SOLUBILIZATION AND HANDLING OF

LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES

OLEFIN COPOLYMER VISCOSITY MODIFIER

REVISED JUNE 2003

Solubilization and Handling of Lubrizol 7060 Series

OLEFIN COPOLYMER Viscosity ModifiersCONTENTSPage

2Introduction

3Benefits of Solubilization of Solid Polymer by the Customer

Lubrizol 7060 Series Solubilization Guidelines

4

General Information

5

Solubilization in the Laboratory

6

Plant Solubilization

10

Typical Plant Solubilization Cycle

11

Example of Plant Solubilization Unit for Lubrizol 7060 Series - Diagram

12

Mixer Recommendations

Lubrizol 7070 Series Viscosity Modifier Concentrates

14

Handling and Storage

15

Blending Finished Oils in the Laboratory

16

Blending Finished Oils in the Laboratory

18

Special Handling NoteSolubilization and Handling of Lubrizol 7060 Series

oLEFIN COPOLYMER Viscosity ModifiersINTRODUCTION

The Lubrizol 7070 Series is a family of Olefin Copolymer non-dispersant viscosity modifiers designed for use in formulating multigrade passenger car and diesel engine oils, and hydraulic tractor transmission fluids. These viscosity modifiers are available in solid/block form, (Lubrizol 7060 Series), and in various diluted versions.

SSISolid PolymerLiquid VM Concentrate

50

LZ 7060ALZ 7070D

9.0% LZ7060A in 100N

35

LZ 7065LZ 7075F

9.5% LZ 7065 in 100N

25

LZ 7067LZ 7077D

13.0% LZ 7067 in 100N

BENEFITS OF SOLUBILIZATION OF SOLID POLYMER

BY THE CUSTOMER

Lubrizol 7060 Series is easy to solubilize. The solubilization temperature is 120C (248F) minimum and 130C (266F) maximum. At these elevated temperatures, use of nitrogen atmosphere is recommended. No special blending equipment is required. At lower temperatures, full solubilization can be accomplished, but with increased cycle times. An absolute minimum of 93C (200F) is recommended.

Solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series by the oil marketer provides the following benefits:

Flexibility to choose the base stock for solubilization.

- Low cost, readily available base oil

- High quality base oil for optimal performance

Savings on freight costs via shipping solid polymer rather than a diluted product.

Savings from reduced liquid inventory.

Savings on total formulating costs.

LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES SOLUBILIZATION GUIDELINESGENERAL INFORMATIONLubrizol 7060 Series is a solid polymer block. The block must be shredded or chopped into small particles by mechanical means. After shredding, solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series is easily accomplished using conventional equipment. This ease of solubilization has been proven in the laboratory, pilot plant, and numerous plant trials.

Solubilization is a function of time, temperature, chopped particle size, mixing ability, polymer concentration, and base oil type. The information given here is based on Lubrizols experience and only provides general guidelines for required equipment and operating parameters for the solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series. Customer specific blending and handling instructions in greater detail will be provided as required.

Solubilization in the LaboratoryThe following summarizes the recommendations for solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series in the laboratory:

Temperature: 120 - 130C (248 - 266F)

Base Oil: 100 - 200 Solvent Neutral. Solubilization in heavier base stocks is possible, but time to achieve complete solubilization may be excessive in stocks heavier than 200 Neutral.

Lubrizol 7060 Series Concentration: Up to 9% by weight for LZ 7060; up to 11%w for LZ 7065; up to 13%w for LZ 7067. Higher concentrations may be possible but would require specific feasibility studies.

Stirrer: Paddle-type or high speed, high-shear mixer (Silverson-type). Magnetic stirrers are not recommended.

Time Required: Complete solubilization is usually accomplished under the above conditions in two to four hours.

Procedure: Slice the Lubrizol 7060 Series into small pieces. Preheat the oil to 120 - 130C. Add the pieces while stirring the oil. During solubilization, avoid sticking of viscosity modifier concentrate on the container walls by occasionally scraping the walls with a spatula. Solubilization is complete when there are no visible particles of solid polymer in the oil and when a constant viscosity at 100C (210F) has been achieved.

Please note: Lubrizols experience has shown that Lubrizol 7060 Series is usually easier to solubilize in the plant than under small scale laboratory conditions.

