SOLUBILIZATION AND HANDLING OF

LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES

OLEFIN COPOLYMER VISCOSITY MODIFIER

REVISED JUNE 2003

SOLUBILIZATION AND HANDLING OF LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES

OLEFIN COPOLYMER VISCOSITY MODIFIERS

CONTENTS
Page
2

Introduction

Benefits of Solubilization of Solid Polymer by the Customer

Lubrizol 7060 Series Solubilization Guidelines

4

General Information

Solubilization in the Laboratory

Plant Solubilization

10

Typical Plant Solubilization Cycle

11

Example of Plant Solubilization Unit for Lubrizol 7060 Series -

Diagram
12

Mixer Recommendations
Lubrizol 7070 Series Viscosity Modifier Concentrates

14

Handling and Storage

15

Blending Finished Oils in the Laboratory

16

Blending Finished Oils in the Laboratory

18

Special Handling Note

SOLUBILIZATION AND HANDLING OF LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES

OLEFIN COPOLYMER VISCOSITY MODIFIERS

INTRODUCTION

The Lubrizol 7070 Series is a family of Olefin Copolymer non-dispersant viscosity

modifiers designed for use in formulating multigrade passenger car and diesel
engine oils, and hydraulic tractor transmission fluids. These viscosity modifiers are
available in solid/block form, (Lubrizol 7060 Series), and in various diluted versions.

SSI

Solid Polymer

Liquid VM Concentrate

50

LZ 7060A

LZ 7070D
9.0% LZ7060A in 100N

35

LZ 7065

LZ 7075F
9.5% LZ 7065 in 100N

25

LZ 7067

LZ 7077D
13.0% LZ 7067 in 100N

BENEFITS OF SOLUBILIZATION OF SOLID POLYMER

BY THE CUSTOMER

Lubrizol 7060 Series is easy to solubilize. The solubilization temperature is 120C

(248F) minimum and 130C (266F) maximum. At these elevated temperatures,
use of nitrogen atmosphere is recommended. No special blending equipment is
required. At lower temperatures, full solubilization can be accomplished, but with
increased cycle times. An absolute minimum of 93C (200F) is recommended.

Solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series by the oil marketer provides the following
benefits:

Flexibility to choose the base stock for solubilization.

- Low cost, readily available base oil
- High quality base oil for optimal performance

Savings on freight costs via shipping solid polymer rather than a diluted
product.

Savings from reduced liquid inventory.

Savings on total formulating costs.

LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES SOLUBILIZATION GUIDELINES

GENERAL INFORMATION

Lubrizol 7060 Series is a solid polymer block. The block must be shredded or
chopped into small particles by mechanical means. After shredding, solubilization
of Lubrizol 7060 Series is easily accomplished using conventional equipment. This
ease of solubilization has been proven in the laboratory, pilot plant, and numerous
plant trials.

Solubilization is a function of time, temperature, chopped particle size, mixing

ability, polymer concentration, and base oil type. The information given here is
based on Lubrizols experience and only provides general guidelines for required
equipment and operating parameters for the solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series.
Customer specific blending and handling instructions in greater detail will be
provided as required.

SOLUBILIZATION IN THE LABORATORY

The following summarizes the recommendations for solubilization of Lubrizol 7060
Series in the laboratory:

Temperature: 120 - 130C (248 - 266F)

Base Oil: 100 - 200 Solvent Neutral. Solubilization in heavier base stocks is
possible, but time to achieve complete solubilization may be excessive in
stocks heavier than 200 Neutral.

Lubrizol 7060 Series Concentration: Up to 9% by weight for LZ 7060; up to

11%w for LZ 7065; up to 13%w for LZ 7067. Higher concentrations may be
possible but would require specific feasibility studies.

Stirrer: Paddle-type or high speed, high-shear mixer (Silverson-type).

Magnetic stirrers are not recommended.

Time Required: Complete solubilization is usually accomplished under the

above conditions in two to four hours.

Procedure: Slice the Lubrizol 7060 Series into small pieces. Preheat the oil to
120 - 130C. Add the pieces while stirring the oil. During solubilization, avoid
sticking of viscosity modifier concentrate on the container walls by occasionally
scraping the walls with a spatula. Solubilization is complete when there are no
visible particles of solid polymer in the oil and when a constant viscosity at
100C (210F) has been achieved.

Please note: Lubrizols experience has shown that Lubrizol 7060 Series is usually
easier to solubilize in the plant than under small scale laboratory
conditions.
* Solubilization time is faster when Lubrizol 7060 Series is divided into smaller pieces.

