Next Generation Gas Engine Oils for Improved Sustainability in the Power Generation Market

Engine designs, operating conditions, customers’ needs and environmental factors continue to place high demands on lubricants for natural gas engines. Projections for future energy supply and demand indicate that oil, coal and natural gas will continue to be the predominant energy sources through 2030.1 As energy prices fluctuate through market cycles, owners and operators of natural gas engines will seek ways to reduce their energy costs. This will be especially true in power generation markets where fuel costs directly affect profitability. In addition, the power generation industry is seeking options to improve their productivity and support sustainability. In many cases, a well designed lubricant can provide benefits that contribute to sustainability such as extended oil life, reduced oil for disposition, energy efficiency and extended equipment life for power generation applications, including cogeneration and landfill applications.

This paper will focus on next generation natural gas engine oil product developments utilising leading edge product technology that provides extended oil life, excellent piston deposit control and increased engine efficiency potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Comprehensive research test programs which have evaluated oxidation stability, high temperature thermal stability and frictional characteristics of promising candidates will be discussed. The paper will also provide highlights of the extensive engine durability test programs which evaluate the oil life, piston cleanliness and wear performance of gas engine oils in shop and field applications. Consequently the development of these next generation natural gas engine oils could significantly enhance the sustainability benefits of natural gas fuelled power generation engines.