WO2020193963A1 - Dispositifs, systèmes et procédés de traitement de fluides de lubrification - Google Patents

Dispositifs, systèmes et procédés de traitement de fluides de lubrification Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020193963A1
WO2020193963A1 PCT/GB2020/050776 GB2020050776W WO2020193963A1 WO 2020193963 A1 WO2020193963 A1 WO 2020193963A1 GB 2020050776 W GB2020050776 W GB 2020050776W WO 2020193963 A1 WO2020193963 A1 WO 2020193963A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
lubricating fluid
container
active material
lubricating
filter
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2020/050776
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark John Payne
David J. Hall
John REDSHAW
Alistair DRURY
Robert SPRAGG
Tom PIERSON-SMITH
Original Assignee
Castrol Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB1903994.0A external-priority patent/GB201903994D0/en
Priority claimed from GBGB1903974.2A external-priority patent/GB201903974D0/en
Application filed by Castrol Limited filed Critical Castrol Limited
Publication of WO2020193963A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020193963A1/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M175/00—Working-up used lubricants to recover useful products ; Cleaning
    • C10M175/0016—Working-up used lubricants to recover useful products ; Cleaning with the use of chemical agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M175/00—Working-up used lubricants to recover useful products ; Cleaning
    • C10M175/0091—Treatment of oils in a continuous lubricating circuit (e.g. motor oil system)
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10M—LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS; USE OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES EITHER ALONE OR AS LUBRICATING INGREDIENTS IN A LUBRICATING COMPOSITION
    • C10M2201/00—Inorganic compounds or elements as ingredients in lubricant compositions
    • C10M2201/06—Metal compounds
    • C10M2201/062—Oxides; Hydroxides; Carbonates or bicarbonates
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2030/00—Specified physical or chemical properties which is improved by the additive characterising the lubricating composition, e.g. multifunctional additives
    • C10N2030/52—Base number [TBN]
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/25—Internal-combustion engines
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
    • C10N—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS C10M RELATING TO LUBRICATING COMPOSITIONS
    • C10N2040/00—Specified use or application for which the lubricating composition is intended
    • C10N2040/25—Internal-combustion engines
    • C10N2040/255—Gasoline engines

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems and methods for the treatment of a lubricating fluid, for example, suitable for treating a lubricating oil of an engine.
  • the present disclosure relates more particularly to devices such as filters and systems that include therein an active material such as an acid-removing material, and to methods for using such devices to treat the lubricating fluid by reaction with the active material, such as to remove acidic contaminants therefrom.
  • Lubricating fluids such as lubricating oils are used in many systems for a variety of purposes, for example, to lubricate the moving parts of a system.
  • a lubricating fluid is typically circulated through the system passing over or through the components and parts that it lubricates.
  • Lubricating fluids e.g., lubricating oils
  • Additives are typically added to lubricating fluids to improve their properties and maintain their properties with age.
  • Such additives may include active materials that interact with substances or contaminants in the liquid or with surfaces of the system.
  • Common additives include, for example, dispersants, detergents, viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, corrosion and/or rust inhibitors, antioxidants, friction modifiers, antifoams, and antiwears.
  • alkaline earth-containing bases are often used to react with acids formed during the service interval of an oil, e.g., organic acids such as carboxylic acids and inorganic acids such as sulfuric, nitric and phosphoric acids.
  • Automotive engine oils are typically formulated to provide a desired balance of properties. This usually means that the formulated oil (i.e. , one or more base lubricants together with a variety of additives) is the result of a series of compromises. For example, fuel economy benefits can be traded off against extended oil drain interval, low temperature operability can be traded off against base oil volatility, and exhaust after-treatment compatibility can be traded off against oil durability. These compromises come about because of the interactions that occur between the additives and base oils used to formulate the lubricants. Additives used to help extend oil drain interval or keep the engine surfaces clean may lead to physical properties of the lubricants that do not promote improvements in fuel economy benefit. Additionally, chemical interactions between different additive components can lead to a reduction in effectiveness of those additives which may necessitate increasing the concentration in the components in the lubricant formulation.
  • GDI automobile gasoline direct injection
  • PI pre-ignition
  • a spark-initiated internal combustion engine pre-ignition occurs when there is combustion as a result of ignition before the spark plug fires.
  • Pre-ignition can sharply increase combustion chamber temperatures and pressures, and lead to rough engine operation and loss of performance.
  • downsized and/or boosted engines are also susceptible in operating at high brake mean effective pressure, high torque, low-speed and/or high-load conditions, these engines are also prone to low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) events.
  • LSPI can cause permanent damage to cylinder walls, pistons, piston rings, connecting rods, and/or spark plugs, and can also lead to catastrophic engine failure.
  • the present disclosure provides a device for treatment of a lubricating fluid, the device comprising:
  • a housing e.g., a filter housing
  • the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port;
  • the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.
  • the present disclosure provides a device for treatment of a lubricating fluid, the device comprising:
  • a housing e.g., a filter housing
  • the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port;
  • the active material being configured to remove acid contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.
  • the device is configured as a filter.
  • a filter can in certain embodiments further include filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • the immobilized active material itself is configured to filter particulate matter from the lubricating fluid. And in certain such embodiments, no other filter media is disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • the device does not act as a filter; systems including such devices can include a separate filter to remove particulate matter from the lubricating fluid.
  • the disclosure provides a lubricating fluid container comprising: a container housing including a wall forming an interior volume therein; a lubricating fluid reservoir disposed in the interior volume (e.g., having lubricating fluid disposed therein);
  • a device for treating a lubricating fluid the device being disposed in the container housing, the device comprising:
  • the filter housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port;
  • filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port;
  • immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device.
  • the immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port is configured to remove acid contaminants in a liquid that passes through the filter, e.g., by acid-base interactions.
  • the disclosure provides a system comprising
  • a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the lubricating fluid container.
  • the disclosure provides a system comprising
  • a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the device.
  • the disclosure provides a method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising circulating lubricating fluid so as to contact the lubricating fluid with an active material and to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid.
  • the one or more contaminants include acid contaminants that interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material so as to reduce the concentration of the one or more acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid, e.g., through acid-base interactions.
  • the disclosure provides a method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising:
  • a device for the treatment of a lubricating fluid as described herein e.g., as part of a lubricating fluid container as described herein;
  • the lubricating fluid circulating the lubricating fluid through the device and so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium).
  • the one or more contaminants include acid contaminants that interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material so as to reduce the concentration of the one or more acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid.
  • the disclosure provides a method of replacing a lubricating fluid in a system, the method comprising:
  • the one or more contaminants include acid contaminants that interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material so as to reduce the concentration of the one or more acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid.
  • the disclosure provides a method of replacing a lubricating fluid in a system, the method comprising:
  • the first liquid container having a first lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;
  • the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the first lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the first lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium)
  • the second liquid container having a second lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;
  • the second lubricating fluid circulating the second lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the second lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the second lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium).
  • the device e.g., filter
  • the one or more contaminants include acid contaminants that interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material so as to reduce the concentration of the one or more acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic cross-sectional side view of a device for treatment of lubricating fluid of the lubricating fluid container of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 4 is a detailed schematic cross-sectional side view of a device for treatment of lubricating fluid of the lubricating fluid container of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a system according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating the relationship between calcium concentration (ppm) and the PI event frequency.
  • lubricating fluid additives adapted to react with or otherwise reduce the concentration contaminants circulating in the lubricating fluid can require tradeoffs that hinder performance of the lubricating fluid.
  • the present inventors have unexpectedly determined that a device use of an immobilized active material in devices (such as filters), systems and methods as described herein can help to avoid or ameliorate the tradeoffs of including certain additives in the lubricating fluid.
  • aminic anti-oxidants can cause deposits, aliphatic amines damage seals and can have detrimental interactions with inorganic anti-wear agents, polymeric dispersants have a detrimental effect on vehicle fuel economy, and ash containing additives can affect exhaust after-treatment via the combustion chamber.
  • alkaline earth-containing bases are often added to lubricating fluids in order to react with acidic contaminants.
  • the inventors have noted, as described in detail below, that calcium concentration in a lubricating oil was found to have a direct correlation to degree of PI and LSPI in internal combustion engines. Notably, increase in calcium concentration in the lubricating oil can exponentially increase the occurrence of PI.
  • the present inventors have unexpectedly determined that reducing calcium concentration in the engine lubricating fluid to, or close to, 0 ppm can significantly reduce the PI and LSPI events, especially in downsized and boosted engines.
  • the present inventors have determined that the use of immobilized active material that can remove the acid contaminants can avoid the tradeoffs of including calcium-containing or other alkaline earth metal-containing additives in the engine lubricating fluid itself, e.g., by reducing the amount of such additives in the lubricating fluid, or even eliminating altogether the need to use such additives.
