Soot build-up warning
In high concentrations, soot reduces efficiency, increases the wear on equipment and can even cause failure
The customer was experiencing soot load on an engine running distillate fuel. Warnings were being shown through the Used Oil Analysis programme, with insolubles running above industry and OEM recommendations. This engine performance was reported to Castrol Technical Services Engineer.
Soot is a problem that particularly affects diesel engines, as combustion is less efficient than in gasoline engines. Individual soot particles are small and relatively harmless, but in higher concentrations they start to clump together. Concentrations of soot will thicken lubricants and affect their viscosity, making them less effective and forcing engines to work harder. Soot contributes to the formation of varnish and carbon deposits, causing wear and ultimately reducing the engine’s power and efficiency. When excessive soot collects it can form a congealed mass called sludge, which is a leading cause of diesel engine failure.
Benefits
Extended oil drain intervals compared to other API CF oils
Excellent high temperature performance.
High resistance to bore polishing.
Recommendation
Significant reduction in consumption
Premium mineral based diesel engine lubricant Castrol HLX is formulated for use in very highly rated high speed marine and power generation diesel engines that use distillate fuel with sulphur from zero up to 1%. It is particularly suitable for high power density applications such as fast ferries and engines that operate at extreme performance levels.
The customer agreed to switch to Castrol HLX – high performance diesel engine oil.After switching from their existing API CF product, the customer’s engine performance improved and lubricant consumption was reduced by 30%.* The engine and filter elements were reported back as visually much cleaner.
Castrol HLX
A Super High Performance Diesel (SHPD) lubricant, specially formulated to meet the latest performance requirements of marine monograde lubricant specifications.
This allows extended drain periods to effectively compete with performance normally associated with synthetic oils. HLX is available in both SAE 30 and 40 viscosity grades.
Castrol AirCol PD
A range of compressor lubricants, based upon highly refined mineral oils, which are intended for the lubrication of both reciprocating and rotary air compressors.
Aircol PD grades are ashless oils recommended for the lubrication of rotors, bearings and gears in rotary compressors, especially the oil flooded screw type.
