Synthetic Lubricating & Hydraulic Oil for Motion Control, Steam Turbines and Gears, Military Symbol 2190-TEP Replacement

Existing MIL-PRF-17331 petroleum based fluids (military symbol 2190-TEP) no longer exhibit acceptable performance at the high performance levels required of Navy submarine platforms. The service life of fluids procured in accordance with MIL-PRF-17331 have experienced high depletion rates of fluid antioxidant (AO) additive packages, sharp increases in fluid Total Acid Number (TAN) and severe off-gassing events during the extended operation. In addition, increasingly high oil replacement and disposal costs consume dwindling fleet maintenance dollars. Under the Phase I program, METSS investigated the technical feasibility of combining synthetic basestocks and additives to provide superior performance properties with respect to antiwear characteristics, oxidative stability and corrosion protection. Under the proposed Phase II program, METSS will optimize the performance of these new materials with regard to these properties and develop a completely new class synthetic marine lubricants that will lower shipboard maintenance costs, improve the operational readiness of various critical ship systems, and extend the performance and service life of high precision propulsion and shipboard motion control devices. The proposed program will also address additional issues related to personnel safety, environmental impact and use costs. The Phase II efforts will clearly define and support a viable path for technology commercialization and field implementation.