WO2018229786A1

WO2018229786A1 - Nanotechnology process for improvement of various performances without fouling for any type of fluid for coolant, lubricant, fuel applications using nano-oxide of any basic element

Info

Publication number: WO2018229786A1
Application number: PCT/IN2018/000032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sandipkumar Balasaheb SONAWANE
Original assignee: Sonawane Sandipkumar Balasaheb
Priority date: 2017-06-12
Filing date: 2018-06-07
Publication date: 2018-12-20

Abstract

It has been observed that nanoparticles of any element oxide when properly suspended in the fluid offer potential enhancement/performance of that fluid. The best examples are lubricant oils used for reduction of frictional loss and wear/tear; the thermic fluids used for conduction of heat from point to another point either for heating or cooling applications; the fuels in liquid form are used for energy generation in order to perform different operations. Operating expenditure of process industries is mainly depends on the consumption of power and oil requirement for smooth running of gear boxes, compressors, power packs etc. Overall performance, power consumption, oil consumption and life of these process equipments are mainly depends on the heat carrying capacity of the oil/fluid which is used as a coolant and lubricant. Since thermal conductivity of metallic or non-metallic solid particles is an order of magnitude higher than that of oil/fluid, dispersion of these particles in oil/fluid, even at low concentrations, may result in higher effective thermal conductivity and heat transfer performance of fluid. With this motivation, nanofluid is synthesized for different applications. Power consumption is investigated experimentally before and after use of lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide i.e. using plain oil/fluid of relevant grade and nanofluid oil/fluid of relevant grade separately. For lubricating applications in addition to this, the surface temperatures of this gear box at different locations (drive and driven side near to bearings) are measured. It has been observed that the power consumption of heavy gear box is reduced by 3.5% which results in saving of two hundred electrical units per day. Average surface temperature of the gear box has been reduced by 8.4% with the use of lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide. The main constraint was homogeneous mixing of Nanoparticles which would not form lump or cause clogging leading to fouling of related systems. My invention is a process which overcome this challenge and offer 100% fail safe and homogenous mixing of Nano-Oxide into any of such fluid for relevant application keeping them in dispersed and suspended form without allowing them to settle to form lump or clogging.

Description

Nanotechnology Process for improvement of various performances without fouling for any type of fluid for coolant, lubricant, fuel applications using Nano-Oxide of any basic element

Background of the invention

Conventional fluids with suspended nanometer sized metallic or non-metallic solid particles dispersed in them are termed as nanofluid. The heat transfer performance of conventional fluids such as water, ethylene glycol and engine oil in recent applications such as microelectronics, transportation, space and HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) have a vast scope for improvement, especially where space and size of the heat exchanger, improvement in lubricating and other physical properties are the prime objectives of design in addition to efficiency. In the present invention, fluid based Nano-Oxide is invented for efficient cooling and lubrication of heavy gear box, compressors, power packs etc. In this subject matter, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil. My invention related to fluid based Nano-Oxide is used in the gear box, compressors, power packs etc for cooling and lubrication purpose in order to demonstrate its practical application in various establishments/industries. Power consumption and surface temperature are measured before and after use of fluid based Nano-Oxide. Typicall y in this subject matter, the base fluid is lubricating oil.

Field of the invention: Nanotechnology for performance improvement in any type of fluid based Nano-Oxide

Performance of gear box, compressors, power packs etc is studied using fluid based Nano- Oxide in the present invention. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil. Nano- Oxides have a tendency to agglomerate (formation of lumps) and settle down in any type of fluid because of strong van der Waals forces of attraction which leads to fouling of the systems. Ultrasonic waves of desired frequency and power are passed through the mixture of Nano-.Oxides and any type of fluid in order to break the clusters of Nano-Oxides. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil.

Area of technology:

Nanotechnology for commercial and industrial application of Nano-Oxide

Objective of the invention

• Primary objective of the invention is to develop a process to prepare the any type of foul free fluid based Nano-Oxide of any element for potential commercial and industrial applications in gear box, compressor, power packs, HVAC etc. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil.

