RT&L FOCUS AREA(S): General Warfighting Requirements (GWR) TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea; Materials The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with section 3.5 of the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Due to thermal, physical, chemical and oxidative stressors, in-service lubricants may undergo a variety of changes, possibly causing it to exceed specification limits and negatively impacting lubrication performance for various engine applications. Although this may be typical for in-service lubricating oils, we are starting to see a slight uptick in recently procured lubricating oil going off-spec, while in Storage tanks (during a duration of 6 months or less). Physical test properties, such as Foaming Characteristics (ASTM D892), Demulsibility (ASTM D1401), Appearance (ASTM D4176), and Moisture Content (ASTM D6304) are valuable quality measures that are impacted by additive packages. In an effort to understand, screen, prevent and/or mitigate premature degradation of lubricating oil, there is interest in studying lubricating oil additive packages, its effectiveness and impact on oil properties (i.e., foaming, demulsibility, moisture content, etc.), and an initiative to determine if there are causal analysis steps the end user can implement to bring LTL products back on-spec. The overall goal of this study is to prevent product replacement. The interim goal is to build a fingerprinting profile database on the MIL-PRF-17331 commodity for future characterization of the LTL lubricating oil. DESCRIPTION: The goal of this study will be two-fold: 1 Monitor lubricating oil physical test properties, per its relevant specification (i.e., MIL-PRF-17331), as a function of shelf-life time, contaminant intrusion, and additive concentration. 2. Build a lubricating oil Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) library, to monitor and screen lubricating oil conditions, and to establish correlative data between IR spectra and physical test properties. Specification: MIL-PRF-17331, Steam Turbine Lubricating Oil o Test Plan Lab Participation (i.e., Quality Test Labs, R&D Lab, JOAP Lab, etc.) Data Repository (i.e., historical data, Refinery data, spectroscopy library creation, etc.) Instrumentation Info (i.e., Type, Model, etc.) Test Methods (TM) o Sample Plan (on select Batches/Lots) Refinery Retain Sample Truck Retain Sample Tank Receipt Sample Tank Storage Sample (1-month, 3-month, or 6-month) In-Service Lube Sample (Used Oil sample -NAVSEA, JOAP) PHASE I: The intent of PHASE I is to establish a baseline with the Refinery Retain Sample. Measure and correlate the physiochemical properties and spectroscopy properties (as a function of time and/or sample location) of the Refinery Sample from production to end use (ideally). Plan o Correlation Study, Plan A: Refinery data vs Lab test data Refinery provide additive package data. Check mfr. proprietary restrictions SBIR Test Lab(s) provide physiochemical properties of the finished lube & additive concentration via spectroscopy (IR, MS, etc.) o Correlation Study, Plan B: Test data SBIR Test Lab(s) provide physiochemical properties of the finished lube & additive concentration via spectroscopy (IR, MS, etc.) Sample Batch/Lot (Traceability, Sample Location) Refinery sample, Truck Retain, Tank Receipt, Tank Storage (In-Service Lube, if traceable from production to end use) o Additives to Monitor (examples) o Physiochemical Properties (examples) Oxidation Inhibitors Foaming Anti-foam agents Demulsibility Anti-wear agents Total Acid Number (TAN) Viscosity Index improvers Total Base Number PROJECT DURATION and COST: PHASE I: NTE 12 Months $150K- Base NTE $100K base 6-9 Months, - Option 1 NTE $50K base 3-6 Months PHASE II: NTE 24 Months $1.6M - Base 12-18 months, $1M Option 6 Months NTE $.6M PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The phase one period of performance is not to exceed 12 months total. Options are not automatic. Approval is at the discretion of the DLA SBIP Program Manager. The decision is based on Project Performance, Priorities of the Agency, and/or the availability of funding. PHASE II: The Phase II proposal is optional for the Phase I awardee. Phase II selections are based on Phase I performance, Priorities of the Agency and available funding. The intent of Phase II is to build a lubricating oil Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) library, to monitor and screen lubricating oil conditions, and to establish correlative data between IR spectra and physical test properties. The expectation of Phase II is the development of a working lab prototype (TRL 6) and a demonstration of your proposed solution. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: No specific funding is associated with Phase III. The successful awardee must plan to deliver a fully functional product to DLA Energy and NAVAIR COMMERCIALIZATION: The firm will pursue commercialization of the various technologies and processes developed in prior phases through participation in future DLA procurement actions on items identified but not limited to this BAA. REFERENCES: Product Specification: MIL-PRF-17331L(SH): LUBRICATING OIL, STEAM TURBINE AND GEAR, MODERATE SERVICE Applicable product grade: Industrial Oil, Steam Turbine (LTL) Applicable Test Methods: ASTM D892 - Foaming Characteristics of Lubricating Oils ASTM D1401 - Water Separability of Petroleum Oils and Synthetic Fluids ASTM D4176 - Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures) ASTM D6304 - Determination of Water in Petroleum Products, Lubricating Oils, and Additives by Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration
