HIGH-QUALITY BASE OIL PRODUCTION
Low Energy Polymer Dissolving (LEPD)
The LEPD technology is an innovative, patented process for dissolving and blending viscosity index improvers (VI improvers) into base oils.
With LEPD, EDL offers a novel method for gently melting viscosity index improvers directly into the base oil without mechanical degradation. This alternative process approach is expected to deliver positive effects both in plant operation and in the resulting product properties.
Technology Overview
Polymers (VI improver) that are melted directly into the base oil.
High-quality base oils
In this patented process, the polymer is gently melted into the base oil under inert gas conditions, at pressures of up to 10 bar and temperatures below 100 °C, inside a liquefaction chamber. The chamber is continuously flushed with lubricating oil, which becomes enriched with the polymer to the desired concentration.
In addition to economic benefits, the process offers:
- Lower thermal input due to reduced process temperature
- Energy savings compared to conventional plant systems
- Cost savings, as no additives such as antioxidants are required during the melting process
Additional advantages of the process:
- No risk of turbidity or coking during the melting process
- Higher final quality of the finished oils
- Improved lubricating properties of the product since the polymer chain structure is preserved in the gentle solution process.
To facilitate testing directly at the client’s site, EDL offers a skid-mounted pilot plant available for rental. This allows clients to conveniently test their own lube oil formulations on-site under realistic conditions.
The results obtained from these trials can be easily scaled up to industrial production levels. Thus, a reliable basis for plant design and planning is provided to the client, as well as confidence in achieving the targeted product quality.
Technology Flyer
English