  • one aspect of the disclosure is a device for the treatment of a lubricating fluid, e.g., in the form of a filter.
  • the device includes a housing forming a cavity therein.
  • the housing includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port.
  • Immobilized active material is disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • the active material is configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device.
  • the device is configured as a filter.
  • filter media can be disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port such that the filter media filters particulate matter from a lubricating fluid that passes through the device.
  • the immobilized active material itself is configured to filter particulate matter from the lubricating fluid; in certain such embodiments, no other filter media is disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • the device does not act as a filter; systems including such devices can include a separate filter to remove particulate matter from the lubricating fluid.
  • the active material is configured to remove acid contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device, for example, through acid-base interaction.
  • the term “acid contaminant” refers to an acidic species such as a carboxylic acid, a sulfuric or sulfurous acid, a nitric or nitrous acid or a phosphoric acid. Such species are often formed in lubricating fluid as it ages, e.g., by oxidation of the base oil, by oxidation of impurities in the fuel (e.g., sulfur-containing impurities to provide a sulfuric or sulfurous acid), or by oxidation of air. Acid contaminants can undesirably cause rust and corrosive wear to an engine’s metal surfaces. Acid contaminants also contribute to formation of sludge and varnish.
  • Sludge buildup decreases proper lubrication of the engine, which in turn can decrease engine performance and cause damage and even catastrophic engine failure.
  • the term“remove” includes all chemical and physical means by which the acid contaminants associate with the active material, such as chemical reaction, physical or chemical absorption, physical or chemical adsorption, adhesion, and other physicochemical interactions between the acid contaminants and the active material.
  • Removing the acid contaminants may be substantially complete (e.g., no more than 5 wt%, or no more than 1 wt%, or no more than 0.1%, or even no more than 0.01 wt% of the acid contaminants remain in the lubricating fluid as compared to when the active material is not present), or may partially or substantially reduce the concentration of the acid contaminants in the liquid (e.g., at least 50 wt%, or at least 75 wt%, or even at least 90 wt% of the acid contaminants is removed from the lubricating fluid as compared to when the active material is not present).
  • the devices, filters, systems and methods described herein can be used to maintain the total acid number of the lubricating fluid to be no more than 6, e.g., no more than 5 or even no more than 4.
  • removing the acid contaminants involves chemically reacting the acid contaminants with the active material.
  • the acid contaminants are removed, at least in part or completely, by neutralizing the acid contaminants with the active material to form salts.
  • the active materials are basic (i.e. , having a pKa at 25 °C (i.e., of the conjugate acid) of at least 7.5, or at least 8, or even at least 9).
  • the active material may be one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides.
  • the metal of the metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides, and/or metal oxides is alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.
  • the metal of the metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides, or metal oxides is calcium, magnesium, beryllium, sodium, or potassium.
  • the metal is calcium.
  • the metal is magnesium.
  • the metal is sodium or potassium.
  • the active material is one or more of calcium carbonate (CaCCh), magnesium carbonate (MgCCh), barium carbonate (BaCC>3), sodium carbonate (Na 2 CC>3), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), potassium sodium carbonate (KNaCOs), sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCOs), potassium hydrogen carbonate (KHCO3), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2), calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), beryllium oxide (BeO), and barium oxide (BaO).
  • the active material is calcium carbonate.
  • active material a variety of organic amines can be used as the active material, for example, in polymeric form, for example, an amine-bearing polymer such as a polymer of ethyleneimine or a polymer of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate.
  • organic amines can be used as the active material, for example, in polymeric form, for example, an amine-bearing polymer such as a polymer of ethyleneimine or a polymer of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate.
  • the active material may be one or more of basic activated alumina (aluminum oxide), basic activated silica (silicon dioxide), basic activated charcoal, and anion exchange resin.
  • basic activated alumina include, but are not limited to, alumina activated with tertiary amines, NH 3 , KNH 2 , NaNFh, or the like.
  • basic activated silica include, but are not limited to, silica activated with U 2 CO 3 , or the like.
  • Examples of basic activated charcoal include, but are not limited to, charcoal activated with N 2 O, N H 3 , ZnCh-NFUCI-CC ⁇ , or the like.
  • a variety of ion exchange resins are suitable for reacting with acid; one example is DOWEX M-43 available from Dow Chemical.
  • the active material can in some embodiments be supported on a solid support.
  • solid supports insoluble and inert in the lubricating fluid can be used, for example, organic supports (e.g., polymeric supports), inorganic supports (e.g., alumina, silica, glass, metals), organic/inorganic hybrid materials (e.g., organically-modified silicates) and combinations thereof.
  • the active material is supported on filter media, with the filter media providing filtration of particulates and the active material reacting with the one or more acid
  • an active material may require no support.
  • the active material may be made to be self-supporting.
  • certain active materials e.g., certain polymeric active materials
  • Other active materials can be bound by a binder and formed into a desired shape.
  • the active material itself can be formed into a shape (e.g., an open-cell porous material, or a mat of fibrous materials) and disposed such that the material can additionally provide filtration of particulates.
  • the active material is in the form of a solid body configured such that the lubricating fluid can flow over a surface thereof.
  • the solid body of active material is porous, such that the lubricating fluid also penetrates into the active material to contact more than the mere surface thereof.
  • a body can be, for example, in the shape of a block or some other substantially three- dimensional shape.
  • the body is provided as a thin film or layer (e.g., no more than 1 mm in thickness), for example, formed on a surface of the housing or on a support disposed therein.
  • the active materials, supported or unsupported may be provided with other non-active materials (e.g., mixed with or applied onto the non-active material).
  • non-active material may be used to provide bulk volume or perform as filter media (i.e. , assist in removing unwanted particulates from the liquid).
  • the non-active material includes a synthetic material (e.g., glass fibers or metal fibers), a cellulose material (e.g., paper), and a combination of synthetic and cellulose material.
  • the active materials of the disclosure are immobilized.
  • the term“immobilized,” as used herein, refers to the confinement of the material within the device.
  • the term“immobilized” does not preclude any slight shifting or small movements of the active material or any solid on which the active material is supported that may be caused by the flow of lubricating fluid through the device.
  • the term“immobilized” does not preclude small quantities of the active material that are in form of particles from escaping from the device upon the initial introduction of a lubricating fluid into the device.
  • any amount of active material e.g., less than 5%, less than 2%, or even less than 1 % of the active material in the device
  • PI pre-ignition
  • LSPI low speed pre-ignition
  • the active material is configured to remove contaminants in the lubricating fluid flowing through the filter, and in some embodiments such removing yields reaction products.
  • these reaction products may or may not be immobilized.
  • the immobility of the active materials does not necessarily apply to the reaction products after these materials react with their respective contaminants in the lubricating fluid flowing through the device.
  • the active materials of the disclosure are insoluble in the lubricating fluid, and thus will not flow out of the device with the lubricating fluid that passes therethrough.
  • the term“insoluble” means essentially completely insoluble in the lubricating fluid of the disclosure. It is understood that a material can be“insoluble” yet have a minor residue dissolved, but this will be a very small amount, i.e. , no more than 1% by weight of the“insoluble” material, e.g., no more than 0.5 wt%, no more than 0.1 wt%, no more than 0.05 wt% or even no more than 0.01% by weight of the “insoluble” material.
  • a material that is“undissolved” in the liquid can have a minor dissolved residue, i.e., in the amounts described above.
  • lubricating fluids in use, may have droplets of water suspended therein, in certain desirable embodiments the active material is also insoluble in water.
  • the active materials of the disclosure may be in the form of solid particles or granules, and those solids particles or granules are restrained within the filter, for example in a container.
  • the active material is configured to remove the acid contaminants in the liquid flowing through the filter, and in some embodiments such removing yields reaction products.
  • these reaction products may or may not be immobilized.
  • the immobility of the active materials does not necessarily apply to the reaction products after these materials react with their respective contaminants in the liquid flowing through the filter.
  • FIG. 1 One embodiment of such a device, configured as a filter, is schematically shown in a side cross-sectional view in FIG. 1.
  • Filter 150 is disposed in and part of a lubricating fluid container 130 that is described in more detail below. But the person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the device can be provided as a standalone component, and need not be used in conjunction with a separate lubricating fluid container.
  • a housing 152 defines a cavity 154 within filter 150 for receiving a lubricating fluid that is processed within the filter.
  • Filter housing 152 includes an inlet port 156 and an outlet port 158. The lubricating fluid received in filter housing 152 travels along a liquid path 160 from inlet port 156 to outlet port 158.
  • an immobilized active material 164 is disposed in liquid path 160 between inlet port 156 and outlet port 158.
