful for the formulation of the mist oils have number average molecular weights from 80,000 to 150,000 and are derived from esters of acrylic or methacrylic acid and C_12-2 alkyl monohydric alcohols.
Mineral oil-based mist lubricants and a process of using said lubricants are also disclosed in USA3,855,135. Polymeric additives employed for the process of US-A-3,855,135 have viscosity average molecular weights from 10,000 to 2,000,000 and are selected from polystyrene and polystrene in admixture with a polyacrylate or polybutene. From 0.01 to 2 weight percent of the polymeric additive is added to the mineral oil to obtain acceptable mist characteristics.
A process of micro-fog lubrications utilizing mineral lubricating oils containing a minor proportion of a polymeric additive having a number average molecular weight of at least 10,000 is also disclosed in GB-A-1,099,450. The polymeric additives are products which are normally used as VI improvers in motor oils and especially those having low shear stability. Copolymers of vinyl acetate, alkyl fumarate esters and N-vinyl pyrrolidone having number average molecular weights of at least 100,000 are indicated to be particularly useful additives for the process.
US―A―3,805,918 discloses a process whereby undesirable stray mist in mist oil lubrication is reduced to low levels by using mist oils containing from 0.001 to 2 weight percent of an oil-soluble polyolefin mist supressant. Oil-soluble copolymers of ethylene and C₃-₁₂ mono-olefins and having average molecular weights greater than 5,000 are particularly useful additives. In addition to the use of petroleum-derived base oils, hydrocarbon base oils such as alkyl, aryl, and alkaryl phosphate esters, alkyl benzenes, polyoxyalkylene esters or glycols, ortho silicates and siloxanes are also indicated to be useful for the formulation of mist oil compositions employed for the process.
Butene polymers are also utilized to obtain other lubricant compositions. For example, in US―A―3,098,042 lubricant fluids and greases derived from either mineral or synthetic oils and containing a polymer of butene-1 having a molecular weight in the range 10,000 to 20,000 are disclosed. Various synthetic esters derived from mono- and/or diabasic acids and mono- or polyfunctional alcohols are disclosed as being useful for the preparation of these lubricants. The polybutene-1 can be utilized in an amount from about 0.5 to 12 weight percent. Conventional grease thickeners, such as salts and soaps of fatty acids, may also be present in the composition. Synthetic lubricants with good shear stability and cold temperature fluidity containing 10% to 95% diester with 90% to 5% of a polymer of butene are described in US-A-3,860,522. The diesters are obtained from branched-chain dicarboxylic acids having from 16 to 22 carbon atoms and aliphatic alcohols having fewer than 6 carbon atoms and aliphatic alcohols having fewer than 6 carbon atoms. The butene polymers have molecular weights from about 1,200 to 4,500. Neither of the above compositions, however, is utilized for oil mist applications.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a composition and a process whereby superior lubrication and misting properties are obtained.
Said object is achieved by a lubricant composition according to claims 1 to 7 and a lubrication process according to claims 8 and 9.
The mist lubricant composition comprises certain relatively high viscosity synthetic esters and a combination of polyisobutylene polymers of differing molecular weights. Synthetic esters which are employed are polyol esters, trimellitate esters, and polymeric fatty acid esters having 40°C viscosities in the range of 0.15 to 3cm^l/s (15 to 300 centistokes). Two different polyisobutylene polymers are necessarily employed - one having an average molecular weight from 4,000 to 10,000 and the other having an average molecular weight from 25,000 to 300,000.
With the process and mist lubricant composition of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently generate acceptable mists over a much wider range of operating temperatures. This features makes it possible to obtain significantly increased throughputs. Additionally, by utilizing the process and composition of this invention a significant improvement (15-20%) in bearing life, compared to petroleum-based mist oils, is obtained.
Especially advantageous mist oil compositions have a viscosity of 1,75 to 5,5 cm²/s (175 to 550 centistokes) at 40°C and contain 55 to 85 parts by weight synthetic ester, 12 to 30 parts by weight polyisobutylene having a weight average molecular weight of 4,500 to 8,500, and 0.25 to 0.85 part by weight polyisobutylene having an average molecular weight from 50,000 to 200,000. Minor amounts of petroleum diluent(s) and effective amounts of conventional lubricant additives may also be present.
The mist lubricant compositions of the present invention are obtained by combining specific synthetic esters of relatively high viscosity with a first polyisobutylene polymer of relatively low molecular weight and a second polyisobutylene polymer having a significantly higher average molecular weight than said first polyisobutylene. The ester and polyisobutylene polymers are employed in specified ratios in order to achieve the desired balance of mist characteristics and lubricating properties. The present lubricant compositions can be employed in conventional mist lubrication systems known to the art but find particular advantage for the lubrication of roll bearings in hot strip mills.