PLANT SOLUBILIZATION

Solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series in the plant is accomplished using

conventional equipment found in many lube oil plants with the addition of a
shredder. The excellent solubility of Lubrizol 7060 Series allows solubilization at
temperatures as low as 93C (200F).
Following are recommended conditions, equipment and procedures for the
solubilization of Lubrizol 7060 Series. However, our best practices
recommendations are based on a minimum solubilization temperature of 120C
(248F).
Conditions:

Shredding: Polymer is chopped/granulated into the smallest possible pieces,

1/4 maximum particle size preferred. Smaller pieces will minimize
solubilization time.

Solubilization: Shredded viscosity modifier is added to oil with good agitation

at 120 -130C. Addition of polymer should be at a rate sufficient to prevent
sticking of particles. The material is then maintained at 120 -130C (248 266C) and held until solubilization is complete. Lower temperatures will
increase cycle time.

Base Oil: 100 - 200 Solvent Neutral. Solubilization in more viscous base
stocks is possible, but time to achieve complete solubilization may be
excessive in these more viscous base stocks.

Lubrizol 7060 Series Concentration: Up to 9% by weight for LZ 7060; up to

11%w for LZ 7065; up to 13%w for LZ 7067. Higher concentrations may be
possible but would require specific feasibility studies.

Time Required: Depending on polymer particle size, approximate

solubilization time after achieving solubilization temperature is 2-3 hours.

PLANT SOLUBILIZATION (continued)

Equipment

Available tank (construction - carbon steel). Internal baffles will aid the
dispersion of the polymer throughout the solubilizing oil. The baffles should be
spaced 3 -4 inches from the tank wall and slightly below the liquid surface.

Positive displacement circulating pump.

Top entering agitator - Solubilization is possible with a wide variety of blade

configurations, motor sizes, etc., depending on solubilizing time requirements.

Heat Source - Internal or external heating coils with minimum steam pressure
capable of pre-heating oil to 120C (248F) minimum. External heating is
preferred. Use of a heat exchanger is not recommended.

Shredder/Chopper

Access to the top of the tank for introduction of shredded Lubrizol 7060 Series.

Three-inch diameter minimum transfer lines. Steam tracing and/or insulation

can improve transfer characteristics.

Solubilization Procedure
Base oil is introduced into the tank and heated to a minimum temperature of 120C
(248F). As the addition begins, the agitator should be started to effectively
disperse the polymer and begin the solubilization process. Temperature is
increased to 130C (266F) to achieve full solubilization. The circulation pump is
started after the batch temperature reaches 100C (210F). Lower temperatures
will increase cycle time. A minimum solubilization temperature of 93C (200F) is
recommended.

PLANT SOLUBILIZATION (continued)

The shredded polymer, from the shredder/chopper, is introduced through the tank
manway either manually or by using appropriate mechanical or pneumatic
equipment.
The key to the process is to maintain adequate temperature polymer shredding and
mixing. External coil or jacket heating is preferred. Shell and tube heat exchangers
are not recommended since they have a tendency to plug. Use of internal coils will
reduce the mixing efficiency, and they can leak coolant into the product causing a
haze.
The initial lab sample should be taken when there is no evidence of free floating
solids. Normally, this is 1-3 hours after achieving solubilization temperature of 120130C (248-266F). Solubilization is complete when a constant viscosity is
achieved.
Typical guidelines to follow for actual solubilization would be as follows:
1.

Close the tank bottom valve.

2.

Add the formula quantity of oil to just cover the top mixer blade.

3.

Start the mixer; begin heating.

4.

When oil reaches a minimum temperature of 120C (248F), add the formula
quantity of Lubrizol 7060 Series at a rate of approximately one block per
minute. Seal the tank.

Note (1): The rate of bale addition is dependent on the equipment.

Note (2): The individual blocks are wrapped with a special film that does not require
removal and is designed to be dissolved during solubilization.

PLANT SOLUBILIZATION (continued)

5.

If possible, nitrogen-purge the vapor space of the tank to remove oxygen to

avoid possible darkening due to oxidation. (May not be critical in some
applications.) Then maintain a small five SCFM nitrogen-purge throughout
processing.

6.

Heat the batch as fast as possible to 120 - 130C (248 - 266F) while mixing
only.

7.

