Different gas types require specialized oils
The right engine oil and professional support are critical to the continuous operation, reliability and efficiency of stationary gas engines.
Fuel gases are divided into natural and special gases, and their composition and impurities affect the combustion process, performance and durability of the engine.
The varying composition and quality of fuel gases during engine operation create challenges that can be compensated for with the right equipment and the right engine oil.
Fuel gas | Methane number (MN)* | Impurities / pollutants | Effects on engine operating/ lubricating oil |
Natural gas | MN: 60 – 99 | Non-existent Very clean | Danger of knocking with MN <75.; It leads to damages of engine components and reduces the oil service life |
Biogas | MN: ≥ 100 | Sulfur and silicone compounds | Reduction of the alkaline oil reserve (abrasive wear) |
Landfill gas | MN: 100 – 160 | Chlorine, fluorine, sulfur and silicon compounds | Corrosive wear; Reduction of the alkaline oil reserve; Silicon in the combustion chamber and deposits on the exhaust valve; Abrasive wear |
Sewer gas | MN: 120 – 140 | Sulfur and silicon compounds | Corrosive wear; Reduction of the alkaline oil reserve; Silicon in the combustion chamber and deposits on the exhaust valve; Abrasive wear |
Mine gas | MN: 95 – 100 | Sulfur and silicon compounds | Corrosive wear; Silicon in the combustion chamber; Abrasive wear |
Wood gas | MN: 40 – 90 | Tar, pyroligneous acid | Gas is cleaned before entering the combustion chamber, thereby preventing any impurities from coming into contact with the lubricant |
Briefly about the benefits of FUCHS Ganymet oils
- Significantly longer oil drain intervals due to higher neutralization capacity (approx. 25% higher TBN total alkaline number) with the same sulfate ash content.
- Improved wear protection and higher oxidation resistance thanks to new ashless additives.
- Less abrasive wear due to zinc-free sulfate ash deposits.
- Increased engine cleanliness.
- Minimization of phosphorus content and, as a result, increased wear protection, improved performance, and extended catalyst life
Monitoring and laboratory analysis
When a gas engine is commissioned, the oil change intervals are initially determined in accordance with the engine manufacturer‘s operating fluid specifications. Constant oil analyses are very important in this regard, as they give an indicication on how quickly and in what way the oil quality changes. This enables a quick reaction to deviations in the gas quality or the operating mode of the engine and protects the engine from possible damage.
In general, the oil service life and thus the necessary oil change intervals are influenced by the following parameters:
- Gas quality
- Lubricating oil quality
- Engine type
- Oil volume
- Environmental conditions
- Modes of engine operation
It is therefore necessary to monitor the condition of the engine oil with routine oil analyses and then to set individual oil change intervals for every engine. Make use of our fast, professional and complete service for oil analysis. Your engine will benefit.