A test engine plays a key role in the development process, so having a proper marine engine specially adapted for research purposes gives us a big advantage.'

The new engine, based on an original MAN B&W 5L 16/24 (160 mm bore, 240 mm stroke) unit, has undergone an innovative re-design specified by Lubmarine.

Its five cylinders have been specially re-configured into three separate lubrication circuits, two for testing and one for operational requirements. It has also been fitted with multiple high tech sensors and a comprehensive electronic control and information management system. It is equipped to analyse exhaust gas, in anticipation of future more stringent environmental controls on emissions of particles and oxides of sulphur and nitrogen.

The Innovator-4C will be used for validating both 2 stroke and 4 stroke engine oil formulations before proceeding to in-service trials and for fundamental research including experiments with new additives, synthetic and biodegradable base stocks.

The cylinder configuration of the Innovator-4C allows Lubmarine to compare two formulations at the same time under precisely the same temperature and pressure conditions. Carrying out two tests at the same time means more tests are possible on a given formulation within a given time frame. Very high safety margins on the MAN B&W engine allow lubricants to be pushed further in testing and meaningful results are obtained faster, more than doubling previous testing productivity.

MJ Information No: 18137