USE OF A RAPESEED OIL IN BIOLUBRICANTS

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of a rapeseed oil as base fluid in (bio-) lubricant .

[0002] The present invention also relates to the use of alkylesters derived from rapeseed oil as base fluid in (bio- ) lubricant .

Background

[0003] Lubricants can be defined as a preparation

(composition) made of base fluids and additives. The base fluid, the major ingredient, contributes significantly to the inherent properties of said lubricants such as the viscosity, the lubricity, the pour point, the oxidative and thermal stability, the hydrolytic stability, etc.

[0004] Mineral oil is the most commonly used base fluid for all type of lubricants. Synthetic hydrocarbon such as olefin oligomers are used in a wide range of applications for their better oxidative stability.

[0005] The use of vegetable oils as base fluids for obtaining bio-lubricants, exhibiting rapid biodegradability and low environmental toxicity, is known but currently limited because of their weak performance having regard in particular to their oxidative stability, their hydrolytic stability and their pour point.

Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention provides a new

(bio-) lubricant comprising (or consisting of) rapeseed oil and at least one additive, wherein the saturated fatty acids content of said rapeseed oil is less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, based upon the total weight of the fatty acids present in the rapeseed oil .

[0007] Preferably, in a (bio-) lubricant according to the invention, said rapeseed oil further comprises more than

(about) 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of oleic acid, and/or less than

(about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of linolenic acid, based upon the total weight of the fatty acids present in the rapeseed oil.

[0008] A (bio-) lubricant according to the invention may further comprise another oleaginous oil, wherein the ratio rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil is such that the resulting oil comprises less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the fatty acids present in said resulting oil.

[0009] Preferably, said ratio is such that said resulting oil further comprises more than (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of oleic acid, and/or less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1% or 0,5% of linolenic acid, based upon the total weight of the fatty acids present in said oil .

[0010] The ratio rapeseed oil to sunflower oil can be comprised between 5/95 and 95/5.

[0011] In a (bio- ) lubricant according to the invention, said other oleaginous oil can be a sunflower oil, preferably a High Oleic sunflower oil, and/or a soybean oil.

[0012] The present invention also provides a (bio- ) lubricant consisting of a base-fluid and at least one

additive, said base-fluid consisting of a mono-alkyl esters composition derived from (or resulting from the transesterification of) rapeseed oil, comprising less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of mono-alkyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids present in said composition. [0013] Preferably, said mono-alkyl esters composition further comprises more than (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of mono-alkyl ester of oleic acid, and/or less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of mono-alkyl ester of linolenic acid, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl ester of fatty acids present in said composition.

[0014] Another object of the invention is a (bio-) lubricant consisting of a base-fluid and at least one additive, said base-fluid consisting of a mono-alkyl esters composition derived from (or resulting from the transesterification of) rapeseed oil and another oleaginous oil, comprising less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of mono-alkyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids present in said composition.

[0015] Preferably, said base-fluid further comprises more than (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of mono-alkyl ester of oleic acid, and/or less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1% or 0,5% of mono-alkyl ester of linolenic acid, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl ester of fatty acids present in said base-fluid (or mono-alkyl esters composition) .

[0016] Another object of the invention relates to the use of a rapeseed oil comprising a saturated fatty acids content of less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% based upon

the total weight of the fatty acids present in the rapeseed oil, as a base fluid in (bio-) lubricants .

[0017] Preferably, for said use, said rapeseed oil further comprises more than (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of oleic acid, and/or less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of linolenic acid, based upon the total weight of the fatty- acids present in the rapeseed oil .

[0018] Another object relates to the use of (a blend of) a rapeseed oil and another oleaginous oil, wherein the ratio rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil is such that the resulting oil comprises less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the fatty acids present in said resulting oil, as a base fluid in (bio-) lubricants .

[0019] Preferably, said resulting oil (or said blend of oil) further comprises more than (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of oleic acid, and/or less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1% or 0,5% of linolenic acid, based upon the total weight of the fatty acids present in said oil .

[0020] The ratio rapeseed oil to oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) ^■ can vary from' 5/95 to 95/5, and is preferably comprised between 50/50 to 95/5, any ratio between these extremes being envisaged for a (bio-) lubricant according to the invention.

[0021] The present invention also relates to the use of a mono-alkyl esters composition derived from (or resulting from the transesterification of) rapeseed oil as a base fluid in (bio-) lubricants . More particularly, said composition comprises less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of mono- alkyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total

weight of the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids present in said composition.