Mist lubrication and mist lubrication processes including operating conditions therefor are well known. Numerous mist lubrication systems are detailed in the literature. In general terms, mist lubrication involves generating an oil mist, also sometimes referred to as a micro-fog or aerosol, and pneumatically transporting said mist in air or other inert gas to the point(s) requiring lubrication. The mist is passed through a reclassifier, an orifice which causes the very small oil droplets to coalesce or condense into larger droplets, before being directed onto the object being lubricated.
Mist generators are used to form the oil mists. Generally these generators consist of a reservoir for the lubricant which is connected to a venturi by means of an oil lift (siphon) tube. As compressed gas, usually air, is passed through the venturi the lubricant is drawn from the reservoir and, as it is intimately mixed with the air, formed into droplets. The air/droplet mixture is then contacted in the generator with a baffle which causes the larger droplets to condense and the condensate is returned to the oil reservoir. The smaller oil droplets, generally having diameters of 3 um or less, remain dispersed in the air and are pneumatically transported through manifold distribution lines to the point of lubrication.
The amount and nature of the mist formed can be varied by changing the temperature of the air and the air pressure (velocity). Pressures between 68,9 kPa (10 psig) and 689,5 kPa (100 psig) are employed. Air temperature will generally range from 37,8 to 107,2°C (100 to 225°F). It is especially advantageous if the air temperature is maintained between 51,7 and 93,3°C (125°F and 200°F).
The distribution system is designed to carry the oil/air dispersion to the point of lubrication with minimal condensation. Accordingly, the length of the lines should not be too long and care must be exercised in its design. For example, the number of bends in the line should be kept to a minimum and sharp bends should be avoided. Also, there should be no low points in the line where condensate can collect and create a blockage. Distribution lines are generally sloped, either toward the generator or toward the point of lubrication, to avoid collection of condensate. Drain legs are provided as necessary. Auxiliary lines generally come off of the top of the main distribution line. In general, the design requirements for the auxiliary lines are the same as for the main manifold or header.
The oil/air dispersion is passed through a reclassifier (orifice) to convert (coalesce) the small oil droplets into larger droplets and increase the velocity of the oil/air dispersion - both of which insure maximum wetting of the surface to be lubricated. The size and type of the reclassifier will vary depending on the particular application involved and the oil/air dispersion characteristics.
The amount of lubricant which is processed, i.e., misted, is referred to as "throughput." Throughput is expressed as a unit of weight or volume per unit of time, e.g., g/h, and if further broken down into the following three components: (a) dropout, (b) reclassified oil, and (c) stray mist. Dropout is the amount of mist which is condensed in the lines and never reaches the reclassifier. Mist which is condensed in the distribution lines may be returned to the mist generator and remisted. Reclassified oil is the actual amount of lubricant which is applied to the surface being lubricated. Mist which is not applied to the surface being lubricated but rather escapes into the atmosphere is referred to as stray mist or stray fog. Since throughput is equal to (a) + (b) + (c), stray mist is obtained by determining the difference between the throughput and the sum of (a) and (b). Dropout, reclassified oil, and stray mist are often reported as a percent of throughput or can be represented as a ratio.
From the foregoing, it is evident that even though high throughput can be achieved, the distribution of mist components may render a particular mist oil system unuseable or uneconomical. For example, excessive amounts of line condensate (dropout) or excessive amounts of stray mist can result in inadequate delivery of lubricant at the point of lubrication. Stray mist is particularly troublesome since this is lubricant which is lost. This not only creates a hardship from an economic standpoint but it also can create a potential health and safety hazard. Thus, in developing an acceptable mist lubricating system and selecting a mist oil for such system, the distribution of mist components (a), (b) and (c) must be taken into consideration along with the throughput.
Additionally, acceptable lubrication must be obtained in order to have an acceptable oil mist system. This requires that the mist oil, in addition to having good mist properties, also exhibit good lubricity, oxidation stability, antiwear and extreme pressure properties, antirust/anticorrosion properties, and possibly other characteristics dependent upon the particular application involved. The lubricant must also be essentially free from undesirable waxes. Waxes can build up in the reclassifier heads and cause restriction or complete blockage thereof. In either event, insufficient lubricant will be delivered at the point of lubrication and, in the case of bearings, will shorten the life of the bearing.
The lubricant must also exhibit good wettability or spreadability on the surface(s) to which it is applied. One of the problems most frequently encountered with mist lubrication of large bearings, such as those utilized on strip mills, is lack of uniformity of lubricant distribution over all bearing and roll neck surfaces. This lack of adequate lubricant film results in excessive localized wear and premature bearing failure. "Dry neck" or areas of insufficient lubrication on the roll neck are frequently observed upon disassembly of mist oil lubricated rolling mill bearings. Mist oil lubricants and lubrication processes which uniformly coat or result in uniform coating, respectively the entire bearing and roll neck surface significantly prolong bearing life and reduce operating costs.