After reaching 120C (248F), start circulating and sample one quart to check
for gel type (polymer) particles by pouring the quart sample through a 60mesh screen; then inspect the screen for gel or "fish eyes" to determine if
solubilization is complete. Also, the oil-blended viscosity should be determined
to ensure the polymer has completely dissolved and to verify the correct
quantities were added. The kinematic viscosity should remain constant within
the test repeatability.

8.

When solubilization is complete, cool to 65C (149F).

9.

Transfer to storage/blending.

An example of a Typical Plant Solubilization Cycle and a Plant Solubilization Unit for
Lubrizol 7060 Series is provided at the end of this document.

SOLUBILIZATION OF LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES

VISCOSITY MODIFIERS

MIXER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TYPICAL SOLUBILIZATION TANKS

Recommend using Lightnin Series 70 Mixer

Use A200 Impeller blades

Low pressure stuffing box

Carbon steel construction

All motors TEFC 1750 rpm

Mixer speed equals 45 rpm

SOLUBILIZATION OF LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES

VISCOSITY MODIFIERS

MIXER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TYPICAL SOLUBILIZATION TANKS

Motor
(hp)

Shaft
Length
(Inches)

Upper
Impellor
(Inches)

Lower
Impellor
(Inches)

Baffle
Width
(Inches)

17/5,000

7.5

156

48

34

20/6,000

7.5

156

60

48

24/7,100

10.0

162

60

48

27/8,000

10.0

183

60

48

33/10,000

15.0

183

72

50

Tank Size
(MT/Gals.)

Four internal baffle spaced at 90 degrees; 3 inches from tank wall,

5 inches wide and 84 inches long.

HANDLING AND STORAGE OF LUBRIZOL 7070 SERIES

VISCOSITY MODIFIER CONCENTRATES

Lubrizol 7070 Series concentrates can be easily handled and utilized in blending
operation using equipment typical of that used for handling other viscous materials.
The following are recommendations which can facilitate storage and handling of
Lubrizol 7070 Series viscosity modifier concentrates.
1.

The concentrate should be stored in a dedicated, insulated tank.

2.

Storage can be maintained at a minimum of 40C. However, a heat source

should be available so that pumping can be accomplished at 60 - 80C (140 176F).

3.

An agitator is not required unless further dilution or blending is to be done in

the storage tank.

4.

A positive displacement pump is recommended for the storage tank.

5.

All transfer lines are recommended to be 3 inches in diameter minimum.

Steam tracing and insulation can improve transfer characteristics. Lines
should be flushed or air-blown prior to use in another service. Dedicated
piping is preferred. Line temperatures excess of 70C (158F) should be
avoided.

The above equipment and handling recommendations are only suggestions.

Various methods and types of equipment, including configurations less
sophisticated than those described above, have been successfully utilized for
handling Lubrizol 7070 Series concentrates.

FINISHED OIL BLENDING IN THE LABORATORY

The following summarizes the recommendations for blending finished oils
containing Lubrizol 7060 Series in the laboratory:

Begin blending by charging the beaker with the total base oil volume.

Operate mixer and heat to 150F/ 66C to 175F/ 80C. Use Paddle-type stirrer
with adequate vortex. Magnetic stirrers are not recommended.

With oil temperature at or above 150F/ 66C, add the VM concentrate while
mixing for 2 hours or until homogeneous. Temperature must be maintained at
150F/ 66C to 175F/ 80C during blending of the VM.

Add DI package(s) at the recommended temperature.

After adding the DI, turn off heating and continue to operate the mixer for 1 hour
or until homogeneous.

Check finished oil viscosity to be sure all components are homogeneous.

BLENDING FINISHED OILS USING

LUBRIZOL7070 SERIES
VISCOSITY MODIFIER CONCENTRATES
The following are recommendations that can facilitate the blending of 7070 series
concentrates into finished oils:

Typical Batch Blending Procedure

1. Begin blending with the initial oil charge to minimum 75% of the total blend
volume.
2. Operate mixer and heat to 150F/ 66C to 175F/ 80C.
3. With oil temperature at or above 150F/ 66C begin adding the VM concentrate
while mixing for 2 hours or until homogeneous. Temperature must be maintained
at 150F/ 66C to 175F/ 80C during blending of the VM.
4. Add DI package(s) at the recommended temperature with the remaining 25% oil
volume at ambient temp. This will allow for adequate cooling of the final blend
for transfer to storage or packaging.
5. After adding the DI and remaining oil turn off heating and continue to operate the
mixer for 1 hour or until homogeneous.
6. Check finished oil viscosity to be sure all components are homogeneous before
pumping to storage or packaging.