  • inlet port 156 is disposed toward the radial outer edge of filter 150 and outlet port 158 is disposed at the radial center of the filter.
  • the device further comprises filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • filter media can be configured by the person of ordinary skill in the art to filter particulates such as soot and metallic particles from the lubricating fluid, as is conventional.
  • a variety of filter media can be used.
  • the filter media includes a synthetic material, e.g., glass fibers or metal fibers.
  • the filter media includes a cellulosic material, such as paper.
  • the filter media includes a combinations of synthetic and cellulosic material.
  • synthetic material is mixed with cellulose material.
  • the filter media includes layers of synthetic and cellulose materials.
  • the immobilized active material itself can be configured to filter particulate matter from the lubricating fluid.
  • the immobilized active material can be formed into a porous body with a pore size configured to filter particulates of a desired size.
  • no other filter media is disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, i.e., the immobilized active material itself can provide the filtration function of the device when it is configured as a filter.
  • filter media 162 is disposed in liquid path 160 so as to catch and retain particles in the lubricating fluid that passes through filter 150.
  • Filter media 162 is arranged in a ring shape around outlet port 158, such that lubricating fluid flows from the surrounding filter housing 152 toward the center of filter 150 and through filter media 162.
  • active material 164 is disposed at the radial center of filter 150 over outlet port 158 so that the lubricating fluid comes into contact with active material 164 before exiting filter 150 through outlet port 158.
  • the active material and, if present, the filter media are arranged in other configurations and the flow path through the device takes a different route.
  • the active material is upstream of the filter media.
  • the active material is disposed adjacent to both the inlet port and the outlet port of the filter media.
  • the active material is disposed between two stages of filter media, as described in more detail below.
  • filter 150 is configured so that lubricating fluid passing therethrough flows from the radial outside to the inside and radially through filter media 164
  • the filter is configured for lubricating fluid to flow from the inside to the outside.
  • the filter media is configured for lubricating fluid to pass therethrough along an axial direction.
  • Active material 164 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in lubricating fluid that passes through filter 150 and comes into contact with the active material.
  • the term“interact physicochemically” as used herein refers to some chemical or chemical and physical interaction of the active material with a contaminant. This can be, for example, via a chemical reaction that converts the
  • the physicochemical interaction can also be some other physicochemical interaction, e.g., a molecular adsorption or absorption, such as by a zeolite or through pi-pi interaction of a polycyclic aromatic with an aromatic polymer (as described in International Patent Application no.
  • Various active materials for reacting with contaminants from the lubricating fluids can suitably be used in the devices, filters, systems, and methods described herein.
  • One example is a basic material that reacts with acid components in the lubricating fluid, as described in detail above. But based on the disclosure herein, a wide variety of active materials can be used.
  • the active material is a solid-phase polymeric material including a cross-linked polymer that contains aromatic groups.
  • Such materials are described in detail in International Patent Application no. 2017/178593, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. These materials can adsorb polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to be involved in the formation of soot in lubricating fluids.
  • the active material can be provided as a loose material (e.g., in granular form) but be held within an lubricating fluid-permeable container within the device, arranged such that the lubricating fluid can flow through the permeable container to contact the active material.
  • a loose material e.g., in granular form
  • Such materials can be supported or unsupported.
  • filter 150 includes an lubricating fluid- permeable container 166 disposed in the liquid path 160 adjacent to outlet 158.
  • Permeable container 166 includes the immobilized active material in the form of a granular solid.
  • FIG. 2 A detailed partial cross-sectional view of permeable container 166 is shown in FIG. 2.
  • permeable container 166 includes active material 168 disposed in a storage space 170 within the permeable container.
  • the permeable container is in the form of a pouch including flexible walls of an permeable material that form a storage space within the pouch, and wherein the active material (e.g., in the form of solid granules) is disposed in the storage space.
  • permeable container 166 is formed as a pouch with flexible walls 172 made of a permeable material.
  • a storage space 170 is defined by flexible walls 172 and active material 168 is disposed therein.
  • the permeability of flexible walls 172 allows lubricating fluid flowing through filter 150 to pass through pouch 166 and contact active material 164 supported on active material 168.
  • Pouch 166 is formed of two walls 172 of permeable flexible material that are sealed to one another around a perimeter of the pouch so as to form the storage space 170 within the pouch.
  • the pouch may be formed by more than two walls that form a three-dimensional shape or from a single wall that is folded over to form the internal storage space.
  • the lubricating fluid- permeable container comprises a case having an outer wall that forms a storage space therein, wherein the active material is disposed in the storage space, and wherein at least a portion of the outer wall is porous.
  • filter 350 in lubricating fluid container 330 includes a lubricating fluid-permeable container 366 that houses active material 364. Similar to filter 150, filter 350 includes a cavity 354 with fluid access via an inlet port 356 and an outlet port 358. A lubricating fluid passing through filter 350 flows from inlet port 356 to outlet port 358 passing through filter media 362 and container 366.
  • a detailed partial cross- sectional view of permeable container 366 is shown in FIG. 4.
  • Permeable container 366 includes a case that has an outer wall 372 that defines a storage space 370. Active material 364 is held within the storage space. Outer wall 372 also includes porous sections to allow lubricating fluid to flow therethrough so as to come into contact with active material 364.
  • the case has an inlet formed by a first porous section of the outer wall and an outlet formed by a second porous section of the outer wall.
  • the outer wall includes a plurality of porous sections, each of which forms an inlet.
  • a plurality of porous sections in the outer wall form outlets from the case.
  • the case includes more than one inlet formed by porous sections in the outer wall and more than one outlet formed by other porous sections in the outer wall.
  • the entire outer wall can be porous.
  • the outer wall is formed by wall sections that are each in the form of a screen.
  • the case is in the shape of a ring, and one of the inlet or the outlet is disposed on an internal side of the case.
  • container 366 is formed as a case in the shape of a ring.
  • Outer wall 372 of case 366 includes an inlet 374 on an upper surface thereof and an outlet 376 on annular inner surface thereof.
  • Each of inlet 374 and outlet 376 are formed by porous sections including a plurality of perforations in the outer wall 372 of the case 366. Accordingly, fluid flows down into the storage space 370 of case 366 through inlet 374 and proceeds to the center of filter 350 through outlet 376.
  • the device as otherwise described herein includes filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • at least a portion of the lubricating fluid-permeable container is formed by the filter media.
  • filter 550 shown in FIG. 5, includes an lubricating fluid-permeable container 566 that is partially formed by filter media 562.
  • Filter 550 includes an inlet port 556 and an outlet port 558 and a liquid path 560 that flows through the filter from inlet port 556 to outlet port 558.
  • Filter 550 also includes two layers 562 and 563 of filter media disposed in the liquid path 560. Together, first and second layers 562, 563 of filter media form a container 566 that encloses active material 564 therein. Accordingly, a standalone lubricating fluid-permeable container is avoided in filter 550.
  • the lubricating fluid-permeable container in filter 550 is formed by two layers of filter media
  • the lubricating fluid-permeable container is formed by the filter media and a wall of permeable material that cooperates with the filter media to form a storage space for the active material.
  • the lubricating fluid- permeable container is formed by a surface of the filter media and a portion of the filter housing.
  • the active material is disposed between the inside surface of the housing and the filter media, which together form the lubricating fluid- permeable container.
  • a net or perforated cover may be disposed over the inlet or outlet port of the filter to retain the active material in the filter.
  • the active material is disposed on a support surface.
  • filter 650 shown in FIG. 6, includes active material on a surface of a support structure 664.
  • filter 650 includes a filter housing having a cavity therein that forms a liquid path 660 between an inlet port 656 and an outlet port 658.
  • Filter media 662 is disposed in liquid path 662 to catch particulates in the lubricating fluid passing through the filter.
  • filter 650 includes a support structure 665 with active material 664 disposed on an outer surface of the support structure 665.
  • the support surface is undulating.
  • the undulating support surface within the device increases the available surface area on which the active material can be supported.
  • the undulating surface is the product of the underlying structure that provides the surface.
  • the support structure can be formed as a mesh, as an open cell foam, or can have outwardly extending fins to increase surface area, for example.
  • support structure 665 of filter 650 is formed as a metal mesh with active material 664 disposed on the outer surface of the mesh. The surface of the metal mesh is undulating, which increases the available surface area for active material 664.
  • the support surface is part of the filter media.
  • filter 750 shown in FIG. 7 includes a filter media 762 disposed in a filter housing 752 between the inlet port 756 and the outlet port 758.
  • Filter media 762 includes a surface 763 on which the active material 764 is supported. While the active material 764 in filter 750 is disposed on an outer surface of filter media 762, in other embodiments the active material is disposed on an inner surface. In other embodiments, other arrangements of the active material on a support surface of the filter media are used.