* Solubilization time is faster when Lubrizol 7060 Series is divided into smaller pieces.

Plant SolubilizationSolubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series in the plant is accomplished using conventional equipment found in many lube oil plants with the addition of a shredder. The excellent solubility of Lubrizol 7060 Series allows solubilization at temperatures as low as 93C (200F).

Following are recommended conditions, equipment and procedures for the solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series. However, our best practices recommendations are based on a minimum solubilization temperature of 120C (248F).

Conditions:

Shredding: Polymer is chopped/granulated into the smallest possible pieces, 1/4 maximum particle size preferred. Smaller pieces will minimize solubilization time.

Solubilization: Shredded viscosity modifier is added to oil with good agitation at 120 -130C. Addition of polymer should be at a rate sufficient to prevent sticking of particles. The material is then maintained at 120 -130C (248 - 266C) and held until solubilization is complete. Lower temperatures will increase cycle time.

Base Oil: 100 - 200 Solvent Neutral. Solubilization in more viscous base stocks is possible, but time to achieve complete solubilization may be excessive in these more viscous base stocks.

Lubrizol 7060 Series Concentration: Up to 9% by weight for LZ 7060; up to 11%w for LZ 7065; up to 13%w for LZ 7067. Higher concentrations may be possible but would require specific feasibility studies.

Time Required: Depending on polymer particle size, approximate solubilization time after achieving solubilization temperature is 2-3 hours.

Plant Solubilization (continued)Equipment

Available tank (construction - carbon steel). Internal baffles will aid the dispersion of the polymer throughout the solubilizing oil. The baffles should be spaced 3 -4 inches from the tank wall and slightly below the liquid surface.

Positive displacement circulating pump.

Top entering agitator - Solubilization is possible with a wide variety of blade configurations, motor sizes, etc., depending on solubilizing time requirements.

Heat Source - Internal or external heating coils with minimum steam pressure capable of pre-heating oil to 120C (248F) minimum. External heating is preferred. Use of a heat exchanger is not recommended.

Shredder/Chopper

Access to the top of the tank for introduction of shredded Lubrizol 7060 Series.

Three-inch diameter minimum transfer lines. Steam tracing and/or insulation can improve transfer characteristics.

Solubilization Procedure

Base oil is introduced into the tank and heated to a minimum temperature of 120C (248F). As the addition begins, the agitator should be started to effectively disperse the polymer and begin the solubilization process. Temperature is increased to 130C (266F) to achieve full solubilization. The circulation pump is started after the batch temperature reaches 100C (210F). Lower temperatures will increase cycle time. A minimum solubilization temperature of 93C (200F) is recommended.

Plant Solubilization (continued)The shredded polymer, from the shredder/chopper, is introduced through the tank manway either manually or by using appropriate mechanical or pneumatic equipment.

The key to the process is to maintain adequate temperature polymer shredding and mixing. External coil or jacket heating is preferred. Shell and tube heat exchangers are not recommended since they have a tendency to plug. Use of internal coils will reduce the mixing efficiency, and they can leak coolant into the product causing a haze.

The initial lab sample should be taken when there is no evidence of free floating solids. Normally, this is 1-3 hours after achieving solubilization temperature of 120-130C (248-266F). Solubilization is complete when a constant viscosity is achieved.

Typical guidelines to follow for actual solubilization would be as follows:

1.Close the tank bottom valve.

2.Add the formula quantity of oil to just cover the top mixer blade.

3.Start the mixer; begin heating.

4. When oil reaches a minimum temperature of 120C (248F), add the formula quantity of Lubrizol 7060 Series at a rate of approximately one block per minute. Seal the tank.

Note (1): The rate of bale addition is dependent on the equipment.

Note (2): The individual blocks are wrapped with a special film that does not require removal and is designed to be dissolved during solubilization.

Plant Solubilization (continued)5.If possible, nitrogen-purge the vapor space of the tank to remove oxygen to avoid possible darkening due to oxidation. (May not be critical in some applications.) Then maintain a small five SCFM nitrogen-purge throughout processing.

