Mobil Oil Corporation

Brian K Peterson

Andrew Jackson

A multi-phase lubricant composition useful in a process for lubricating one or more operating components which are exposed to an operating condition change is described. Under a condition at which the lubricants are at least partially miscible, the phases combine to provide a lubricant having a physical property which is modified to be more appropriate for lubricating under the new condition, such as a higher viscosity. Typically the lubricants are at least partially miscible at an elevated temperature and at least partially immiscible at lower temperatures. A density difference between the phases is preferred for ease of separating the phases. The composition is preferably a combination of a hydrocarbon oil and a polyalkylene glycol such as polypropylene glycol.

Multi-phase lubricant

A hydraulic system employing multi-phase hydraulic fluids in which a first phase hydraulic fluid has its properties modified by the addition of a second phase hydraulic fluid is described. Effective hydraulic actuation is achieved in a single system under extreme conditions, typically high and low temperatures.

Multi-phase fluids for a hydraulic system

An apparatus for lubricating an operating component of a system in which the operating component is exposed to a range of conditions, such as a range of temperatures, which require adjustment of at least one physical property of the lubricant is described. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the operating component is located within a lubricant reservoir which contains a first lubricant of low density and high viscosity and a second lubricant of higher density and lower viscosity. During certain operating conditions, the lubricants are at least partially immiscible, usually at lower temperatures, and the first lubricant is appropriate for those operating conditions. A change in at least one operating condition which promotes at least partial miscibility of the lubricants, such as higher temperatures, causes the first and second lubricants to mix, at least partially, and form a third lubricant. The third lubricant has at least one property which differs from that of the first and second lubricants, usually a different viscosity. The third lubricant contacts the operating component and is more appropriate for lubricating under the condition which causes at least partial miscibility. In an alternative embodiment the operating component is not located within the lubricant reservoir and the lubricant is conveyed to the operating component. Processes for lubricating are also described.

Multi-phase lubricant process for lubricating with multi-phase lubricants

An apparatus for lubricating an operating component of a system in which the operating component is exposed to a range of conditions, such as a range of temperatures which require adjustment of at least one physical property of the lubricant, is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus is useful for lubricating more than one operating component, each operating under a different operating condition. The apparatus utilizes a first lubricant and a second lubricant which are at least partially miscible, under a condition of at least partial miscibility, usually an elevated temperature. Under the condition of at least partial miscibility, the lubricants combine to provide a third lubricant. The third lubricant is dispensed to the operating component in response to a change in at least one operating condition which requires the properties of the third lubricant for efficient lubrication.

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Yardley, PA, United States of America

Brian K Peterson