From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Laboratory report on engine lubrication, detailing experiments with mineral oils and fatty acids.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 16\1\ Scan172 | |
| Date | 24th June 1925 | |
| X740 Sor. c to Ry. c to Rg.{Mr Rowledge} c to EP.{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} c to Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} c to Hx. H111/EA24.6.25. Laboratory. LUBRICATION. As the result of experiments lasting over a considerable period, we have come to the conclusion that the best lubricants for general engine lubrication are mineral oils of a certain class containing either a considerable quantity (at least 10%) fatty oil or about 0.8% fatty acid. Perfect blends can be obtained, which will stand high or low temperatures and protracted storage. The question of possible corrosion due to the fatty acid has been investigated and we find that even in the presence of a trace of water this is in no way increased by the fatty acid present. The acid appears to be quite harmless even at a much greater concentration than would be used in a lubricant (a fatty acid is not comparable in any way with a mineral acid, for steel, copper, brass, aluminium etc. can be soaked in hot strong fatty acid for long periods without tarnish.) EP{G. Eric Platford - Chief Quality Engineer} has informed me that there is room for improvement in quietness etc of certain gears and that they do not always attain 100% quality in this respect. The value of a good film-forming lubricant is specially important in this connection and during running in. As the result of 2 years experience with 2 cars I may state that very soft running has been attained concurrently with very cool engines and exceptional power etc. by the use of a certain class mineral oil containing about 1% fatty acid. This is confirmed by laboratory tests on the oil and also by a report on a German research, Journal of Society of Chemical Industry June 19, 1925, which also makes reference to another investigation made, and reported in 1920. Further particulars can be given if desired. Hl. Hc | ||