  • active material 864 is disposed on an inside surface of the wall of filter housing 852.
  • active material is disposed on a surface of the filter media and on a surface of the filter housing. Still, in other embodiments, active material is included both on surfaces of the filter and within an lubricating fluid-permeable container disposed inside the filter housing.
  • the filter media and the immobilized active material are disposed in series along the liquid path from the inlet port to the outlet port.
  • the lubricating fluid-permeable container 166 that holds active material 164 is downstream of filter media 162. Accordingly, lubricating fluid passing through filter 150 first flows through filter media 162 and then flows through container 166 so as to contact active material 164.
  • the filter media and active material are disposed in parallel, such that some lubricating fluid flowing through the filter passes through the filter media and some lubricating fluid comes into contact with the active material. With such parallel paths through the device, an unduly high pressure drop can be avoided.
  • all of the lubricating fluid passes through the filter media but only a portion of the lubricating fluid comes into contact with the active material.
  • a portion of the lubricating fluid is routed through a container including the active material and another portion of the lubricating fluid bypasses the container and active material.
  • the active materials described herein can be provided with a wide variety of porosities depending on overall system design.
  • the active material has a specific surface area of at least 0.1 m 2 /g as measured using the Brunauer-Emmett- Teller (BET) Surface Area method.
  • BET Brunauer-Emmett- Teller
  • the specific surface area of the active material is at least 1 m 2 /g, or at least 10 m 2 /g, or at least 100 m 2 /g, or at least 500 m 2 /g, or from 1 to 3000 m 2 /g, or from 1 to 2000 m 2 /g, or from 1 to 1500 m 2 /g, or from 10 to 3000 m 2 /g, or from 10 to 2000 m 2 /g, or from 10 to 1500 m 2 /g, or from 100 to 3000 m 2 /g, or from 100 to 2000 m 2 /g, or from 100 to 1500 m 2 /g, or from 500 to 3000 m 2 /g, or from 500 to 2000 m 2 /g, or from 500 to 1500 m 2 /g, as measured using the BET Surface Area method.
  • the filters described herein can have lubricating fluid (e.g., lubricating oil) dispensed in the cavity thereof, in the liquid path from the inlet port to the outlet port.
  • lubricating fluid e.g., lubricating oil
  • the filters described herein will have lubricating fluid in the cavity thereof.
  • the amount of lubricating fluid in the cavity can be, for example, at least 25%, at least 50%, or even at least 75% of the volume of the cavity.
  • the devices, filters, methods and systems described herein can be used in conjunction with a variety of lubricating fluids (in particular, lubricating oils).
  • the device is an engine oil filter, and the lubricating fluid is an engine oil.
  • the device is configured as a filter to remove particulates and contaminants from lubricating fluid, such as for use in an engine.
  • the device is a transmission fluid filter, and the lubricating fluid is a transmission fluid.
  • the lubricating fluid is substantially free of calcium- and magnesium-containing additives typically included in the lubricating fluid to remove the acid contaminants.
  • a lubricating fluid e.g., a lubricating fluid such as an engine oil
  • a lubricating fluid of the disclosure includes no more than 800 ppm total of calcium and magnesium, for example, no more than 500 ppm total of calcium and magnesium, no more than 200 ppm total of calcium and magnesium, or even no more than 50 ppm total of calcium and magnesium.
  • a lubricating fluid has no more than 400 ppm of calcium and no more than 400 ppm of magnesium, e.g., no more than 250 ppm of calcium and no more than 250 ppm of magnesium, or no more than 100 ppm of calcium and no more than 100 ppm of magnesium, or no more than 50 ppm of calcium and no more than 50 ppm of magnesium. Because the immobilized active material operates to remove the acid contaminants without circulating through the system, tradeoffs between using metal-containing additives to remove the acid contaminants and the occurrence of PI and LSPI with the circulation of metal-containing additives can be avoided.
  • the lubricating fluid has a total base number of no more than 4, e.g., no more than 3, or even no more than 2.
  • Lubricating fluids useful in the devices, filters, systems and methods described herein can be made, for example, without substantial amounts of overbased detergents (e.g., no more than 0.01 wt%, or even no more than 0.005 wt%) typically used, e.g., in automotive oils.
  • the lubricating fluid of the disclosure includes some concentration of metal-containing additives, such as calcium- and magnesium-containing additives, that are configured to react with the acid contaminants. Because of the immobilized active material also reacts with the acid contaminants, the amount of metal- containing additive can be reduced compared with conventional lubricating fluids.
  • the concentration of the metal-containing additives in the lubricating fluid of the disclosure is less than 25 %, or less than 50 %, or even less than 75 % of the concentration of the metal-containing additives in the conventional lubricating fluid.
  • the amount of the metal-containing additives in the lubricating fluid is such that majority (e.g., more than 50 %, or more than 75 %, or even more than 90 %) of the acid contaminants are removed by the active material.
  • lubricating fluids can be adapted for use in the devices, filters, systems, and methods described herein.
  • lubricating fluids can be adapted by refraining from including high amounts of basic additives and/or overbased detergents as described herein.
  • Any of the petroleum or synthetic base oils e.g., Groups I, II, III, IV and V
  • any conventional lubricating oil or combinations thereof may also be used.
  • Conventional viscosity index improving polymers including, for example, polyolefins and polyesters, can be used in the lubricating oil formulations of the present invention.
  • polymers contemplated for use herein include those suggested at column 1 , lines 29-32 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,255, the disclosure of which in its entirety is incorporated herein by reference: polyisobutenes, polymethacrylates, polyalkylstyrenes, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated low molecular weight polymers of butadiene and styrene, amorphous polyolefins of ethylene and propylene, ethylene-propylene diene low molecular weight polymers, polyisoprene, and styrene-isoprene.
  • functionalized polyolefins such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
  • Dispersants help suspend insoluble engine oil oxidation products, thus preventing sludge flocculation and precipitation or deposition of particulates on metal parts.
  • Suitable dispersants include alkyl succinimides such as the reaction products of oil-soluble polyisobutylene succinic anhydride with ethylene amines such as tetraethylene pentamine and borated salts thereof.
  • alkyl succinimides such as the reaction products of oil-soluble polyisobutylene succinic anhydride with ethylene amines such as tetraethylene pentamine and borated salts thereof.
  • Such conventional dispersants are contemplated for use herein.
  • Several examples of dispersants include those listed in U.S. Pat. No.
  • succinimides or succinic esters alkylated with a polyolefin of isobutene or propylene, on the carbon in the alpha position of the succinimide carbonyl.
  • These additives are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of an engine or other machinery.
  • Detergents used to maintain engine cleanliness can be incorporated in the present lubricating oil compositions. These materials include the metal salts of sulfonic acids, alkyl phenols, sulfurized alkyl phenols, alkyl salicylates, naphthenates, and other soluble mono- and dicarboxylic acids.
  • Basic (vis, overbased) metal salts such as basic alkaline earth metal sulfonates (especially calcium and magnesium salts) are frequently used as detergents. Such detergents are particularly useful for keeping the insoluble particulate materials in an engine or other machinery in suspension.
  • Other examples of detergents contemplated for use herein include those recited in U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,255, at column 1 , lines 35-36: sulfonates, phenates, or organic phosphates of polyvalent metals.
  • overbased detergents are not used, or are used only in small quantities, as described above.
  • Anti-wear agents as their name implies, reduce wear of metal parts.
  • Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates and zinc diaryldithiophosphates and organo molybdenum compounds such as molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamates are representative of conventional anti-wear agents.
  • Oxidation inhibitors, or anti-oxidants reduce the tendency of lubricating oils to deteriorate in service. This deterioration can be evidenced by increased oil viscosity and by the products of oxidation such as sludge and varnish-like deposits on the metal surfaces.
  • Such oxidation inhibitors include alkaline earth metal salts of alkylphenolthioesters having preferably Cs to Ci2 alkyl side chains, e.g., calcium nonylphenol sulfide, dioctylphenylamine, phenyl-alpha- naphthylamine, phosphosulfurized or sulfurized hydrocarbons, and organo molybdenum compounds such as molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamates.
  • Other minor ingredients are contemplated for incorporation in the lubricating fluids contemplated for use herein.
  • a non- exhaustive list of such additives includes pour point depressants, rust inhibitors, as well as extreme pressure additives, friction modifiers, seal swell agents, antifoam additives, and dyes.
  • a lubricating fluid container including a container housing with a wall that forms an interior volume therein.
  • a lubricating fluid reservoir is disposed in the interior volume.
  • An access port extends through the wall of the container housing and is in fluid communication with the lubricating fluid reservoir.
  • the lubricating fluid container also includes a device for the treatment of lubricating fluid that is disposed in the housing.
  • the device has a housing forming a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port.