6.Heat the batch as fast as possible to 120 - 130C (248 - 266F) while mixing only.7.After reaching 120C (248F), start circulating and sample one quart to check for gel type (polymer) particles by pouring the quart sample through a 60-mesh screen; then inspect the screen for gel or "fish eyes" to determine if solubilization is complete. Also, the oil-blended viscosity should be determined to ensure the polymer has completely dissolved and to verify the correct quantities were added. The kinematic viscosity should remain constant within the test repeatability.

8.When solubilization is complete, cool to 65C (149F).

9. Transfer to storage/blending.

An example of a Typical Plant Solubilization Cycle and a Plant Solubilization Unit for Lubrizol 7060 Series is provided at the end of this document.

Solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series

Viscosity ModifierSMixer Recommendations for Typical Solubilization TanksRecommend using Lightnin Series 70 Mixer

Use A200 Impeller blades

Low pressure stuffing box

Carbon steel construction

All motors TEFC 1750 rpm

Mixer speed equals 45 rpm

Solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series

Viscosity ModifiersMixer Recommendations for Typical Solubilization Tanks

Shaft Upper Lower Baffle

Tank SizeMotorLengthImpellorImpellor Width

(MT/Gals.) (hp)(Inches)(Inches)(Inches)(Inches)

17/5,000 7.515648344

20/6,000 7.515660485

24/7,10010.016260485

27/8,00010.018360485

33/10,00015.018372506

Four internal baffle spaced at 90 degrees; 3 inches from tank wall,

5 inches wide and 84 inches long.

Handling and Storage of Lubrizol 7070 Series

Viscosity Modifier Concentrates

Lubrizol 7070 Series concentrates can be easily handled and utilized in blending operation using equipment typical of that used for handling other viscous materials.

The following are recommendations which can facilitate storage and handling of Lubrizol 7070 Series viscosity modifier concentrates.

1.The concentrate should be stored in a dedicated, insulated tank.

2.Storage can be maintained at a minimum of 40C. However, a heat source should be available so that pumping can be accomplished at 60 - 80C (140 - 176F).

3.An agitator is not required unless further dilution or blending is to be done in

the storage tank.

4.A positive displacement pump is recommended for the storage tank.

5.All transfer lines are recommended to be 3 inches in diameter minimum. Steam tracing and insulation can improve transfer characteristics. Lines should be flushed or air-blown prior to use in another service. Dedicated piping is preferred. Line temperatures excess of 70C (158F) should be avoided.

The above equipment and handling recommendations are only suggestions. Various methods and types of equipment, including configurations less

sophisticated than those described above, have been successfully utilized for handling Lubrizol 7070 Series concentrates.

FINISHED OIL BLENDING in the LaboratoryThe following summarizes the recommendations for blending finished oils containing Lubrizol 7060 Series in the laboratory:

Begin blending by charging the beaker with the total base oil volume.

Operate mixer and heat to 150(F/ 66(C to 175(F/ 80(C. Use Paddle-type stirrer with adequate vortex. Magnetic stirrers are not recommended.

With oil temperature at or above 150(F/ 66(C, add the VM concentrate while mixing for 2 hours or until homogeneous. Temperature must be maintained at 150(F/ 66(C to 175(F/ 80(C during blending of the VM.

Add DI package(s) at the recommended temperature.

After adding the DI, turn off heating and continue to operate the mixer for 1 hour or until homogeneous.

Check finished oil viscosity to be sure all components are homogeneous.

BLENDING FINISHED OILS USING

LUBRIZOL7070 SERIES

VISCOSITY MODIFIER CONCENTRATES

The following are recommendations that can facilitate the blending of 7070 series concentrates into finished oils:

Typical Batch Blending Procedure

1. Begin blending with the initial oil charge to minimum 75% of the total blend volume.

2. Operate mixer and heat to 150(F/ 66(C to 175(F/ 80(C.

3. With oil temperature at or above 150(F/ 66(C begin adding the VM concentrate while mixing for 2 hours or until homogeneous. Temperature must be maintained at 150(F/ 66(C to 175(F/ 80(C during blending of the VM.

4. Add DI package(s) at the recommended temperature with the remaining 25% oil volume at ambient temp. This will allow for adequate cooling of the final blend for transfer to storage or packaging.

5. After adding the DI and remaining oil turn off heating and continue to operate the mixer for 1 hour or until homogeneous.

