DIESEL OIL UPDATE
Copyright © Donovan Baldwin
Lube2005.com
Diesel engine emissions have long been an ongoing environmental concern and challenge for the past few decades. Particulates and nitrogen oxides (NOx) associated with health problems and damaging smog and acid rain have been targeted by governments worldwide. The United States, Japhn and Europe have responded to demands to reduce these harmful emissions.
NOx forms when atmospheric nitrogen oxidizes in the power cylinder. High cylinder temperatures play a large part in the formation of NOx, so several techniques and procedures for reducing NOx have been aimed at temperature reduction. Among these is cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) technology.
Diesel particulates are composed of Solid carbon, good old soot, sulfate, bound water, and unburned fuel and oil. Sulfur is a key in particulate formation, so the sulfur level in diesel fuel has gradually been reduced over time.
In the U.S., regulation of particulate and NOx levels began in 1988. Each year since then, the restrictions have become tighter. By 2010, the goal is to have nominally "clean" diesel engines. Some of the steps to get there will include sulfur-free fuel, improved combustion, changes in vehicle design, and diesel oils compatible with, and complementary to, these changes in diesel engine design, fuel, and operation.
Fuel sulfur has been reduced by 90 percent, and diesel engine manufacturers are beginning to introduce cooled EGR technology. EGR engines reduce emissions by recirculating a portion of the engine's exhaust. Although this technology effetively reduces emissions, these engines tend to run hotter, introducing higher levels of soot and acid into the oil. This leads to increased wear and shorter oil drain intervals.
Diesel oil with new specifications was introduced in 2001 to protect against these higher temperature diesel engines. Many synthetic oil manufacturers, such as Amsoil, have already introduced synthetic diesel motor oils to provide even more protection. However, another round of standards is coming into effect in 2007. The new engines will run even hotter requiring improved versions of both petroleum based and synthetic diesel motor oil.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
---------------------------------------------
Donovan Baldwin is a Dallas area writer. A graduate of the University Of West Florida (1973) with a BA in accounting, he is a member of Mensa and has held several managerial positions. After retiring from the U. S. Army in 1995, he became interested in internet marketing and developed various online businesses. He has been writing poetry, articles, and essays for over 40 years, and now frequently publishes articles on his own websites and for use by other webmasters. He has blogs on the subjects of weight loss and health, hybrid cars and alternative fuels, and internet marketing and related business topics.
---------------------------------------------
NOTE: You have full permission to reprint this
article within your website or newsletter as long
as you leave the article fully intact and include
the "About The Author" resource box. Thanks! :-)
---
