Abstract: 
Lubricant Inerting: Enhancing Sustainability in Lubrication Systems

The drive towards net-zero targets requires innovative lubrication solutions to meet new tribological challenges presented by modern machinery. New lubricants must be more sustainable, have longer life to minimise waste, yet perform at least as well as those we use today.

Lubricant inerting is a concept that involves surrounding lubricating system in an inert/low oxygen atmosphere. We have recently shown that inerting can substantially increase the useful life of lubricants. This strategy is particularly suitable for closed or near-closed lubricating systems, such as wind turbine and electric vehicle (EV) transmission.  However, there are still technical challenges that need to be resolved for its successful implementation. In this presentation,  we will review early inerting research and examines how modern nitrogen technology revives this approach. The effects on inerting on lubricant performance and lubricant degradation will be discussed. The potential benefits of lubricant inerting for EV and other applications will be described.