ExxonMobil has announced the first firing of a new crosshead slow speed test engine to drive forward its research and development of next generation cylinder and system oils for the marine industry.
The bespoke test engine will provide ExxonMobil with a platform for meeting the needs of increasingly complex engine designs driven by changing regulation affecting the industry, the company said in a prepared statement.
Engines are now operating under more varied and demanding conditions, placing new challenges on the engine lubrication.
The test engine offers an advanced method for lubricant development, which will help speed up the timeline for bringing new products to market. The formulation of next-generation cylinder oils that are aligned to customers’ needs will help them to address tomorrow’s challenges and play a key part in improving engine protection and performance.
“Our test engine is an exciting step forward for the industry,” said Steve Walker, global marine equipment builder manager at ExxonMobil. “ExxonMobil’s commitment to developing next-generation lubricants will support the marine industry’s pursuit of increased performance, protection and efficiency.”
The test engine offers unique capabilities due to its configurable bore-stroke ratio and its ability to simulate a wide range of new engine design parameters.