  • the device includes immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.
  • the immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port is configured to remove one or more acid contaminants from a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter.
  • Lubricating fluid container 130 includes a container housing 132 formed a container wall 134 that provides an interior volume 136 within the lubricating fluid container. Interior volume 136 provides space for both device 150 (e.g., configured as a filter), described in detail above, as well as a lubricating fluid reservoir 138. Fluid access to lubricating fluid reservoir 138 is provided by an access port 140 that extends through wall 134 of container housing 132. Accordingly, fluid communication between lubricating fluid reservoir 138 and components outside of lubricating fluid container 130 is provided by access port 140.
  • the inlet port, the outlet port, and the access port are all disposed on an outer surface of the lubricating fluid container.
  • lubricating fluid reservoir 138 extends around a large portion of interior volume 136 adjacent to container wall 134.
  • Access port 140 is positioned through wall 134 at the outer surface of container 130 so as to provide direct access to lubricating fluid reservoir 138.
  • device 150 is also positioned adjacent to outer wall 134 with the inlet port 156 and outlet port 158 both disposed on the outer surface of lubricating fluid container 130.
  • the device is positioned in an interior region of the lubricating fluid container and conduits are provided between the outer surface of the lubricating fluid container and the inlet and outlet ports.
  • the inlet port, the outlet port, and the access port are all disposed on the same side of the lubricating fluid container.
  • inlet port 156 and outlet port 158 of device 150 are both disposed on the bottom of the container.
  • access port 140 to lubricating fluid reservoir 138 is also disposed on the bottom of lubricating fluid container 130. Accordingly, liquid access to both filter 150 and fluid oil reservoir 138 is provided on the same side of lubricating fluid container 130. This allows the lubricating fluid container to make a simple connection with a corresponding structure that exchanges lubricating fluid with the lubricating fluid container, as described in more detail below.
  • the lubricating fluid container further includes a vent port providing access from the lubricating fluid reservoir to an outer surface of the lubricating fluid container.
  • the vent port is disposed on an opposite side of the lubricating fluid container from the access port.
  • lubricating fluid container 130 includes a vent port 142 disposed on an upper side thereof, which is opposite the access port 140.
  • the vent port 142 provides fluid access between the inside of reservoir 138 and the surrounding environment.
  • the inclusion of the vent port 142 at the top of lubricating fluid container 130 provides pressure relief from reservoir 138 without interference by any lubricating fluid within the reservoir under normal operating conditions.
  • the vent port includes a valve to prevent the passage of lubricating fluid therethrough if the lubricating fluid container is inverted.
  • the lubricating fluid container also includes lubricating fluid (e.g., lubricating oil), such as engine oil or transmission fluid, disposed in the lubricating fluid reservoir.
  • lubricating fluid container 130 includes lubricating fluid 144 disposed in lubricating fluid reservoir 138.
  • the amount of lubricating fluid in the lubricating reservoir can be, for example, at least 25%, at least 50%, or even at least 75% of the volume of the lubricating fluid reservoir.
  • the lubricating fluid is also disposed in the filter 150.
  • Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system including a drive component, a device for the treatment a device for the treatment of lubricating fluid as described herein; and a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the device.
  • a system including a drive component, a lubricating fluid container as described herein, and a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the lubricating fluid container.
  • the lubrication fluid circulation system can include, for example, one or more pumps and one or more conduits configured to circulate the lubricating fluid between the drive component and the device or lubricating fluid container.
  • the system is arranged such that there is no user-accessible lubrication filling port (e.g., an oil fill cap).
  • a user-accessible lubrication filling port e.g., an oil fill cap.
  • the composition of the lubricating fluid in the system can be set by the composition provided originally in the lubricating reservoir. That is, in embodiments where the lubricating fluid originally provided in the lubricating reservoir has a low concentration of alkaline earth metals (e.g., a low concentration of calcium) as described herein, a user would not conveniently add or replace lubricating fluid or add additives thereto, and thus there would be little danger of addition of lubricating fluid with a higher alkaline earth concentration.
  • alkaline earth metals e.g., a low concentration of calcium
  • Such closed systems can advantageously help to prevent inadvertent use of a lubricating fluid that does not meet desired specifications for the system, e.g., a fluid having a relatively high concentration of alkaline earth (e.g., through the use of conventional alkaline earth concentration).
  • a fluid having a relatively high concentration of alkaline earth e.g., through the use of conventional alkaline earth concentration.
  • the system can be maintained with the desired operability, e.g., a lower risk of preignition resulting from the maintenance of low alkaline earth concentrations.
  • System 900 includes a drive component 910, a lubricating fluid container 930 and a lubricating fluid circulation system 980 that circulates lubricating fluid between drive component 910 and lubricating fluid container 930.
  • Lubricating fluid container 930 includes a lubricating fluid reservoir 938 and a lubricating fluid filter 950. Fluid communication is provided between lubricating fluid circulation system 980 and lubricating fluid reservoir 938 through access port 940.
  • filter 950 is in fluid communication with lubricating fluid circulation system 980 through inlet port 956 and outlet port 958.
  • lubricating fluid is circulated through filter 950 from circulation system 980 through inlet port 956 along liquid path 960 to outlet port 958.
  • Filter media 962 and active material 964 are disposed within filter 950 along liquid path 960 to remove unwanted particulates and contaminants from the lubricating fluid.
  • the drive component includes at least one of an engine and a transmission.
  • drive component 910 is an engine and lubricating fluid container 930 is a lubricating fluid container that includes a device 950 for the treatment of engine lubricant.
  • the drive component is a transmission and the lubricating fluid container houses transmission fluid and a corresponding device for the treatment of transmission fluid.
  • the lubricating fluid circulation system includes a circulation pump configured to circulate lubricating fluid from the drive component through the filter and back to the drive component.
  • lubricating fluid circulation system 980 includes a circulation pump 982 that removes lubricating fluid from a collection container 920 in drive component 910 and delivers the lubricating fluid to filter 950 through inlet port 956. Pump 982 further drives the lubricating fluid through filter 950 along path 960 to outlet 958, from which the lubricating fluid is returned to drive component 910.
  • the lubricating fluid circulation system includes a transfer pump configured to extract lubricating fluid from the drive component into the lubricating fluid reservoir.
  • lubricating fluid circulation system 980 includes transfer pump 984 that is configured to extract lubricating fluid out of drive component 910 and transfer the lubricating fluid into lubricating fluid reservoir 938 of lubricating fluid container 930.
  • Transfer pump 984 introduces the lubricating fluid into lubricating fluid reservoir 938 through access port 940.
  • Transfer pump 984 may be used, for example, to drain lubricating fluid from drive component 910 when the lubricating fluid therein is used and needs to be exchanged for new lubricating fluid, as explained in more detail below.
  • the transfer pump is further configured to deliver lubricating fluid from the lubricating fluid reservoir to the drive component.
  • transfer pump 984 is also configured to remove lubricating fluid from the lubricating fluid reservoir 938 of lubricating fluid container 930 and inject the lubricating fluid into drive component 910.
  • the transfer pump is configured only to either extract lubricating fluid from the drive component or to introduce lubricating fluid into the drive component.
  • separate pumps are used to extract lubricating fluid from the drive component into the lubricating fluid reservoir and to introduce lubricating fluid from the lubricating fluid reservoir to the drive component. While lubricating fluid is both removed from and injected into lubricating fluid container 930 through the same access port 940 in system 900, in other embodiments, the lubricating fluid container includes two or more access ports. For example, some
  • embodiments include an inlet access port and an outlet access port.
  • system 900 is a vehicle (such as an automobile or a truck), as schematically depicted in FIG. 9, with drive component 910 (e.g., in the form of an engine, or a
  • the system is a power system, such as an electrical generator. Still in other embodiments, the system is a machine, for example, for manufacturing. In other embodiments, the system is a compressor, a lawnmower, or a power tool. Other embodiments of systems with lubricating fluid circulation and drive components are also possible, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the drive component is an engine of the vehicle.
  • the drive component 910 of vehicle 900 is an engine, which includes an engine block 912, a cylinder head 914, and a cylinder head cover or valve cover 916.
  • the engine includes oil galleries extending therethrough, and the lubricating fluid circulation system provides liquid communication between the filter and the oil galleries.
  • the engine includes an oil collection container in liquid communication with the lubricating fluid circulation system.
  • lubricating fluid circulation system 980 depicted in FIG. 9, takes the form of an engine oil circulation system and is in fluid communication with oil galleries 918 that run through the different parts of engine 910 to lubricate moving components of the engine.
  • the oil galleries 918 return any oil passing through engine 910 to a lubricating fluid collection container 920, which is in the form of a sump or an oil pan. From lubricating fluid collection container 920, the circulation system 980 can cycle the oil through device 950 or extract the oil into lubricating fluid reservoir 938.