• To estimate the reduction in power consumption and surface temperature of gear box, compressor, power pack etc using fluid based Nano-Oxide. In this case, typicall y the base fluid is lubricating oil. 18 000032

2

Nanotechnology Process details of preparation of foul free Nano-Oxide based fluid

Schematic diagram for preparation of lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide is shown in Fig. 01. Nano-Oxides of desired concentration & size are selected for preparation of lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide [Fig. 01 -01 ]. Nano-Oxides and base coolant or lubricant [Fig. 01 -02] are mixed in the mixing chamber [Fig. 01 -03]. Ultrasonic waves of suitable frequency and intensity are passed through the mixture of nanoparticles and base coolant or lubricant in order to break the clusters of nanoparticles [Fig. 01 -04]. Ultrasonic transducer [Fig. 01 -05] submerged in ultrasonication Nanotechnology Process chamber which receives the ultrasonic power of variable frequency through power cable [Fig. 01 -07]. Ultrasonic transducer transmits the ultrasonic waves of variable frequency in the mixture of fluid based Nano- Oxide and breaks the clusters of Nano-Oxide [Fig. 01 -06]. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil. Several trails are carried out in order to decide the ultrasonication time for getting stable suspension of Nano-Oxides in the lubricating oil. Lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide with optimum volume concentration remains stable for 24 hrs after 24 hrs of sonication. Stability of the Nano-Oxide is validated by measuring zeta potential value of the suspension. After the stable period (24 hrs), the nanoparticles start settling down. However, the Nano-Oxides regained stability if they are stirred for a few minutes and then remained stable for approximately the period of stable suspension. No further sonication is required. During the experiments the flow of the fluid based Nano-Oxides ensured good mixing. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil. I have measured the thermophysical properties of the fluid based Nano-Oxides before and after each experimental data set, and found that there is essentially no change in the properties. Additionally, each data set (with the same sample of the fluid based Nano-Oxide) is obtained at three different occasions (separated by a few days) to ascertain repeatability of the data. It shows that the fouling of nanoparticles, if any, is minimal based on this indirect evidence. Prepared lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide [Fig. 01 -08] is then used directly in the gear box, compressor and power pack for cooling and lubrication purpose in order to demonstrate its practical applicability to the industry. Power consumption and surface temperature of gear box, compressor and power pack are monitored for four months before and four months after use of lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide.

Ultrasonic generator with

variable frequency wllli

adjustable power control

Any fluid typically Iu tills 01-04

Naiio-oxide ease lubricating oil

nt-nt 01-02

Power cable

01-07

Ultrasonic

submerged in

ultrasoiitcallon Collecting/receiving

Mixing chainber/agltafor process cli amber chamber for Stable 01-03 01-05 fluid based nauo- oxide ryplrnlly utti iisoiiic-inon process lubricating oil in llik clumber case

01-06 01-08

Fig. 01 Preparation of lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide Nanoparticles of any element of desired concentration & size are selected for

Fig. 01 -01 preparation of fluid based Nano-Oxide. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil

Suitable base fluid is considered for preparation of fluid based Nano-Oxide. In

Fig. 01 -02

this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil

Nano-Oxide and base fluid are mixed in the mixing chamber/agitator. In this

Fig. 01 -03

case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil

Ultrasonic generator with variable frequency with adjustable power control are

Fig. 01 -04 used to supply power to the ultrasonic transducer

Ultrasonic transducer submerged in ultrasonication Nanotechnology Process

Fig. 01 -05 chamber which receives the ultrasonic power of variable frequency through power cable [Fig. 01 -07]

Ultrasonic transducer transmits the ultrasonic waves of variable frequency in the mixture of fluid based Nano-Oxide and breaks the clusters of Nano-Oxide. In this

Fig. 01 -06 case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil

Stable suspension of Nano-Oxide in the base fluid is collected or received in the

