The Effect of Calcite and Silica Sand Dust on the Diesel Engine Oil Quality

Abstract

Viscosity, density, pour point, flash point, and oxidation stability are some quality properties of engine oil. The entrance of any contamination into the engine oil can change its properties. In the present study the effect of calcite and silica sand dust particles on the quality of engine oil, namely, Sepahan Oil Production API, SC-CC, SAE 40, was investigated. The presence, amount, and particle size of silica and calcite in the engine oil were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), respectively. The concentrations of the silica and calcite particles (0, 1, 2, and 3 g/L) were used according to the dust conditions in the east of Isfahan, Iran. The quality of the oil was measured after 20 hours of the engine operation. The results showed viscosity, density, and the pour point of the engine oil were significantly (P<0.05) enhanced with the increase in the silica content, and its oxidation stability was decreased. However, no significant change was observed in the engine oil flash point. The calcite particles, except for the oil flash point, did not have any significant effects on the oil quality.