With the mist oil composition and lubrication process of this invention, effective amounts of oil mist are readily produced while obtaining good oil mist distribution, i.e., low stray mist and low line condensate. Also, high throughputs are possible over a wide range of operating temperatures and pressures and undesirable wax deposits are minimized, and in most cases, completely eliminated. Additionally, and quite unexpectedly, the mist oil compositions of this invention exhibit improved wettability and spreadability so that when misted and used to lubricate rolling mill bearings, a uniform continuous film of lubricant is deposited on the bearing and roll neck.
The foregoing improvements are obtained using the mist lubricant composition and process of this invention which utilize a synthetic ester and a mixture of two polyisobutylene polymers having different average molecular weights. Synthetic esters used for the invention are relatively high viscosity polyol esters, trimellitate esters, or polymeric fatty acid esters. These esters have 40°C viscosities in the range of 0,25 to 3 cm²/s (25 to 300 centistokes). Particularly advantageous mist oil compositions are obtained when the viscosity (40°C) of the synthetic ester is between 0,5 and 2,5 cm²/s (50 and 250 centistokes).
Polyol esters which can be used are derived from aliphatic polyols having from 3 to 12 carbon atoms and 2 to 8 hydroxyl groups. More generally, the polyol will contain 5 to 8 carbon atoms and 2 to 4 hydroxyl groups. Illustrative aliphatiic polyols of the above types include neopentyl glycol, 2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypropyl-2,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypropionate, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,5-pentanediol, trimethlolethane, trimethylolpropane, glycerol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythrito and tripentaerythritol. Technical pentaerythritol which contains mono, di-, tri- and higher pentaerythritols in varying proportions can also be used. Neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane and trimethylolethane are particularly useful. The polyols are reacted, partially or completely, with an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid or mixture of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms. The C_S-_2o aliphatic monocarboxylic acids can be branched or straight-chain and may be saturated or can contain unsaturation. They can be obtained from natural fats or oils or synthetically produced via oxo, Koch or other known reactions. Illustrative aliphatic monocarboxylic acids include valeric acid, isovaleric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acis, myristic acid, palmitic acid, isopalmitic acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, ricinoleic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and mixtures thereof. Mixed acids derived from coconut oil, linoleic acid, and mixtures thereof, and mixed acids derived from coconut oil, lard oil, tall oil, safflower oil, corn oil, tallow, soybean oil, palm, oil, castor oil and rapeseed oil, may also be utilized. Polyol esters obtained from the esterification of trimethylolpropane with C₁₂-₁₈ aliphatic monocarboxylic acids or mixtures thereof, such as trimethylolpropane trioleate and trimethylolpropane triisostearate, are particularly useful for the preparation of the present mist oil compositions. The polyol esters typically have acid values less than 15 and hydroxyl values less than 100. More usually, acid and hydroxyl values of the polyol ester will be less than 8 and less than 25, respectively.
Useful trimellitate esters are obtained from trimellitic acid or trimellitic anhydride and aliphatic monofunctional alcohols having from 5 to 16 carbon atoms. Trimellitic acid and trimellitic anhydride are, of course, well known chemical products as are methods for their preparation. The aliphatic alcohols may be a straight-chain or branch primary, secondary, or tertiary alcohols. Illustrative alcohols include n-octyl alcohol, capryl alcohol, isooctanol, 2-ethylhexanol, decyl alcohol, isotridecyl and isodecyl alcohols, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol and cetyl alcohol. Especially advantageous trimellitate esters are derived from C₁₀-₁₃ aliphatic alcohols or alcohol mixtures. Isodecyl trimellitate, isotridecyl trimellitate and mixtures thereof, i.e. isodecyl/isotridecyl trimellitate, are particularly useful esters of this type. Acid values of these esters are generally less than 15 and, more preferably, less than 5. Hydroxyl values are typically less than 10 and, more preferably, less than 3.
The polymeric fatty acid esters are derived from polymeric fatty acids containing 75 percent or more C₃₆ dimer acid and C_I-₁₃ mono-functional alcohols. Polymeric fatty acids are known as are methods for their manufacture. They are obtained by the polymerization of olefinically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids containing from about 16 to 20 carbon atoms, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid. Processes for their production typically include: Treatment of unsaturated fatty acid with acid catalysts such as HF or BR₃; thermal polymerization of unsaturated fatty acids conducted in the presence or absence of treated or untreated clay catalysts; and treatment of unsaturated fatty acids with peroxides. By way of illustration of the preparation of polymeric fatty acids, reference may be made to US-A-2,793,219 and 2,955,121. Polymeric fatty acids from the polymerization of unsaturated fatty acids are primarily comprised of dimer and trimer acids; however, there may also be present in the mixture some higher acids and unreacted monomer.
