75-1 AWK
Evaluation of Analube
Synthetic Lubricant
July 1974
Technology Assessment and Evaluation Branch
Emission Control Technology Division
Office of Mobile Source Air Pollution Control
Environmental Protection Agency
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Background
The Environmental Lubricants Company of New Britain, Connecticut, contacted
the Office of Air and Water Programs to request a laboratory and engineering
evaluation of their polyglycol base synthetic lubricant. Supplied with the
request was a test report indicating significant reductions of exhaust emis-
sions and fuel economy improvement. A confirmatory test program was conducted
by the Technology Assessment and Evaluation Branch of the Emission Control
Technology Division.
Description
Analube is a synthetic lubricant formulated from a polyglycol base with a
molybdenum compound for lubricity. This synthetic lubricant is marketed
as a replacement for the normal hydrocarbon motor oils. There was no cost
information provided by the manufacturer.
Test Program
A 1971 Ford Galaxie 500 equipped with a 351 CID engine from the EPA fleet
was used for the test. Six tests were conducted, two with a standard 10W-
40 motor oil for baseline, three with a fill of Analube, and one more with
10W-40 motor oil to re-establish baseline. Each series of tests was preceded
by a drain and oil filter change. Prior to the Analube emission tests, a
short, manufacturer requested, preconditioning route was driven. All test-
ing was performed in accordance with the 1975 Federal Test Procedure as
outlined in the November 15, 1972, Federal Register.
All tests were conducted using the standard dynamometer inertia loading of
4500 pounds and Indolene Clear as the test fuel.
Test Results
The test results are presented in the Appendix of this report. These re-
sults are summarized below:
Summary of Emission Results
% Change from Baseline
Analube
HC 0 change
CO 20% increase
C02 4% decrease
NOx 0 change
Fuel Economy 3.6% improvement
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Conclusions
1. The test results do not indicate significant reductions in exhaust
emission levels with the use of the Analube synthetic lubricant.
2. The apparent fuel economy improvement is not considered significant
as the percentage improvement is well within the ECTD measured test-to-test
variability.
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TABLE I
Analube Synthetic Oil Test Results
Baseline (10W-40 Hydrocarbon base oil)
Date
4-26
4-29
Average
Analube
Date
5-7
5-8
5-9
Average
% Change
Baseline
HC
2.11
2.11
2.11
Synthetic Oil
HC
2.09
2.10
2.11
2.10
from
0
CO
15.7
18.7
17.2
CO
19.6
20.7
21.8
20.7
+ 20.4
co2
757.38
761.38
759.38
CO,,
732.61
737.53
711.47
727.20
-4.2
NOx
3.09
3.05
3.07
NOx
3.08
3.20
2.94
3.07
0
'75 MPG
11.2
11.0
11.1
'75 MPG
11.4
11.3
11.8
11.5
+ 3.6
Retest of Baseline Oil
Date
5-21
HC
2.16
CO
19.6
C02
754.00
NOx
*
'75 MPG
11.2
* NOx measurement: in error due to instrument malfunction
* U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1979- 651-112/0103
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