Biomass Ester-based Lube Oil For Marine Two-stroke (2T) Engine Application [ester Based 2T Oil]

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GC001-14AET

Abstract

It is estimated the total world energy consumption will be increased by 33.5% from 2010 to 2030. Such soaring in energy consumption are commonly affiliated with fossil fuels. More petroleum-based products including fuel and lubricant are needed to accommodate the high energy demand. It is estimated that 30 to 40 million tons of lubricant are utilized annually, with engine oil being the main constituent. A 2-stroke (2T) engine is a small size engine which has a high power-to-weight ratio for mobile application and special application acquiring higher power output with smaller footprint. The 2T gasoline engine requires 2-stroke lubricant or 2T oil due to low lubricity of gasoline. Currently, majority of 2T oil products are petroleum-based as they are manufactured by petroleum companies. These oils pose great risks to the environment due to their toxicity and non-renewability. The petroleum-based 2T oils also raise environmental issues, such as air pollution generated during engine oil combustion and leaking of toxic engine oil that damage to bodies of water from river, lake or sea. One of such solutions is application of bio-ester lubricant as alternative to the conventional 2T lubricant, regarded as more environment-friendly lube, and compatible to 2T engines. Palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) is one of such potential feedstock to be utilized in biolubricant base oil preparation. PFAD must be further upgraded to yield ester mimicking characteristics of Group V based stock oil.  Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDP) have been used widely in formulated oils as friction modifier and antioxidant, however burning of ZDDP gives rise to ashes that contributes to particulate matter formation in exhaust emissions. Therefore, there is a need of oil additives that not only environmentally friendly, but also able to reduce friction effectively in 2T engine.

Objective

To formulate an environmentally friendly ester-based 2T oil that is ready to be commercialized and able to outperform the commercially available mineral-based 2T oil in the market via the use of energy efficient base oil and additives.

Methodology

Outcomes / Impact

• Introduction of this green technology to the society will notify them the importance of preserving the environment. Smoke from the burning of 2T oil contains unburned HCs, CO and particulate matter which are detrimental to human health especially to kids and the elderly. By switching to bio-lubricants, emission of harmful particulate matters can be reduced. Improper disposal or accidental spillage of petroleum-based oils into seawater will damage the marine ecosystem due to their toxic in nature.
• 2T oil that is environmentally friendly, capable of reducing toxic pollutants and increase fuel economy will gain market and usage by its own usability. If consumers i.e. local fishermen are convinced of this product, it has the potential to replace petroleum-based 2T oil as the lubricant of choice. While the relatively higher initial buying cost may discourage potential lubricant buyers, this is frequently offset by reduced energy costs resulting from the high lubricity of bio-based lubricants.
• Further utilization of oil palm waste products (biomass) can further increase the profitability of palm crops. Therefore, it can help elevate Malaysia’s socioeconomic.
• Growing interest in green technology related product will result in many researchers and experts trained.

Programme Leader

Dr. Nurin Wahidah Mohd Zulkifli (Faculty of Engineering, UM)
nurinmz@um.edu.my