C₃₆ polymeric fatty acids are obtained by the polymerization of C_is unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, such as oleic acid and linoleic acid or mixtures thereof (e.g., tall oil fatty acids). These polymeric fatty acid products have as their principal components C₃₆ dimer and C54 trimer acids. Excellent results are obtained with acids of this type which contain 75% by weight or more and C₃₆ dimer acid, the remainder of the product consisting essentially of C_S4 trimer. High dimer content polymeric fatty acids containing substantially reduced amounts of higher polymer acids and unreacted unsaturated monocarboxylic acid can be obtained by molecular distillation or by the use of other highly efficient distillation procedures. The polymeric fatty acid may also by hydrogenated prior to use. Polymeric fatty acid products of this type are commercially available compositions sold under the trademark Empol Dimer Acids.
Useful alcohols for the preparation of the polymeric fatty acid esters are aliphatic branched- or straight-chain, mono-functional alcohols having from 1 to 13 carbons. Representative examples are mono-alcohol, isobutyl alcohol, isoamyl alcohol, neopentyl alcohol, n-hexyl alcohol, n-octyl alcohol, 2-ethylhexanol, decyl alcohol, isodecyl alcohol, isotridecyl alcohol and lauryl alcohol. Minor amounts of polyfunctional alcohols such as ethylene glycol, 1,2- or 1,3-propanediol, 1,3- 1,4- or 2,3-butanediol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,5-pentanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, glycerol, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol or tripentaerythritol may also be present with the monofunctional alcohol(s). Particularly advantageous polymeric fatty acid esters are obtained from polymeric fatty acids containing 85% or more C₃₆ dimer acid and C_a-₁₀ aliphatic mono alcohols. Diisodecyl dimerate and di-2-ethylhexyl dimerate are especially advantageous. The polymeric fatty acid esters generally have acid values less than 100 and, more usually, less than 10. Hydroxyl values are generally less than 10 and, more preferably, less than 3.
A mixture of isobutylene polymers of different average molecular weights are necessarily employed with the above-identified synthetic esters to obtain the present improved mist oil compositions. Typically, two polyisobutylenes are utilized - the first, referred to herein as the low molecular weight polyisobutylene, has an average molecular weight from 4,000 to 10,000, and the second, referred to herein as the high molecular weight polyisobutylene, has an average molecular weight from 25,000 to 300,000. Molecular weights referred to herein are weight average molecular weights (M_w)_' Small amounts of other butylene polymers not falling within the above-identified molecular weight ranges may also be present. Particularly useful mist oil compositions of this invention are obtained when the low molecular weight polyisobutylene has an average molecular weight of 4,500 to 8,500 and the high molecular weight polyisobutylene has an average molecular weight of 50,000 to 200,000.
The isobutylene polymers essentially conform to the formula
where X is an integer representing the number of repeating units. Polymers of the above types are known widely utilized throughout the industry. They are obtained by polymerizing isobutylene feeds which usually contain minor amounts of butene-1 and/or butene-2. When the term polyisobutylene or isobutylene polymer is used herein, it is intended to encompass the aforementioned types of polymers.
The isobutylene polymers are obtained using known conventional polymerization techniques. The polymerization may be carried out in an inert hydrocarbon in which case a polymer solution containing from about 30 to 80 percent polyisobutylene will be obtained. If desired, diluent may also be added to the polymer when the polymerization is complete. Isobutylene polymer solutions may be utilized in the formulation of the improved mist oils of the invention. This can facilitate handling and blending of the polyisobutylene with the synthetic ester. All parts and percentages recited herein for the polyisobutylenes are, however, calculated on a 100% polymer basis. Inert hydrocarbon present in the mist oil composition as a result of the use of an isobutylene polymer solution does not detract from the overall misting and lubrication characteristics of the products.
To obtain the composition and process of this invention, 45 to 95 parts by weight synthetic ester is combined with 8 to 40 parts by weight, on a 100 percent polymer basis, low molecular weight polyisobutylene and 0.1 and 1 part by weight, on a 100 percent polymer basis, high molecular weight polyisobutylene. More preferably, the mist oil compositions contain 55 to 85 parts synthetic ester, 12 to 30 parts by weight low molecular weight polyisobutylene and 0.25 to 0.85 part by weight high molecular weight polyisobutylene.
Especially useful mist oil lubricant s having ISO grades of 220, 320, and 460, the grades most widely used in the industry for lubrication of hot strip mill bearings, nd exhibiting excellent mist and lubrication characteristics are obtained by combining 63 to 78 parts di-2-ethylhexyldimerate (40° viscosity 0.91 cm²/s (91 centistokes); viscosity index 155; pour point -36°C (-50°F); acid value <3; and hydroxyl va!ue <2), 14 to 28 parts polyisobutylene having a number average molecular weight of about 7,500-7,600; and 0.33 to 0.66 part polyisobutylene having a number average molecular weight of about 89,000-90,000). Compositions and typical characteristics of 220, 320, and 460 ISO grade products formulated with appropriate levels of additives are as follows:
TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS
One or more additives is commonly included in the finished mist oil formulation. Conventional additives may be employed and typically include antioxidants, antiwear/EP agents, rust and corrosion inhibitors, metal deactivators, foam inhibitors and demulsifiers. Many of these additives can have overlapping functions, i.e., be multifunctional. For example, certain additives may impart both antiwear and extreme pressure properties or function both as a metal deactivator and a corrosion inhibitor. Cumulatively, these additives typically do not exceed 8 percent and, more usually 5 percent, of the total formulation.
Oxidation inhibitors which can be employed include the phenolic antioxidants derived from t-butylphenol, such as 4,4'-methylenebis(2,6-di-t-butylphenol), 2,6-di-t-butyl-N,N-dimethylamino-p-cresol, and thiodiethylenebis(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxy)hydrocinnamate; arylamines including N,N-diphenyl phenylenediamine; diphenyl amines such as p-octyldiphenyl amine, p,p'-dioctyldiphenyl amine and the like, N-phenylnaphthylamines such as N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, N-phenyl-2-naphthylamine and N-(p-docdecylphenyl)-2-naphthlamine; dinaphthlamines such as N-alkyl phenothiazine; dithiocarbamate derivatives. From 0.5 to about 1.5 part antioxidant is generally employed.
Generally about 0.3 to parts of an antiwear agent and 1 to 2 parts of an extreme pressure (EP) agent are included in the mist oil. Illustrative agents of these types include: sulfurized fatty acid esters, such as sulfurized isooctyl tallate; sulfurized terpenes; sulfurized olefins; organopolysulfides; organophosphorous derivatives including amine phosphates, alkyl acid phosphates, dialkyl phosphates, aminedithiophosphates, trialkyl or triaryl phosphorothionates, trialkyl and triaryl phosphines, dialkyl phosphites, e.g., triphenyl phosphate, trinaphthyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, diphenyl cresyl or dicresyl phenyl phosphate, naphthyl diphenyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphorothionate; dithiocarbamates, such as an antimony dialkyldithiocarbamates; or anthates.
Metal deactivators (passivators) and rust/corrosion inhibitors include diabasic acids, such as azelaic acid; propyl gallate; quinolines; quinones and anthraquinones) benzotriazole derivatives, such as tolyltriazole; benzoquanamine; aminoindazole; metal alkyl sulfonates, such as barium dinonyl naphthalene sulfonate; ester and amide derivatives of alkenyl succinic anhydrides (or acids). From 0.02 to 0.2 parts additives of these types are generally used.
Small amounts, most usually 0.005 to 0.05 part of an antifoam agent, can also be present including silicone oils, acrylates and other conventional products known to suppress foaming. Also, it may be advantageous to include a small amount, usually 0.001 to 0.05 part, of a demulsifying agent. Known demulsifiers can be employed for this purpose, such as metal alkyl sulfonates, alkylated phenols, alkoxylated alkylphenols, monohydric alcohols or alkylene glycols.
It is also possible, and often advantageous, to utilize the so-called "multipurpose" or "universal" additive packages which are available from additive manufacturers. These are sold under various trademarks and tradenames, such as "Elco 345," "Hitec 323," and "Lubrizol 5034." These additive packages typically impart good oxidation stability, antiwear and extreme pressure properties to the formulated fluid. When the additive package is utilized in low concentrations, however, it may be necessary to add additional corrosion inhibitor and defoamant.
While the lubricant compositions of the present invention are particularly well suited for use in mist oil systems, due to their superior mist characteristics, they may also be utilized for conventional lubrication of helical gears, amboid of hypoid gears, spiral bevel and pinion gears and for tapered bearings. They can be utilized in both open and closed gear boxes including transmission cases, torque converters, and in common journal designs. They are also useful for the lubrication of chains, pulleys, and wire ropes.
The following examples illustrate the invention and various embodiments thereof more fully. All parts and percentages are on a weight basis unless otherwise indicated. Molecular weights reported throughout were determined by gel permeation chromatography using a Waters Associates HPLC Model 204 instrument fitted with a differential refractive index detector (Model R401). The detector was set at an attenuation of 16. Ultrastyragel columns of 10°, 10³, 500 and 1000 connected in series and maintained at 35°C ± 0.1°C were used. Tetrahydrofuran, at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min, was used at the eluting solvent. Samples were dissolved in tetrahydrofuran (50 mg/ml THF) and a 50 µl aliquot injected for each determination. Ten polystyrene resins of known molecular weight (ranging from 240,000 to 601) were employed as the standards for the determinations. Mist properties were determined in accordance with the general procedure of ASTM D 3705-78. For the tests, the temperature of the oil was maintained at 48,9°C (120°F), Air temperatures used for the determinations were 65,6, 79,4 or 93,3°C (150, 175 or 200°F).

Example I

A mist lubricant was prepared by blending 63.1 parts di-2-ethylhexyl dimerate (40°C viscosity 91 centistokes; viscosity index 155; pour point -36°C (-50°F); acid value <3, and hydroxyl value ≤2) with 27.5 parts isobutylene polymer of M_w 7573 and 0.33 part isobutylene polymer of M_w 89,793. The blending was carried out at 90°C and the polyisobutylenes were dissolved in inert hydrocarbons before combining with the ester. The resulting blend was cooled to approximately 60°C and 3.5 parts of a commercial ashless multipurpose gear oil additive (Elco®345) added with agitation. The mist lubricant (ISO grade 460) had the following properties:
Mist characteristics were determined at 79.4°C (175°F) and 93.3°C (200°F) and were as follows:
It is apparent from the data that minimal dropout and very low stray mist was obtained while maintaining high throughputs. While comparable throughputs can be obtained with commercially available mineral oil-based mist lubricants, under the operating conditions necessary to generate such throughputs, significant wax deposits which restrict the delivery of the mist lubricant and, in some cases, cause complete blockage of the reclassifier head are obtained upon extended periods of operation. No wax buildup was obtained with the above-formulated synthetic ester mist lubricant and it was possible to continuously operate the system without changing the mist distribution or significantly adjusting the operating conditions.
The mist oil was used in a hot strip mill to lubricate bearings (48,3 cm (19 inch) I.D. double roller type) on the rolls of the rotary forger. Mists were generated using commercial mist generators having a sum of 7,57 to 11,361 (2-3 gallons). The sum oil was heated to approximately 37,8°C (100°F). Mist was drawn from the generator by 6,35 cm (2] inch) lines and transported through the manifold to the reclassifiers. Conventional reclassifier heads containing 9 or 150.067 holes were employed. The synthetic ester lubricant exhibited good misting properties and no restriction or clogging of the reclassifier heads was noted. Additionally, superior lubrication was obtained.
In a trial involving 30 bearings, 15-20 percent increase in tonnage per bearing was obtained with the above-formulated synthetic ester lubricant compared to the commercial mineral oil-based mist lubricant which was previously used in the mill. Additionally, during routine maintenance and servicing (which is regularly performed after processing 150,000 tons), "dry neck" or areas of insufficient lubrication were virtually eliminated on the roll necks lubricated with the mist oil composition of this invention. "Dry neck" is observed in almost every case on the outside portion of the roll neck where the bearing is seated with the petroleum-based mist lubricants.
In yet another trial covering a period of ten weeks of plant operation, a number of bearings were lubricated with the above-formulated synthetic ester ISO 460 mist lubricant nd an equal number of bearings were lubricated using a commercial ISO 460 petroleum-based mist lubricant. Both groups of bearings were evaluated under comparable operating conditions. During the test period, only one bearing lubricated with the ester-based mist oil "burned-up," i.e., the bearing became frozen on the roll neck. On the other hand, 12 of the bearings lubricated with the petroleum-based mist oil were "burned-up." Upon routine examination at the regular maintenance intervals, an additional eight bearings from the latter group were judged to be damaged and were scraped. None of the bearings lubricate with the synthetic ester lubricants were observed to be damaged upon inspection during these regular maintenance checks.