Fig. 01 -08

chamber. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil

Summary of the invention

Fluid based Nano-Oxide is invented for foul free and efficient cooling and lubrication of gear box, compressor and power pack. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil. Nano-Oxide volume or weight concentration can be used in the base fluid is varies from 0.0001 % to 50%. In this case, typically the Nano-Oxide volume concentration in the base fluid is 0.3%. Nano-Oxide size of any element can be varies from 1 nm to 100 nm. In this case, typically the Nano-Oxide size is 30 nm and Nano-Oxide material is AI2O3. Invented fluid based Nano-Oxide can remains stable for 1 hrs to 1 year after ultrasonication Nanotechnology Process. In this case, typically the lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide remains stable for 24 hrs after ultrasonication Nanotechnology Process without fouling. Invented base fluid based Nano-Oxide is used directly in the gear box, compressor and power pack for cooling and lubrication purpose. Power consumption and surface temperature of gear box, compressor and power pack are measured before and after use of lubricating oil based Nano- Oxide. Heat carrying capacity of the lubricating oil has been increased due to suspension of Nano-Oxides in the lubricating oil. Encouraging and fascinating results are obtained in the present invention. Power to production ratio of gear box, compressor and power pack is reduced by 3.75% using lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide. In particular, experimental power measurements of gear box have shown saving of two hundred electrical units per day. Minor leakages of lubricating oil have been stopped due to use of lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide. It has been predicted from the experimental results that the evaporation rate of lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide is lower that of plain lubricating oil. As a result the top - up lubricating oil requirement of the heavy gear box, compressor and power pack have been reduced. Average surface temperature of the heavy gear box, compressor and power pack has been reduced by 8.4% with the use of lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide. In conclusion, lubricating oil based Nano-Oxide is proved to be an efficient, power saving and promising coolant for gear box, compressor and power pack and other application of Nanotechnology Process industries.

Advantages and disadvantages

Use of fluid based Nano-Oxide for gear box, compressor and power pack results into following advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

a) Reduction in power per kilogram of production

b) Reduction in surface temperature

c) Optimized enhancement in heat carrying capacity is 30% or more.

d) Reduction in top-up base lubricant or coolant requirement

e) Foul free operation

f) Fluid based Nano-Oxide absorbs and carries 30% more heat from the mating parts of heavy gear boxes, compressors, power packs etc when compared with that of plain fl uid.

g) The product manufactured with my Nanotechnology Process addresses the above

challenges.

Disadvantages

a) Cost of Nano-Oxides is high

b) Sophisticated laboratory with ultrasonication & characterization facilities and skilled technicians are required for preparation of fluid based Nano-Oxide

Limitation

a) Manufacturing of Nano-Oxide powder is a highly specialised process.

b) Handling of Nano powder needs highly controlled and standardized environmental condition.

c) High level skilled experts are necessary to handle the Nano powder.

d) Spreading of Nano powder in air or direct contact with skin could be hazards.

Application area

• Nanotechnology Process industries

• Tyre industries

• Automobile industries

• Material handling industries - cranes, lifts, conveyors etc.

• HVAC industries

• Space and Aviation industries

• Steel and cement industries

• Medical establishments

• Machine Tool Industries

Claims

1 . Foul free dispersion of high thermal conductivity Nano-Oxide in the base fluid is prepared for enhancing of properties for cooling and lubrication of heavy gear box, compressor, power pack etc. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil.

2. The fluid as claimed in 1 , the particle concentration of Nano-Oxide in the fluid may range from 0.0001 % to 50% typically in this case 0.3% by volume or weight.

3. Nanoparticles in the fluid settled down due to their natural property, if the fluid remains stagnant for longer duration. However with my invention it regains original characteristics as per my invented Nanotechnology Process when it again comes into circulation.

4. The fluid as in claim 1 , no surfactant is used for the preparation of fluid based Nano-Oxide. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil.

5. The fluid of claim 1 is used as coolant and lubricant for gear box, compressor and power pack. Power to production ratio of gear box, compressor and power pack is reduced appreciably in this particular case by 3.75% using fluid based Nano-Oxide. In this case, typically the base fluid is lubricating oil.

6. The fluid of claim 1 has reduced the surface temperature appreciably typically in this case by 8.4 %.

7. Production loss/breakdown is drastically reduced by the use of fluid as claimed in No. I i.e Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) is appreciably increased leading to improved performance, productivity index, profitability, quality etc. of the machine.

8. The fluid as claimed in No. 1 increases the life of the mechanical parts subjected to friction, heat, abrasion etc.