Nippon Oil launches new low-sulfur lubricant

Japan’s Nippon Oil Corp. has developed a lubricating oil that could help reduce sulfur oxide emissions from engines. Lubricating oil additives that prevent friction between metal engine parts typically contain sulfur atoms, but the company has come up with a sulfur-free version. Although other components of the lubricant still contain the material, switching to the new additive greatly reduces the product’s total sulfur content. A small amount of lubricating oil seeps through cracks and burns in the engine, producing sulfur oxides. Because of its lower sulfur content, the new lubricating oil reduces sulfur oxide emissions by 90% compared with conventional products. The new additive also helps prevent sludge build-up that can cause engine performance to deteriorate. Nippon Oil is using the new friction-prevention agent in lubricating oils for power plants and factory generators. It hopes to begin selling a blend for use in automobiles in 2010. (September 5, 2007)