  • a lubricating fluid filter does not include an immobilized active material, but does include filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • an active material (as otherwise described herein) can be disposed elsewhere in the system, for example, in a volume (e.g., a cavity, a passageway or a tube) configured such that lubricating fluid passes therethrough.
  • the active material can interact physicochemically with lubricating fluid as described above, albeit not in the filter itself.
  • the volume can be in series with the fluid path through the filter and/or in parallel with the fluid path through the filter.
  • the walls defining the volume in which the active material is disposed can be considered as the “housing” of a device as described herein.
  • the active material can take any desirable form as described above.
  • lubricating fluid container includes filter 1095 disposed in series with device 1050, which includes an active material 1092 (here, in the form of a porous body through which lubricating fluid can flow).
  • Device 1050 has a housing 1052, defining a volume 1054, input and output ports at the top and the bottom of the device as shown. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 has the volume protruding from the main overall shape of the container, the person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the volume containing the active material can be formed such that the container does not have a protrusion, e.g., by having the volume as a walled-off volume separated from the reservoir.
  • Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising circulating lubricating fluid so as to contact the lubricating fluid with an active material and to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid (e.g., by at least 25%, by at least 50%, by at least 75 wt%, or even by at least 90%, i.e. , as compared to the case where the immobilized active material is not present).
  • the devices, filters, and lubricating fluid containers described herein can be used to perform the methods of this aspect of the disclosure.
  • the method is performed to remove acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid via physicochemical interaction with the immobilized active material, e.g., via acid-base interactions as described herein.
  • Removal of the acid contaminants may be substantially complete (e.g., no more than 5 wt%, or no more than 1 wt%, or no more than 0.1 %, or even no more than 0.01 wt% of the acid contaminants remain in the lubricating fluid as compared to the case where the immobilized active material is not present), or may partially or substantially reduce the concentration of the acid contaminants in the liquid (e.g., at least 50 wt%, or at least 75 wt%, or even at least 90 wt% of the acid contaminants is removed from the lubricating fluid as compared to the case where the immobilized active material is not present).
  • the devices, filters, systems and methods described herein can be used to maintain the total acid number of the lubricating fluid to be no more than 6, e.g., no more than 5 or even no more than 4.
  • Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of treating a lubricating fluid, including providing a device, filter or lubricating fluid container as otherwise described herein, circulating the lubricating fluid through the device, filter or container so as to cause contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material to form a reaction product and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium).
  • the method is performed to remove acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid via physicochemical interaction with the immobilized active material, e.g., via acid-base interactions as described herein, and specifically as described immediately above.
  • the lubricating fluid flows into the filter through the inlet port, through the filter media, in contact with the immobilized active material, and out of the filter through the outlet port.
  • lubricating fluid enters the filter through inlet port 156. From inlet port 156, the lubricating fluid flows upward along lubricating fluid path 160 around the perimeter of filter housing 152 so as to surround filter media 162. At the bottom of filter 150, the lubricating fluid flows through a container 166 holding active material 164.
  • the lubricating fluid passes through container 166 and contacts active material 164, the contaminants in the lubricating fluid are removed by active material 164.
  • the lubricating fluid passes through the filter media to a central opening where it flows back down to the bottom of the filter.
  • particulates e.g., precipitates resulting from the interaction of the contaminant(s) with the active material
  • the device traps a majority of particulates greater than 20 microns in size. In some embodiments, the device traps a majority of particulates greater than 5 microns in size.
  • the active material is disposed in a container, and wherein substantially all of the circulating lubricating fluid passes through the container.
  • the filter 150 all of the lubricating fluid flowing along lubricating fluid path 160 passes through container 166 so as to contact active material 164.
  • only a portion of the lubricating fluid passing through the filter passes through the container holding the active material.
  • the filter includes a bypass so that a portion of the lubricating fluid flows around the container and bypasses the active material.
  • the lubricating fluid is lubricating fluid as otherwise described herein.
  • the device is an oil filter for an engine, and the lubricating fluid passing therethrough is an engine oil that is treated and filtered in the filter.
  • the methods as otherwise described herein further comprise circulating the lubricating fluid from the active material (e.g., in a device, filter or lubricating fluid container as described herein) to a drive component and back to the filter.
  • Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of replacing lubricating fluid in a system.
  • the method includes providing a system including a drive component and a first lubricating fluid container according to any of the embodiments described above.
  • Used lubricating fluid is extracted from the drive component into the lubricating fluid reservoir of the first container.
  • the first lubricating fluid container is removed from the system and a second lubricating fluid container is connected to the system.
  • Replacement lubricating fluid is transferred from a lubricating fluid reservoir of the second lubricating fluid container to the drive component.
  • the replacement lubricating fluid is circulated through the drive component and the device or filter of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause particular contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid (and, optionally, so as to filter particulates from the lubricating fluid).
  • Such a method is illustrated with reference to system 900 shown in FIG. 9.
  • operating lubricating fluid is circulated by pump 982 through filter 950 and channels 918 through the drive component 910.
  • the lubricating fluid is extracted from drive component 910 into lubricating fluid reservoir 938 of lubricating fluid container 930.
  • the first lubricating fluid container 930 is removed and replaced with a second lubricating fluid container 930 including replacement lubricating fluid in the corresponding reservoir 938.
  • the replacement lubricating fluid is then transferred to drive component 910.
  • the drive component 910 is operated again and the lubricating fluid is pumped through filter 950 of the second lubricating fluid container 930 and back to drive component 910. As the lubricating fluid passes through filter 950, and contacts active material 962, the contaminants in the lubricating fluid interact active material 962.
  • any changing or addition of lubricating fluid to the system is via the replacement methods described herein, i.e. , via connection to the system of a lubricating fluid reservoir containing a lubricating fluid as described herein.
  • this can help prevent the addition of lubricating fluid having undesirable characteristics, or the addition of additives that would provide the lubricating fluid with undesirable characteristics.
  • the lubricating fluid desired for use in the system has a low concentration of alkaline earth metals (e.g. calcium)
  • provision of a method and system in which replacement of lubricating fluid is performed only via replacement of the reservoir can help prevent the addition of a lubricating fluid having a higher concentration of calcium.
  • another aspect of the disclosure is a method for replacing lubricating fluid in a system.
  • the method includes providing a system including a drive component and a first lubricating fluid container as described herein, the first liquid container having a first lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof.
  • the first lubricating fluid is circulated through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the first lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the first lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium).
  • used first lubricating fluid is extracted from the drive component into the liquid reservoir of the first lubricating fluid container, and the first lubricating fluid container (i.e., bearing used first lubricating fluid) is removed from the system.
  • a second lubricating fluid container as otherwise described herein, having a second lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof, is then connected to the system.
  • the second lubricating fluid is transferred from the liquid reservoir of the second liquid container to the drive component; and circulated through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the second lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the second lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium).
  • the device e.g., filter
  • the service interval will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the particulars of the lubricating fluid and the drive system. In certain embodiments (e.g., in automotive applications where the drive system is the engine of a vehicle), the service interval is at least one month, e.g., at least two months or at least three months.
  • providing the system including the drive component and the first lubricating fluid container includes connecting the first lubricating fluid container to a system including the drive component. That is, such methods can include connecting a first fluid lubricating fluid container, operating the system for a time, then changing out the lubricating fluid by extracting it from the drive component and replacing the first lubricating fluid container with a second lubricating fluid container.
  • lubricating fluid or lubricating fluid additives are not added to a portion of the system in fluid contact with the drive component between a time when the first lubricating fluid container is connected and a time when the second lubricating fluid container is connected. That is, a user does not add lubricating fluid or additives therefor to the system.
  • the lubricating fluid may change its chemical makeup as a result of being contaminated in the system, but at least a user will not inadvertently change the makeup of the lubricating fluid by addition. As described above, this can help guarantee the maintenance of the lubricating fluid at a desired concentration of certain components.
  • Methods according to these aspects are especially desirable with respect to use of an immobilized active material to remove acidic contaminants.
  • the acidic contaminants are removed at least in part by reacting the acidic contaminants with the basic active material to form salts.
  • particles e.g., salts resulting from neutralization of the acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid
  • filter media 962 in the filter 950 of the second lubricating fluid container 930 are captured by filter media 962 in the filter 950 of the second lubricating fluid container 930.
  • each lubricating fluid is substantially free of calcium- and magnesium-containing additives typically included in the lubricating fluid to remove the acid contaminants.
