In This Issue:

• Up Front: Are Your Procedures Detailed Enough?

• Book Bits: Enemies of Electrical Insulating Oils

• Today's Tip: Oil Ring Tip

• Q & A: Converting to Alcohol-Based Fuel

Up Front

Are Your Procedures Detailed Enough?

During a startup at our mill, the duplex filter casing for one of our gear oil systems broke open. After a thorough investigation, we found that the technician had closed the delivery valve behind the filter causing the system to exceed the rated 10-bar pressure.

We have since implemented training programs and have modified procedures to include instructions that the delivery valve is to remain open at all times. (Submitted by Madhu Srinivasan, Engineer, Saudi Iron and Steel Co. Thanks Madhu!)

Let us hear from you. Each Up Front story published will earn the sender $50. Submit a case study, experience or lesson learned. Or e-mail info@noria.com.

Book Bits

Enemies of Electrical Insulating Oils

From "Electrical Insulating Oils".

Insulating oil has few enemies, and its manufacturers and users make a concerted effort to protect it from such enemies.

1. Oxidation. Oxidation is the most common cause of oil deterioration. The transformer manufacturer puts forth a significant effort to make sure that the tank or case is well- sealed from the atmosphere. Careful drying and vacuum processing removes air and moisture prior to sealing the tank after which it is filled with dry air or nitrogen to minimize the exposure to oxygen.

2. Contamination. Moisture is the chief among potential oil contaminants. Its presence can provide a source of reactive products with the oil in the presence of heat. It also tends to lower the dielectric properties of the insulating oil. The same precautions that are exercised to protect the oil from oxidation are used to protect it from moisture.

3. Excessive temperature. Excessive heat is an enemy of oil. It will cause decomposition of the oil itself and/or it will increase the rate of oil oxidation. The best way to protect against excessive heat is to avoid overload of the transformer.

4. Corona discharges. Sparking and local overheating can also break down the oil molecule producing gases and water, which can lead to the formation of acids and sludge.

More information about "Electrical Insulating Oils".

Today's Tip

• Suggestion for oil ring use: When using oil rings for lubrication in wet sump pumps and other equipment, you may, in some cases, notice the rings are smooth on the ID. If you machine a groove .002" deep and .050" wide around the ID circumference, you may find that the ring will pick up more oil for delivery. (Submitted by Greg Cobb, Senior Reliability Engineer, BASF Corp. Thanks Greg!)

Each tip published will earn the sender $25. Submit your tip.

Q & A

Converting to Alcohol-Based Fuel

"Is there any risk to my engine oil if I convert from gasoline to an alcohol-based fuel?"

There are some differences in combustion heat and rate that can cause problems when burning methanol (alcohol)-based fuels. The differences are pronounced for the short-trip driver.

Lubricant testing in engines running methanol suggests that the short-trip driver can expect to see fuel and moisture accumulation at a much higher rate for methanol than for gasoline, in the neighborhood of 3:1 assuming no other conditions have changed.

Both of these influences would lead to viscosity thinning at a minimum. The moisture can present additional problems with loss of film strength (collapse at the load zone), corrosion and possibly cavitation. The net effect is increased wear metals and decreased lubricant and component longevity.

While this may seem alarming, recognition of the potential for fuel and moisture build-up coupled with an appropriate operational adjustment can alleviate this risk. Because methanol has a single boiling point, once the lubricant temperature reaches the fuel's boiling point, the entrained fuel (and shortly to follow - moisture) will evaporate and 'out-gas' relatively quickly.

This obviously puts a great deal of importance on allowing the engine to get hot and stay hot for an extended period of time. The parameters used in the test method required that the sump reach and maintain 100ºC one minute.

The length of operating time required to bring the sump to 100ºC will differ among vehicles, and will be greatly influenced by operating conditions (winter vs. summer).

So if Granny is burning alcohol or fuel mixed with alcohol, you could do her a favor by taking her car the next time you need to drive for an extended period.

Mike Johnson, Senior Technical Consultant, Noria Corporation

If we feature your question in Lube-Tips we will send you $25. Submit your question.

Copyright © 2002, Noria Corporation. All rights reserved. If you would like to reproduce a Lube-Tip on your Web site, you must use the entire issue (without sponsorship messages and the training calendar). All links must work. For an example of how you can include Lube-Tips content on your Web site, go to: http://www.lube-tips.com/example.asp. The presence of advertising in Lube-Tips does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services in such ads. Further, because results will vary widely based on a number of factors, Noria Corporation cannot warrant the results, the accuracy or the completeness of any material published herein.

Lube-Tips is published by Noria Corporation. Oil Analysis and Lubrication Experts