[0022] Preferably, said mono-alkyl esters composition further comprises more than (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of mono-alkyl ester of oleic acid, and/or less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of mono-alkyl ester of linolenic acid, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl ester of fatty acids present in said composition.

[0023] Another object of the invention is the use of a mono-alkyl esters composition derived from (or resulting from the transesterification of) rapeseed oil and another oleaginous oil. More particularly, said composition comprises less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of mono-alkyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids present in said composition, as a base-fluid in (bio-) lubricants .

[0024] Preferably, said mono-alkyl esters composition derived from said rapeseed and oleaginous oils further comprises more than (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85% of mono- alkyl ester of oleic acid, and/or less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1% or 0,5% of mono-alkyl ester of linolenic acid, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl ester of fatty acids present in said composition.

[0025] The additives used in a (bio-) lubricant according to the invention can be bactericides, fongicides, metal deactivators, friction reducers, viscosity modifiers, antioxidants, antiwear agents, anti-scuff agents, pourpoint depressants, rust inhibitors, dispersants, detergents, and/or antifoam agents, etc.

[0026] Said rapeseed oil is preferably extracted from one, two or more of the following varieties: CARACAS, CONTACT, CABRIOLET, CALIDA, SPIRAL, MSP05, MSPIl and MSPl3. [0027] Said other oleaginous oil is preferably- extracted from sunflower. Preferably the oil is extracted from AURASOL and/or ELANSOL varieties seeds.

Detailed description of the invention

[0028] The present invention provides a new (bio-) lubricant comprising (or consisting of) a rapeseed oil and at least one additive, wherein the saturated fatty acids content of said rapeseed oil is less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5%, more preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5,5%, based upon the total weight of the fatty acids present in the rapeseed oil.

[0029] Another object of the present invention relates to the use of a rapeseed oil as a base fluid for the preparation of a (bio-) lubricant , wherein said rapeseed oil comprises less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5%, more preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the fatty acids present in the rapeseed oil.

[0030] Preferably, said rapeseed oil further comprises more than (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89% or 90%, preferably between (about) 70% and (about) 90%, more preferably between (about) 72% and (about) 89% of oleic acid, and/or less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, or 1%, preferably between (about) 4% and (about) 1% of

linolenic acid, based upon the total weight of the fatty- acids present in the rapeseed oil .

[0031] More preferably, said rapeseed oil comprises more than (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85%, preferably between

(about) 72% and (about) 89% of oleic acid, less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1,5% or 1%, preferably between (about) 4% and (about) 1% of linolenic acid, and less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5%, more preferably between, (about) 7% and (about) 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the oil.

[0032] Said rapeseed oil may further comprise less than 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9% or 8%, preferably less than about 7% or 6% of linoleic acid, and/or less than 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16%, preferably less than about 7,5% of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the oil .

[0033] In said rapeseed oil, said saturated fatty acids may comprise less than 4,5%, preferably less than about 4%, more preferably less than about 3,5% of palmitic acid based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil. More particularly, said saturated fatty acids can comprise between about 4,5% and about 3%, more preferably between about 4,1% and about 3,5% of palmitic acid based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

[0034] As used in the context of the present invention, the term "about" means +/- 0,3%, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, "about 7%" includes 6,7%, 6,8%, 6,9%, 7,1%, 7,2%, 7,3% and any real number comprised between 6,7% and 7,3%.

[0035] In the context of the present invention, the term "base-fluid" refers to a lubricating fluid whose properties, in particular its flow, ageing, lubricity and antiwear properties as well as its properties regarding contaminant suspension, have not been improved by the inclusion of additives.

[0036] The additives used in a (bio-) lubricant according to the invention (or in a process of the invention) can be bactericides, fongicides, metal deactivators, friction reducers, viscosity modifiers, antioxidants, antiwear agents, anti-scuff agents, pourpoint depressants, rust inhibitors, dispersants, detergents, and/or antifoam agents, etc.

[0037] Depending on the effect sought and on the additive (s) used, a (bio-) lubricant according to the invention comprises preferably less than (about) 20 wt.%, more preferably less than (about) 10 wt.%, and even more preferably less than (about) 5 wt.% of additive (s) , based on the total weight of the (bio-) lubricant .

[0038] For example, a few ppm of silicone is commonly used as foam inhibitor. Silicone can be used also to reduce surface tension.