  • a lubricating fluid e.g., the first lubricating fluid and the second lubricating fluid
  • a lubricating fluid has no more than 400 ppm of calcium and no more than 400 ppm of magnesium, e.g., no more than 250 ppm of calcium and no more than 250 ppm of magnesium, or no more than 100 ppm of calcium and no more than 100 ppm of magnesium, or no more than 50 ppm of calcium and no more than 50 ppm of magnesium. Because the immobilized active material operates to remove the acid contaminants without circulating through the system, tradeoffs between using metal-containing additives to remove the acid contaminants and the occurrence of PI and LSPI with the circulation of metal- containing additives can be avoided.
  • the lubricating fluid (e.g., the first lubricating fluid and the second lubricating fluid) has a total base number of no more than 4, e.g., no more than 3, or even no more than 2.
  • Lubricating fluids useful in the devices, filters, systems and methods described herein can be made, for example, without substantial amounts of overbased detergents (e.g., no more than 0.01 wt%, or even no more than 0.005 wt%) typically used, e.g., in automotive oils.
  • the second lubricating fluid flows into the device or filter of the second lubricating fluid container through the inlet port, contacting the immobilized active material and out of the device or filter of the second lubricating fluid container through the outlet port.
  • lubricating fluid can pass therethrough, e.g., in series with contacting the immobilized active material (before or after), or in parallel with contacting the immobilized active material.
  • the active material in the device of the second lubricating fluid container is disposed in a container, and substantially all of the circulating lubricating fluid passes through the container.
  • the system is a vehicle.
  • the method is used with system 900, which is a vehicle.
  • the method is used with another type of system, such as those described above.
  • the drive component is an engine.
  • drive component 910 is used in the method.
  • the lubricating fluid is for use in engine lubrication, e.g., in a vehicle such as an automobile or truck.
  • the lubricating fluid is for use in transmission lubrication, e.g., in a vehicle such as an automobile or truck.
  • the drive component is an engine (e.g., of a vehicle) or a transmission (e.g., of a vehicle).
  • the drive component is an engine, a motor, a transmission, a gear assembly, a shaft-and-hub assembly, or a rotating assembly.
  • the filters, containers, systems and methods described herein can be used in conjunction with other drive components.
  • Embodiment 1 A device for treatment of a lubricating fluid, the device comprising: a housing forming a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port; and immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.
  • Embodiment 2 The device according to embodiment 1 , configured as a filter.
  • Embodiment 3 The device according to embodiment 2, further comprising filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • Embodiment 4 The device according to embodiment 3, wherein the filter media includes a synthetic material, e.g., glass fibers or metal fibers.
  • a synthetic material e.g., glass fibers or metal fibers.
  • Embodiment 5 The device according to embodiment 3 or embodiment 4, wherein the filter media includes a cellulosic material.
  • Embodiment 6 The device according to any of embodiments 2-5, wherein the immobilized active material is configured to filter particulate matter from the lubricating fluid.
  • Embodiment 7 The device according to embodiment 6, wherein no other filter media is disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • Embodiment 8 The device according to any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the physicochemical interaction includes a chemical reaction.
  • Embodiment 9 The device according to embodiment 1-7, wherein the
  • physicochemical interaction includes an acid-base reaction.
  • Embodiment 10 The device according to any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the active material is basic (e.g., having a pKa of at least 7, at least 8, or at least 9).
  • the active material is basic (e.g., having a pKa of at least 7, at least 8, or at least 9).
  • Embodiment 11 The device according to embodiment 10, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides.
  • Embodiment 12 The device according to embodiment 11 , wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.
  • Embodiment 13 The device according to embodiment 11 , wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is selected from calcium, magnesium, beryllium, sodium, and potassium.
  • Embodiment 14 The device according to embodiment 11 , wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is calcium and/or magnesium.
  • Embodiment 15 The device according to embodiment 11 , wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is calcium.
  • Embodiment 16 The device according to embodiment 10, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, barium
  • Embodiment 17 The device according to embodiment 10, wherein the active material is calcium carbonate.
  • Embodiment 18 The device according to embodiment 10, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of basic activated alumina (aluminum oxide), basic activated silica (silicon dioxide), basic activated charcoal, and anion exchange resin.
  • the active material is selected from one or more of basic activated alumina (aluminum oxide), basic activated silica (silicon dioxide), basic activated charcoal, and anion exchange resin.
  • Embodiment 19 The device according to embodiment 10, wherein the active material is an amine, such as a polymeric amine.
  • Embodiment 20 The device according to any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the removal is via an adsorption or absorption.
  • Embodiment 21 The device according to embodiment 20, wherein the active material is an aromatic-containing polymer.
  • Embodiment 22 The device according to any of embodiments 1-21 , wherein the active material is insoluble in water.
  • Embodiment 23 The device according to any of embodiments 1-22, wherein the active material is supported on a solid support.
  • Embodiment 24 The device according to any of embodiments 1-22, wherein the active material is not supported on a solid support.
  • Embodiment 25 The device according to any of embodiments 1-24, wherein the active material is provided as a loose material held within an lubricating fluid-permeable container within the device, arranged such that the lubricating fluid can flow through the lubricating fluid-permeable container to contact the active material.
  • Embodiment 26 The device according to embodiment 25, wherein the lubricating fluid- permeable container is in the form of a pouch including flexible walls of a permeable material that form a storage space within the pouch, and wherein the active material is disposed in the storage space.
  • Embodiment 27 The device according to embodiment 25, wherein the lubricating fluid- permeable container comprises a case having an outer wall that forms a storage space therein, wherein the active material is disposed in the storage space, and wherein at least a portion of the outer wall is porous.
  • Embodiment 28 The device according to embodiment 27, wherein the case has an inlet formed by a first porous section of the outer wall and an outlet formed by a second porous section of the outer wall.
  • Embodiment 29 The device according to embodiment 27, wherein the case is in the shape of a ring, and wherein one of the inlet or the outlet is disposed on an internal side of the case.
  • Embodiment 30 The device according to any of embodiments 25-29, wherein at least a portion of the lubricating fluid-permeable container is formed by the filter media.
  • Embodiment 31 The device according to any of embodiments 1-30, wherein the active material is disposed on a support surface.
  • Embodiment 32 The device according to embodiment 31 , wherein the support surface is undulating.
  • Embodiment 33 The device according to embodiment 31 or embodiment 32, wherein the support surface is part of filter media.
  • Embodiment 34 The device according to any of embodiments 1-33, wherein filter media and the immobilized active material are disposed in series along the liquid path from the inlet port to the outlet port.
  • Embodiment 35 The device according to any of embodiments 1-34, further comprising lubricating fluid disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • Embodiment 36 The device according to any of embodiments 1-35, wherein the device is for treatment (and, optionally, filtration) of an engine oil and the lubricating fluid is an engine oil.
  • a lubricating fluid container comprising:
  • a container housing including a wall forming an interior volume therein;
  • a lubricating fluid reservoir disposed in the interior volume
  • a lubricating fluid container comprising: a container housing including a wall forming an interior volume therein; a lubricating fluid reservoir disposed in the interior volume;
  • immobilized active material disposed in a volume (e.g., a cavity, a passageway or a tube) configured such that lubricating fluid passes therethrough, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.
  • a volume e.g., a cavity, a passageway or a tube
  • Embodiment 39 The lubricating fluid container according to embodiment 38, wherein the immobilized active material is configured to remove one or more acid contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter,
  • Embodiment 40 The lubricating fluid container according to claim 39, wherein the immobilized active material is as described in any of embodiments 10-19.
  • Embodiment 41 The lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 37-40, further comprising a filter for a lubricating fluid configured such that lubricating fluid passes therethrough, the filter comprising a filter housing forming a cavity therein, the filter housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port, and filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.
  • Embodiment 42 The lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 37-41 , wherein the inlet port, the outlet port, and the access port are all disposed on an outer surface of the lubricating fluid container.
  • Embodiment 43 The lubricating fluid container according to embodiment 42, wherein the inlet port, the outlet port, and the access port are all disposed on the same side of the lubricating fluid container.
  • Embodiment 44 The lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 47-43, further comprising a vent port providing access from the lubricating fluid reservoir to an outer surface of the lubricating fluid container.
  • Embodiment 45 The lubricating fluid container according to embodiment 44, wherein the vent port is disposed on an opposite side of the lubricating fluid container from the access port.
  • Embodiment 46 The lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 37-45, further comprising lubricating fluid disposed in the lubricating fluid reservoir.
  • Embodiment 47. A system comprising:
  • lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 37-46; and a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the lubricating fluid container such that the lubricating fluid contacts the active material.
  • Embodiment 48 The system according to embodiment 47, wherein the lubricating fluid circulation system includes a circulation pump configured to circulate lubricating fluid from the drive component through the lubricating fluid container and back to the drive component.
  • Embodiment 49 The system according to embodiment 47 or embodiment 48 wherein the lubricating fluid circulation system includes a transfer pump configured to extract lubricating fluid from the drive component into the lubricating fluid reservoir.