Example II

For the purpose of comparison and to demonstrate the need to utilize a mixture of lower and higher molecular weight isobutylene polymers, three ISO 460 grade mist oil compositions were prepared following the procedure of Example I. The compositions were as follows:
Mist properties were determined at 150°C for each of the above ISO 460 formulations with the following results:
It is apparent from the above data that formulations IIB and IIC have unacceptably high levels of stray mist. Stray mist is generally considered to be acceptable if it is 15% or less. In no event can stray mist above 20% be tolerated. Additionally, the throughput obtained with product IIB was unacceptable. Only product IIA, wherein the ester was combined with both a high and low molecular weight polyisobutylene, gave both acceptable throughput and acceptable mist characteristics suitable for use in the lubrication of roll bearings.

Example III

To demonstrate the criticality of the polyisobutylene molecular weight, the following comparative example is provided. For this example, a mist oil formulation based on di-2-ethylhexyl dimerate and isobutylene polymers within the prescribed molecular weight range was prepared and compared with formulations prepared using a polyisobutylene outside the specified molecular weight range. The average molecular weight of the combined polyisobutylenes, i.e., polymer blend, was the same in each formulation (M_w 8550). Each of the oils was also formulated to the same viscosity, i.e., ISO grade 460. The mist oil formulations were as follows:
Mist properties of each of the formulations were determined at 79,4°C (175°F) and the following results were obtained:
It is evident from the above data that products IIIB and IIIC which were formulated with an isobutylene polymer outside the specified molecular weight range have significantly lower throughputs than product IIIA. Products IIIB and IIIC are totally unsatisfactory as mist oils as a result of the low throughput and the high percentage of oil which is not delivered for lubrication, i.e., condensed in the line or permanentely lost as stray mist. Only product IIIA, formulated in accordance with the present invention, gave satisfactory throughput and an acceptable balance of properties.

Example IV

To demonstrate the versatility of the present invention and the ability to prepare lower viscosity synthetic mist oils, a lubricant composition was formulated in accordance with the following recipe:
The mist oil composition had the following proopertiE
Mist Characteristics at 79.4°C (175°F):
Mist Characteristics at 93,3°C (200°F):
The lubricant was an effective mist oil suitable for the lubrication of bearings. An effective mist oil having comparable properties is obtained when the formulation is prepared substituting 2 parts sulfurized isooctyl tallate, 1 part phenyl a-naphthylamine, 1 part tricresylphosphate, 0.05 part benzotriazole, 0.05 part dodecenylsuccenate half ester of ethylene glycol, 0.0005 part Dow DC-200 polydimethylsiloxane, and 0.1 part propylene glycol for the commercial additive package.

Example V

An ISO 320 mist oil composition was obtained by blending the following ingredients:
Physical properties and mist characteristics of the resulting mist oil composition were as follows:

Viscositv (ASTM-D445)
Mist Characteristics at 79.4°C (175°F):
Mist Characteristics at 93,3°C (200°F):

Example VI

To demonstrate the ability to use other synthetic esters, an ISO 460 mist lubricant was prepared using a blend of isotridecyl and isodecyl trimellitate. The mist oil composition was formulated in accordance with the usual procedure as follows: (40°C viscosity 2,5 cm²/s (250 centistokes); acid value 0.02; hydroxyl value 1.8; pour point (-19°C (-20°F).
Mist characteristics (79,4°C, (175°F)) were as follows:
The product exhibited good lubrication properties and is an effective lubricant for bearings.

Example VII

A mist oil composition based on trimethylolpropane triisostearate (40°C viscosity 0,9 cm²/s (90 centistokes); acid value 5; hydroxyl value 10; pour point (-16°C (-15°F)) was formulated as follows:
The above-prepared lubricant composition had a 40°C viscosity of 4,59 cm²/s (459 centistokes) and 79,4°C (175°F) mist characteristics were as follows:
Comparable mist and lubrication properties are obtained when the commercial additive is replaced with 4 parts antimony dialkyldithiocarbamate, 1 part tricresylphosphate, and 1 part barium dinonylnaphthalene sulfonate.

Example VIII

An ISO 460 mist oil was prepared by blending 56.5 parts trimethylolpropane trioleate (40°C viscosity 2,28 cm²/s (228 centistokes); acid value 4; hydroxyl value 4; pour point -36°C (-50°F)) with 33.0 parts polyisobutylene (M_w 7573) and 0.40 part polyisobutylene (M_w 89,793). 3.5 Parts of commercial "universal" additive package were also included in the formulation. The resulting blend had a 40°C viscosity of 4,54 cm²/s 454 centistokes) and exhibited superior lubrication and misting characteristics. Mist characteristics 79,4°C (175°F) were as follows:
The product is efffective for the lubrication of roll bearings in hot strip mills. There was no evidence of wax buildup after extended periods of operation and visual inspection of the roll neck and bearing surfaces indicated good spreadability of the lubricant.