[0039] Examples of oxidation inhibitor additives that can be used are zinc dithiophosphates, aromatic amines, alkyl sulfides, hindered phenols, etc. In particular, BHA

(butylated hydroxyanisole) and/or BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) can be used, in an amount which is less than

(about) 1 wt.%.

[0040] Typical anti-rust compounds are e.g. highly basic compounds, sulfonates, phosphates, organic acids, esters or amines .

[0041] Detergents and dispersants can be used in a

(bio-) lubricant of the invention for keeping sludge, fine

solid, and semi-solid contaminants dispersed in the oil

(preventing deposits) . Examples are compounds such as succinimides, neutral calcium and barium sulfonates, phenates, polymeric detergents and amine compounds. They can also be basic calcium sulfonates / phenates which neutralize sludge precursors.

[0042] Examples of anti-friction agents that can be used are long chain (greater than 12 carbon atoms) alcohols, amines and/or fatty acids (in particular oleic acid) .

[0043] Antiwear agents are for example zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZDDP) (the most commonly used) , carbamates, organic phosphates such as tricresyl phosphates, organic phosphates, chlorine compounds, etc.

[0044] Common anti-scuff additives are e.g. sulphur or phosphorous compounds more chemically active than anti-wear additives. Common gear oil anti-scuff additive is a mixture of an organic sulphur compound and an organic phosphorous compound usually identified as S/P.

[0045] Examples of pour point depressants are ethylene-vinyl-acetate- copolymers, vinyl-acetate-olefin copolymers, alkyl-esters of styrene-maleic-anhydride copolymers, alkyl-esters of unsaturated-carboxylic acids, polyalkylacrylates, polyalkylmethacrylates, alkyl phenols, and/or alpha-olefin copolymers, more particularly polyacylate compounds and/or synthetic polyalphaolefin (PAO) . They are usually added in an amount less than (about) 5 wt.%, preferably less than (about) 1 wt.%, typically between

(about) 0,1 wt.% and (about) 0,5 wt.%.

[0046] A rapeseed oil can be extracted from Brassica napus, Brassica rapa, Brassica carinata and/or Brassica juncea seeds varieties.

[0047] Preferably, said rapeseed oil is extracted from the seeds of Brassica napus CV oleifera Metzger.

[0048] In particular it can be extracted from varieties chosen from the group consisting of CONTACT, CABRIOLET, CALIDA, MSP05, MSPIl and MSP13 varieties, which are registered varieties, MSPIl and MSP13 excepted.

[0049] MSPIl variety is maintained as a Budapest Treaty patent deposit with NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 41234 made July 9, 2004.

[0050] MSP13 variety is maintained as a Budapest Treaty patent deposit with NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 41237 made July 23, 2004.

[0051] MSP05 and CALIDA varieties are also maintained as a Budapest Treaty patent deposit with NCIMB respectively under accession number NCIMB 41233 and 41235 made July 9, 2004.

[0052] A mixture of the oil extracted from two, three, four, five or six of these varieties can also be used to prepare a (bio-) lubricant according to the invention.

[0053] A preferred rapeseed oil comprises more than about 73% of oleic acid and/or less than about 3,5% of linolenic acid, and less than about 7% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

[0054] A more preferred rapeseed oil comprises more than about 75% of oleic acid and/or less than about 3% of linolenic acid, and less than about 7% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

[0055] A more preferred rapeseed oil comprises more than about 75% of oleic acid and less than about 2,5% of linolenic acid, and less than about 7% of saturated fatty

acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

[0056] A more preferred rapeseed oil comprises between about 75% and about 85% of oleic acid and/or between about 2,5% and about 1% of linolenic acid, and between about 7% and about 5%, preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

[0057] A variety from which such oil can be extracted may be chosen from the group consisting of MSP05, MSPIl and MSP13 varieties.

[0058] A more preferred rapeseed oil comprises more than about 80% of oleic acid and less than about 2% of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

[0059] A more preferred rapeseed oil comprises more than about 85% of oleic acid and/or less than about 2% of linolenic acid, and less than 6,5% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil.

[0060] A variety from which such oil can be extracted is for example MSPIl variety or MSP13 variety.

