SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1983
STP35205S

Determination of Autogenous Ignition Temperatures of a Steam Turbine Lubricating Oil in Nitrogen and Oxygen Mixtures

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The autogenous ignition temperature (AIT) of an MS 2190 TEP petroleum steam turbine lubricating oil was measured in oxygen-nitrogen atmospheres ranging from 20 ppm to 100% oxygen. The measurements were performed in the David Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center (DTNSRDC) high-pressure AIT apparatus at pressures from 0.1 to 20.6 MPa (15 to 3000 psi). The results showed hot ignition occurring with an accompanying sharp temperature rise at oxygen contents as low as 2% (by volume) in nitrogen at 10.3 MPa (1500 psi) pressure. Oxidation of the oil, as evidenced by the formation of carbon, blackened sludge, and water vapor, occurred with oxygen contents as low as 0.11% at pressures of 10.3 to 20.6 MPa (1500 to 3000 psi). A very pure nitrogen atmosphere containing only 20 ppm oxygen showed no effects on the oil sample at temperatures up to 315°C (600°F) at pressures of 10.3 to 20.6 MPa (1500 to 3000 psi), indicating that thermal decomposition was not the sludge-forming process. The DTNSRDC high-pressure AIT apparatus did not give satisfactory results below 1.0 MPa (150 psi) except in 100% oxygen atmospheres, where it gave a measurable AIT at 0.1 MPa (15 psi). The effect of the presence of various metals and oxides on the AIT of the oil was measured in 100% oxygen at 10.3 MPa (1500 psi).

Author Information

McQuaid, RW
David Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center, Annapolis, MD
DG, Sheets
U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
MJ, Bieberich
David Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center, Annapolis, MD
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Details
Developed by Committee: G04
Pages: 43–55
DOI: 10.1520/STP35205S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-4878-9
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-0998-8