Example IX

A series of ISO 460 mist oil compositions were prepared using varying levels of the high and low molecular weight polyisobutylenes. Compositions were as follows:
Mist characteristics were determined at 79,4°C (175°F) (except for IXA) and 93,3°C (200°F) with the following results:

Example X

A mist lubricant was prepared following the general procedure of Example I except that the high molecular weight polyisobutylene used had an average molecular weight of 77,284. To obtain the composition, 63.1 parts di-2-ethylhexyl dimerate was blended with 27.5 parts polysiobutylene (M_w 7573) and 0.39 part of the high molecular weight isobutylene polymer. A commercially available "universal" additive package was also included in the blend at a 3.5 parts level. The resulting mist lubricant had a viscosity (40°C) of 4,64 cm²/s (464 centistokes). Mist charcteristics determined at 175°F were as follows:
The product had lubrication properties comparable to the product of Example I and is effective for the mist lubrication of hot roll mill and other bearings.

Claims

1. A lubricant composition suitable for misting comprising:

(1) 45 to 95 parts by weight of a synthetic ester having a viscosity of 0.15 to 3 cm²/s (15 to 300 centistokes) at 40°C and selected from the group consisting of

(a) polyol esters derived from an aliphatic polyol having from 2 to 8 hydroxyl groups and 3 to 12 carbon atoms and an aliphatic monocarboxylic acid or mixture of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids having from 5 to 20 carbon atoms;

(b) trimellitate esters derived from trimellitic acid or trimellitic anhydride and an aliphatic alcohol having from 5 to 16 carbon atoms; and

(c) polymeric fatty acid esters derived from a polymeric fatty acid containing 75% or more C₃₆ dimer acid and a C_l-₁₃ mono-functional alcohol;

(2) 8 to 40 parts by weight, on a 100% polymer basis, polyisobutylene having an average molecular weight from 4,000 to 10,000; and

(3) 0.1 to 1 part by weight, on a 100% polymer basis, polyisobutylene having an average molecular weight from 25,000 to 300,000; and
said composition having a viscosity of 1.25 to 7.5 cm²/s (125 to 750 centistokes) at 40°C.

2. The lubricant composition of claim 1 wherein the polyol ester (a) is derived from an aliphatic polyol having 5 to 8 carbon atoms and 2 to 4 hydroxyl groups and has an acid value less than 15 and a hydroxyl value less than 100; the trimellitate ester (b) has an acid value less than 15 and a hydroxyl value less than 10; and the polymeric fatty acid ester (c) has an acid value less than 100 and a hydroxyl value less than 10.

3. The lubricant composition of claim 1 or 2 wherein polyisobutylene (2) has an average molecular weight of 4,500 to 8,500 and polyisobutylene (3) has an average molecular of 50,000 to 200,000.

4. The lubricant composition of any of claims 1 to 3 which has a viscosity of 1.765 to 5.5 cm²/s (175 to 550 centistokes) and contains 55 to 85 parts (1), 12 to 30 parts (2), and 0.25 to 0.85 part (3).

5. The lubricant composition of any of claims 1 to 4 wherein (a) is derived from a polyol selected from the group of neopentyl glycol, 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,5-pentanediol, trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, glycerol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol and a C_12-18 aliphatic monocarboxylic acid or acid mixture; (b) is derived from trimellitic acid or trimellitic anhydride and a C₁₀-₁₃ aliphatic alcohol or alcohol mixture; and (c) is derived from a polymeric fatty acid containing 85% or more C₃₆ dimer acid and a C_B-₁₀ aliphatic mono-alcohol or mono-alcohol mixture.

6. The lubricant composition of any of claims 1 to 4 wherein (a) is trimethylolpropane trioleate or trimethylolpropane triisostearate; (b) is isodecyl trimellitate, isotridecyl trimellitate, or isodecyl/isotridecyl trimellitate; and (c) is diisodecyl dimerate or di-2-ethylhexyl dimerate.

7. The lubricant composition of any of claims 1 to 6 which additionally contains up to 8 weight percent additives.

8. A lubricant process wherein a mist of the composition of any of claims 1 to 7 is generated in air at a pressure of about 68.9 to 689.5 kPa (10 to 100 psig), pneumatically transported to a metal surface to be lubricated, coalesced into larger droplets and deposited on said metal surface to provide a lubricating film thereon.

9. The process of claim 8 wherein the air temperature is 51.7 to 93.3°C (125 to 200°F) and the air pressure is 137.9 to 551.6 kPa (20 to 80 psig).