An experimental apparatus for the study of high-temperature degradation and solid-deposit formation of lubricants

When exposed to high surface temperatures, engine lubricating oils degrade and may form solid deposits, which cause operational issues and increase shutdown time and maintenance costs. Despite its being a common issue in engine operation, the information available on the mechanics of this phenomenon is still lacking, and the experimental data and conditions must be updated to match the improvements in both lubricant stability and engine efficiency. To this end, an experimental apparatus has been developed to study the mechanisms that lead to the degradation and deposit formation of lubricants at high temperatures. The apparatus is designed to operate at pressures up to 69 bar, surface temperatures up to 650 °C, oil bulk temperatures up to 550 °C, and flow rates of <14 mL/min. In this apparatus, the oil is cycled through a heated test section, and deposits accumulate on the heated surface. The time required for deposits to start accumulating under the test conditions is determined based on the recorded temperature traces, and collected oil and deposit samples may be analyzed to determine changes in composition over time due to high-temperature exposure. The removable test section can be modified to accommodate different geometries, surface materials, and flow paths to adapt the instrument to a range of potential research directions. This paper presents the technical details of the new apparatus and the steps taken to characterize the experimental conditions. In addition, sample data are provided to show the unique capabilities of the new instrument, and an Arrhenius plot for Castrol Perfecto X 32 in the surface temperature range of 445–475 °C is presented as a demonstration of its use for quantifying the coking delay time. The new instrument detailed herein is the first such device to demonstrate a reliable, lab-scale technique for studying lube oil coke formation and deposition at temperatures and pressures of interest to power generation gas turbines.