Novel experimental setup to assess surfaces in tribo-contact lubricated by the next generation of environmentally friendly thermo-fluids.

Abstract

Environmental concerns related to global warming and ozone depletion triggered the introduction of the fourth generation of thermo-fluids. Amongst the recently introduced thermo-fluids, one of the most promising fourth generation of thermo-fluids are Hydrofluoroethers (HFEs). Hydrofluoroethers have zero ozone depletion potential and have a lower global warming potential as compared to widely used thermo-fluids. The type of thermo-fluid used in a thermodynamic cycle directly affects the tribological performance of the system. HFEs have been reported to have good thermodynamic properties. The overall tribological performance of Hydrofluoroethers however have to be investigated in detail in-order to fully assess the mechanical behaviour of interacting components utilizing these thermo-fluids. This study is concerned with the experimental test rig design modifications and commissioning to conduct tribological testing with HFEs as lubricants. This article covers the experimental test rig design and setup. Experiments to analyse the frictional force, the coefficient of friction and wear by using Hydrofluororther-7000 (HFE-347mcc3) as lubrication medium have been conducted. Industrial applications were simulated by varying test conditions and the results are presented in this paper.