BLENDING FINISHED OILS USING

LUBRIZOL7070 SERIES
VISCOSITY MODIFIER CONCENTRATES
Typical In-Line or Continuous Blending Procedure
Key to success with this blending equipment is maintaining adequate and consistent
component blending temperatures upon entering the in-line blender. The same
applies to batch blending as without adequate heat applied to blend the Oil, VM and
DI components you will not have a homogeneous mixture in the finished oil. For
example, a typical in-line blender component temperature profile would be Base Oil
100F/ 38C ; VM 210F/ 100C ; DI 130F/ 54C. If the base oil temperature
was not maintained and dropped below 100F/ 38C in this in-line blender
configuration then polymer drop-out would occur in the finished oil. Heating is also
a critical element of this process and needs to be given the necessary attention to
be sure a homogeneous mixture occurs regardless of the in-line mixer configuration.

SPECIAL HANDLING NOTE

LUBRIZOL 7070 SERIES VM CONCENTRATES
In order to reinforce the importance of adequate heat, agitation, blending times and
blending process, the following is a list of best practices for the use of Lubrizol
7090 Series VM Concentrates in Batch Blending:
What to Avoid

What to Do (Best Practices)

1. Do not use Lubrizol 7070 Series VM

Concentrates at ambient
temperatures. This may lead to
incomplete dissolving in the
lubricant, and subsequent
compatibility issues.

1. Store the Lubrizol 7070 Series VM

concentrate at a minimum of 40C (104F). If
the concentrate cannot be stored at this
temperature, then it should be heated to 40C
(104F) for one hour with adequate mixing
before use.

2. Do not blend finished oils without

first blending the Lubrizol 7070
Series VM Concentrate with 75% or
more of the full base oil charge.

2. Begin the production of a batch of finished

lubricant by thoroughly mixing the 7070
Series VM concentrate into at least 75% of
the base oil for a minimum of 2 hours at 150 175F.

3. Do not blend finished oils without

adequate heating, agitation or
mixing time.

3. It is important to ensure that all additives are

thoroughly mixed and heated.

4. Do not pre-mix Lubrizol 7070 VM

Concentrate with other additives.

4. The order of blend addition is important. The

VM concentrate should be thoroughly mixed
in at least 75% of the base oil with adequate
temperature and mixing for 2 hours before
adding additional additives.

5. Avoid contamination of Lubrizol 7070

VM Concentrates with other
additives.

5. Use dedicated, heat traced lines for

unloading liquid VM concentrates. When
equipment (pumps, lines, filters) cannot be
dedicated, a thorough oil flush should be
used to prevent additive contamination.

6. When using continuous blending

equipment, do not use ambient
temperature base oil or Lubrizol
7070 VM concentrate.

6. Continuous blending requires that special

attention be given to completely blending the
VM concentrate with the base oil. This may
mean thoroughly pre-mixing the VM
concentrate with base oil as described above,
or that the VM concentrate and base oil be

adequately heated before introducing them

into the continuous blender.

TYPICAL PLANT SOLUBILIZATION CYCLE

LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES VM
Activity
Charge Oil
Heat
Hold
Mix
Add Polymer
Dissolve
Cool to 149oF
Pumpout
Operator Time

4
6
Cycle Time (Hours)

10

12

EXAMPLE OF PLANT SOLUBILIZATION UNIT FOR LUBRIZOL 7060 SERIES

Symbol Code
M - Motor
TI - Temperature Indicator

To Oil Blending
or V.I. Storage

Vent
M

TI
Steam
15-50 PSIG

110 to
130oC
Polymer Addition
Polymer Particles are Added
to Dissolving Tank via
the Open Manway Either
Manually or by Use of
Pneumatic or Mechanical
Conveyer

Typical Utility Consumption

Per 40 MT Batch
Electricity 250 - 300 KWH
Steam 7,000 - 10,000 lbs.

Condensat
e
Oil
M

Dissolving Tank
* 70M3 (40 MT) Cone Roof & Bottom
* Agitator 15 HP, 68 RPM
* 12 Inch Minimum Feed Manway
* Insulated with External Heating/Cooling Coils/Jacket
* Equipped with Baffles
* Material of Construction - Carbon Steel

Circulating and Transfer Pump

Positive Displacement, 10 HP,
1760 RPM, 50 GPM
Transfer Lines
Lines Should be 3 Inch Diameter
Minimum. Steam Tracing and
Insulation can aid Transfer of
Liquid Viscosity Improver

Solunit.ppt