6. Check finished oil viscosity to be sure all components are homogeneous before pumping to storage or packaging.

BLENDING FINISHED OILS USING

LUBRIZOL7070 SERIES

VISCOSITY MODIFIER CONCENTRATES

Typical In-Line or Continuous Blending Procedure

Key to success with this blending equipment is maintaining adequate and consistent component blending temperatures upon entering the in-line blender. The same applies to batch blending as without adequate heat applied to blend the Oil, VM and DI components you will not have a homogeneous mixture in the finished oil. For example, a typical in-line blender component temperature profile would be Base Oil 100(F/ 38(C ; VM 210(F/ 100(C ; DI 130(F/ 54(C. If the base oil temperature was not maintained and dropped below 100(F/ 38(C in this in-line blender configuration then polymer drop-out would occur in the finished oil. Heating is also a critical element of this process and needs to be given the necessary attention to be sure a homogeneous mixture occurs regardless of the in-line mixer configuration.

Special Handling Note

Lubrizol 7070 Series VM Concentrates

In order to reinforce the importance of adequate heat, agitation, blending times and blending process, the following is a list of best practices for the use of Lubrizol 7090 Series VM Concentrates in Batch Blending:

What to Avoid

What to Do (Best Practices)

1. Do not use Lubrizol 7070 Series VM Concentrates at ambient temperatures. This may lead to incomplete dissolving in the lubricant, and subsequent compatibility issues.

1. Store the Lubrizol 7070 Series VM concentrate at a minimum of 40(C (104(F). If the concentrate cannot be stored at this temperature, then it should be heated to 40(C (104(F) for one hour with adequate mixing before use.

2. Do not blend finished oils without first blending the Lubrizol 7070 Series VM Concentrate with 75% or more of the full base oil charge.

2. Begin the production of a batch of finished lubricant by thoroughly mixing the 7070 Series VM concentrate into at least 75% of the base oil for a minimum of 2 hours at 150 - 175(F.

3. Do not blend finished oils without adequate heating, agitation or mixing time.

3. It is important to ensure that all additives are thoroughly mixed and heated.

4. Do not pre-mix Lubrizol 7070 VM Concentrate with other additives.

4. The order of blend addition is important. The VM concentrate should be thoroughly mixed in at least 75% of the base oil with adequate temperature and mixing for 2 hours before adding additional additives.

5. Avoid contamination of Lubrizol 7070 VM Concentrates with other additives.5. Use dedicated, heat traced lines for unloading liquid VM concentrates. When equipment (pumps, lines, filters) cannot be dedicated, a thorough oil flush should be used to prevent additive contamination.

6. When using continuous blending equipment, do not use ambient temperature base oil or Lubrizol 7070 VM concentrate.

6. Continuous blending requires that special attention be given to completely blending the VM concentrate with the base oil. This may mean thoroughly pre-mixing the VM concentrate with base oil as described above, or that the VM concentrate and base oil be adequately heated before introducing them into the continuous blender.

TYPICAL PLANT SOLUBILIZATION CYCLE

LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES VM

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Cycle Time (Hours)

Activity

Operator Time

Pumpout

Cool to 149oF

Dissolve

Add Polymer

Mix

Hold

Heat

Charge Oil

Symbol CodeM - MotorTI - Temperature Indicator

Dissolving Tank * 70M3 (40 MT) Cone Roof & Bottom * Agitator 15 HP, 68 RPM * 12 Inch Minimum Feed Manway * Insulated with External Heating/Cooling Coils/Jacket * Equipped with Baffles * Material of Construction - Carbon Steel

Solunit.ppt

Circulating and Transfer PumpPositive Displacement, 10 HP,1760 RPM, 50 GPM

Transfer LinesLines Should be 3 Inch DiameterMinimum. Steam Tracing andInsulation can aid Transfer ofLiquid Viscosity Improver

Typical Utility ConsumptionPer 40 MT BatchElectricity 250 - 300 KWHSteam 7,000 - 10,000 lbs.

Polymer AdditionPolymer Particles are Addedto Dissolving Tank viathe Open Manway EitherManually or by Use ofPneumatic or MechanicalConveyer

EXAMPLE OF PLANT SOLUBILIZATION UNIT FOR LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES

M

TI

M

Vent

To Oil Blendingor V.I. Storage

Oil

Condensate

Steam15-50 PSIG

110 to130oC