Biodegradable Lubricant from Esterified Propoxylated Glycerol (Final Report)
During this Phase II program, the esterified propoxylated glycerol (EPG, tradename VBASE™) lubricant technology successfully demonstrated during the Phase I program was moved from a technology readiness level (TRL) of 2-3 to a TRL of 5-6. In addition to successfully progressing the TRL of this environmentally acceptable lubricant (EAL) technology, Tetramer successfully moved the manufacturing readiness level (MRL) from a 3 at the end of Phase I to an MRL of 6 bordering 7 at the end of this initial Phase II program. The primary goal of this Phase II program was to advance the capability of this technology to the point that field trials would be the next logical step in the progression of this research. That goal was accomplished during this Phase II program. It is anticipated field trials will commence during subsequent Phase II (B and C) and Phase III programs. Objective 1: Compositional tuning of EPG lubricants to maximize load carrying capacity, lubricity, and lifetime of the neat base oil while controlling for cost. [100%] Objective 2: Additive package development for non-bioaccumulating and environmentally friendly additives. [100%] Objective 3: Assessment of EPG lubricant base oils as potential biodegradable transformer fluids and base oils for grease formulations. [100%] Objective 4: Commercialization and industrial production of EPG lubricant technology. [100%] Several compositions of VBASE™ lubricants were developed which are cost comparable to existing ester and synthetic lubricants while providing enhanced performance and high stability. In particular, these materials excel under high load and high temperature conditions where even the best mineral oil based lubricants can struggle. With a high load carrying capacity and improved heat resistance, VBASE™ oils help prevent wear when turbines are operating outside of normal conditions. To adhere to the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA, formerly part of the Vessel General Permit), it is necessary for a lubricant to be capable of meeting EU Ecolabel specifications as determined by the European Commission. The additive package chosen for this application falls well within the limits laid out by the EU Commission while providing performance benefits to the formulated VBASE™ turbine oil. The additive package chosen provides excellent thermal and oxidative stability, superior air and water separability, and class leading wear resistance. While base oils and formulated hydropower turbine oils are the targeted products of this research and development program, there are opportunities to utilize these materials as dielectric fluids and base fluids suitable for the production of shelf stable, environmentally acceptable simple lithium greases. Dielectric fluids for transformers were initially a secondary target of this work but look to have more applicability as motor immersion oils for electric vehicles (EV). Despite prolonged supply chain issues that began in the early spring of 2020, Tetramer was able to build a supply and production pathway that enables the commercialization of these novel high-performance synthetic esters at a price point equal to currently available lesser performing products. At present, Tetramer can produce roughly 750,000 gallons per year of the VBASE™ lubricants with no requirement for capital expansion. In meetings and conversations with both private and public power generators, the desire to move toward an environmentally innocuous turbine oil is present across the industry. With successful field trials, the final technical hurdle for adoption of these EAL turbine oils will be cleared. Tetramer plans to apply for Phase IIB funding in April 2022 to continue work on this research program.
- Research Organization:
- Tetramer Technologies, LLC
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Water Power Technologies Office
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0018751
- OSTI ID:
- 1836271
- Type / Phase:
- SBIR (Phase II)
- Report Number(s):
- DOE-TetramerTechnologies-DE-SC0018751
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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