A potential time and money saving test for GF-5, the world's first liquid protein and India's own aviation lubricants make the news this month.
Germany company RohMax Oil Additives has announced a new bench test as part of the ILSAC GF-5 engine oil performance standard. Called the Romaszewski Oil Bench Oxidation (ROBO) test, it is particularly effective in detecting the thickening of oil in cold temperatures.
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Image: According to RohMax, the test has a range of benefits over the existing Sequence lllCA engine test, not least because an engine is not required for ROBO. The lab-based test reduces the existing test time by 60% to just 40 hours and costs around $1500 as opposed to some $40,000 for the Sequence lllCA. The GF-5 standard is designed to improve engine performance, economy and emissions.
In the UK, the University of Bristol has announced the production of the first known liquid protein. The surface of the protein - ferritin, which promotes iron storage - has been modified to melt into a viscous liquid. The discovery could have major benefits in the production of protein-based coolants and lubricants.
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Image: India are closing in on their own aviation lubricants with the news of successful ground tests of an SVS 11 equivalent to OX27 product. The test, by the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology was tested for bearings and engine and will now be trialed in air tests. A second product, SVS 21 equivalent to OX38, is due to be tested by the end of the year. If the tests prove successful, commercial production could begin by 2012, significantly reducing India's import burden and costs for aviation lubricants.
And finally, there were celebrations at Allison Transmission with the news of a $62.8m energy stimulus grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to assist the development of their innovative Hybrid Truck Drive transmission system. Allison estimate that to date their hybrid propulsion systems have saved an estimated 7.6 million gallons of fuel and prevented 75,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions.