The new engine, which will be used in developing and testing new formulations and in undertaking fundamental marine lubricants research, is based on an original MAN 5L 16/24 unit and has undergone an innovative re-design as 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 two stroke and four 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 lets us compare two formulations at the same time under precisely the same temperature and pressure conditions, said Denis Lancon, head of the marine lubricants team at Solaize. 'Carrying out two tests at the same time means more tests are possible on a given formulation within a given time frame. The very high safety margins of the MAN 5L 16/24 mean we can push lubricants much further in testing, and it also allows us to obtain meaningful results faster, more than doubling our previous testing productivity.'

MJ Information No: 207114