  • Embodiment 50 The system according to embodiment 49, wherein the transfer pump is further configured to deliver lubricating fluid from the lubricating fluid reservoir to the drive component.
  • Embodiment 51 A system comprising:
  • a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the device such that the lubricating fluid contacts the active material.
  • Embodiment 52 The system according to any of embodiments 47-51 , wherein the system is a vehicle.
  • Embodiment 53 The system according to embodiment 52, wherein the drive component is an engine of the vehicle.
  • Embodiment 54 The system according to embodiment 53, wherein the engine includes oil galleries extending therethrough, and wherein the lubricating fluid circulation system provides lubricating fluid communication between the active material and the oil galleries.
  • Embodiment 55 A method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising circulating lubricating fluid so as to contact the lubricating fluid with an active material and to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid.
  • Embodiment 56 A method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising: providing a device according to any of embodiments 1 to 36;
  • Embodiment 57 The method of embodiment 56, wherein the circulating of the lubricating fluid is performed so as to capture particles from the lubricating fluid in the device.
  • Embodiment 58 A method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising:
  • Embodiment 59 The method according to any of embodiments 55-58, wherein the contaminant is an acid contaminant, and wherein the method is formed to remove acid contaminant from the lubricating fluid.
  • Embodiment 60 The method according to embodiment 59, wherein the total acid number of the lubricating fluid is maintained to be no more than 6, e.g., no more than 5, or no more than 4.
  • Embodiment 61 The method according to embodiment 59 or embodiment 60, wherein the removal involves an acid-base reaction.
  • Embodiment 62 The method according to any of embodiments 59-61 , wherein the active material is basic (e.g., having a pKa of at least 7, at least 8, or at least 9, i.e., of the conjugate acid).
  • the active material is basic (e.g., having a pKa of at least 7, at least 8, or at least 9, i.e., of the conjugate acid).
  • Embodiment 63 The method according to embodiment 62, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides.
  • Embodiment 64 The method according to embodiment 63, wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.
  • Embodiment 65 The method according to embodiment 63, wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is selected from calcium, magnesium, beryllium, sodium, and potassium.
  • Embodiment 66 The method according to embodiment 63, wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is calcium and/or magnesium.
  • Embodiment 6761 The method according to embodiment 62, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, barium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, beryllium oxide, and barium oxide.
  • Embodiment 67 The method according to embodiment 62, wherein the active material is calcium carbonate.
  • Embodiment 68 The method according to embodiment 62, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of basic activated alumina (aluminum oxide), basic activated silica (silicon dioxide), basic activated charcoal, and anion exchange resin.
  • the active material is selected from one or more of basic activated alumina (aluminum oxide), basic activated silica (silicon dioxide), basic activated charcoal, and anion exchange resin.
  • Embodiment 69 The method according to embodiment 62, wherein the active material is an amine, such as a polymeric amine.
  • Embodiment 70 The method according to any of embodiments 55-58, wherein the removal is via an adsorption or absorption.
  • Embodiment 71 The method according to any of embodiments 55-70, wherein the active material is insoluble in water.
  • Embodiment 72 The method according to any of embodiments 55-71 , wherein the active material is supported on a solid support.
  • Embodiment 73 The method according to any of embodiments 55-71 , wherein the active material is not supported on a solid support.
  • Embodiment 74 The method according to any of embodiments 55-71 , wherein the active material is provided as a loose material held within a lubricating fluid-permeable container, arranged such that the lubricating fluid can flow through the lubricating fluid- permeable container to contact the active material.
  • Embodiment 75 The method according to embodiment 74, wherein the lubricating fluid-permeable container is in the form of a pouch including flexible walls of a permeable material that form a storage space within the pouch, and wherein the active material is disposed in the storage space.
  • Embodiment 76 The method according to embodiment 74, wherein the lubricating fluid-permeable container comprises a case having an outer wall that forms a storage space therein, wherein the active material is disposed in the storage space, and wherein at least a portion of the outer wall is porous.
  • Embodiment 77 The method according to embodiment 76, wherein the case has an inlet formed by a first porous section of the outer wall and an outlet formed by a second porous section of the outer wall.
  • Embodiment 78 The method according to embodiment 77, wherein the case is in the shape of a ring, and wherein one of the inlet or the outlet is disposed on an internal side of the case.
  • Embodiment 79 The method according to any of embodiments 74-78, wherein at least a portion of the lubricating fluid-permeable container is formed by the filter media.
  • Embodiment 80 The method according to any of embodiments 55-71 , wherein the active material is disposed on a support surface.
  • Embodiment 81 The method according to embodiment 80, wherein the support surface is undulating.
  • Embodiment 82 The method according to embodiment 80 or embodiment 81 , wherein the support surface is part of a filter medium.
  • Embodiment 83 A method of replacing a lubricating fluid in a system, the method comprising:
  • the second lubricating fluid circulating the second lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the liquid (e.g., in a filter medium).
  • the device e.g., filter
  • Embodiment 84 A method of replacing a lubricating fluid in a system, the method comprising:
  • the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the first lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the first lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium);
  • the second lubricating fluid circulating the second lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the second lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the second lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium).
  • the device e.g., filter
  • Embodiment 85 The method of embodiment 83 or embodiment 84, wherein the one or more contaminants in each of the first and second lubricating fluids is an acidic contaminant, and wherein the immobilized active material is configured to remove acidic contaminants (e.g., as described with respect to any other enumerated embodiment herein).
  • Embodiment 86 The method of any of embodiments 83-85, wherein providing the system including a drive component and the first lubricating fluid container as described with respect to any of embodiments 37-46 comprises connecting the first lubricating fluid container to a system including the drive component.
  • Embodiment 87 The method of any of embodiments 83-86, wherein lubricating fluid or lubricating fluid additives are not added to a portion of the system in fluid contact with the drive component between a time when the first lubricating fluid container is connected and a time when the second lubricating fluid container is connected.
  • Embodiment 88 The device, container, system or method according to any of embodiments 1-87, wherein the lubricating fluid is substantially free of calcium- and magnesium-containing additives (e.g., include no more than 800 ppm total of magnesium and calcium, e.g., no more than 500 ppm total of magnesium and calcium, no more than 200 ppm total of magnesium and calcium, or even no more than 50 ppm total of magnesium and calcium.
  • the lubricating fluid is substantially free of calcium- and magnesium-containing additives (e.g., include no more than 800 ppm total of magnesium and calcium, e.g., no more than 500 ppm total of magnesium and calcium, no more than 200 ppm total of magnesium and calcium, or even no more than 50 ppm total of magnesium and calcium.
  • Embodiment 89 The device, container, system or method according to any of embodiments 1-88, wherein the lubricating fluid has a total base number of no more than 4, e.g., no more than 3, or even no more than 2.
  • Embodiment 90 The device, container, system or method according to any of embodiments 1-89, wherein the lubricating fluid does not include a substantial amount of overbased detergents (e.g., no more than 0.01 wt%, or even no more than 0.005 wt%).
  • overbased detergents e.g., no more than 0.01 wt%, or even no more than 0.005 wt%).

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Lubrication Details And Ventilation Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne de manière générale des procédés, des dispositifs et des systèmes de traitement d'un fluide de lubrification, par exemple, d'un moteur. La présente invention concerne plus particulièrement des dispositifs tels que des filtres qui comprennent un matériau actif à leurs seins, et des procédés d'utilisation de tels dispositifs pour traiter le fluide de lubrification par réaction avec le matériau actif. Selon un aspect, l'invention concerne un dispositif de traitement d'un fluide de lubrification. Le dispositif comprend un boîtier (par exemple, un boîtier de filtre) qui forme une cavité en son sein, le boîtier comprenant un orifice d'entrée, un orifice de sortie et un trajet de liquide s'étendant à travers la cavité depuis l'orifice d'entrée jusqu'à l'orifice de sortie; et un matériau actif immobilisé disposé dans le trajet de liquide entre l'orifice d'entrée et l'orifice de sortie, le matériau actif étant configuré pour interagir par voie physico-chimique avec un ou plusieurs contaminants dans un fluide de lubrification qui passe à travers le dispositif, le matériau actif étant insoluble dans le fluide de lubrification.
PCT/GB2020/050776 2019-03-22 2020-03-23 Dispositifs, systèmes et procédés de traitement de fluides de lubrification WO2020193963A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1903994.0 2019-03-22
GBGB1903994.0A GB201903994D0 (en) 2019-03-22 2019-03-22 Devices, systems and methods for the removal of acid contaminants from lubricating fluids
GBGB1903974.2A GB201903974D0 (en) 2019-03-22 2019-03-22 Devices, systems and methods for the treatment of lubricating fluids
GB1903974.2 2019-03-22

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