[0061] Another object of the invention relates to a new (bio-) lubricant comprising (or consisting of) a rapeseed oil and another oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) and at least one additive, wherein the saturated fatty acids content of the resulting oil is less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5%, more preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5,5%, based upon the total weight of the fatty acids present in the rapeseed oil

[0062] Another object of the invention relates to the use of (a blend of) rapeseed oil and another oleaginous oil

(in particular sunflower oil) as base fluid in a

(bio-) lubricant, wherein the ratio of rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil is selected so that a blend of both oils

(the resulting oil) comprises less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5%, preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5%, more preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the blend.

[0063] Preferably the ratio of rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) is selected so that a blend of both oils further comprises at least (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89% or 90%, preferably between (about) 72% and

(about) 90%, more preferably between (about) 75% and (about) 89% of oleic acid and/or less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1,5% 1% or 0,5%, preferably between (about) 4% and 0,2% of linolenic acid, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the blend.

[0064] Preferably the ratio of rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) is selected so that a blend of both oils further comprises less than 4,5%, preferably less than (about) 4%, more preferably less than (about) 3,5%, more preferably between (about) 4% and (about) 3%, of palmitic acid based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the blend.

[0065] Preferably the ratio of rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) is selected so that a blend of both oils further comprises less than (about) 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16%, more preferably less than (about) 7,5% of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the blend.

[0066] The present invention also provides a new (bio- ) lubricant comprising (or consisting of) a mono-alkyl esters composition derived from a rapeseed oil and at least one additive, said composition comprising less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between (about) 7% or 6% and (about) 5%, more preferably between (about) 7% or 6% and (about) 5,5% of mono-alkyl ester (s) of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids present in the mono-alkyl esters composition. [0067] Another object of the present invention is the use as a base fluid of a mono-alkyl esters composition derived from a rapeseed oil, said composition comprising less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between (about) 7% or 6% and (about) 5%, more preferably between (about) 7% or 6% and (about) 5,5% of mono-alkyl ester (s) of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids present in the mono-alkyl esters composition.

[0068] Preferably, said mono-alkyl esters composition derived from a rapeseed oil further comprises more than

(about) 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85%, preferably between (about) 70% and (about) 90%, more preferably between (about) 75% and

(about) 85% of mono-alkyl ester of oleic acid and/or not more than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1,5%, 1% or 0,5% preferably between (about) 4% and 0,2% of mono-alkyl ester of linolenic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl ester of fatty acids in the mono-alkyl esters composition.

[0069] Preferably, said mono-alkyl esters composition derived from said rapeseed further comprises less than about 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9% or 8%, preferably less than about 7% or 6% of mono-alkyl ester (s) of linoleic acid, and/or less than about 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16%, preferably

less than about 7,5% of mono-alkyl ester (s) of polyunsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono- alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0070] Preferably, the mono-alkyl esters of said saturated fatty acids comprise less than 4,5%, preferably less than about 4%, and more preferably less than about 3,5% of alkyl-ester (s) of palmitic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl -esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0071] Preferably, the mono-alkyl esters of said saturated fatty acids comprise between about 4,5% and about 3%, preferably between about 4,1% and about 3,5% of alkyl- ester (s) of palmitic acid, based on the total weight of mono- alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0072] The present invention also provides a new (bio-) lubricant comprising (or consisting of) a mono-alkyl esters composition derived from rapeseed oil and another oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) and at least one additive, said composition comprising less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between (about) 7% or 6% and (about) 5%, more preferably between (about) 7% or 6% and (about) 5,5% of mono-alkyl ester (s) of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids present in the mono-alkyl esters composition. [0073] Another object of the invention relates to the use of a mono-alkyl esters composition derived from rapeseed oil and another oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) as base fluid in a (bio-) lubricant composition, said composition comprising less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5%, preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5%, more preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl esters in said composition.

[0074] Preferably, said mono-alkyl esters composition derived from rapeseed oil and said other oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) further comprises more than

(about) 72%, 75%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, preferably between (about) 72% and (about) 90%, more preferably between (about) 75% and (about) 85% of mono-alkyl ester of oleic acid and/or less than (about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1,5%, 1% or 0,5% preferably between (about) 4% and 0,2% of mono-alkyl ester of linolenic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl ester of fatty acids in said mono- alkyl esters composition.

[0075] Preferably, said mono-alkyl esters composition derived from said rapeseed and oleaginous oils (more particularly sunflower oil) further comprises less than

(about) 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9% or 8%, preferably less than (about) 7% or 6% of mono-alkyl ester (s) of linoleic acid, and/or less than (about) 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16%, preferably less than (about) 7,5% of mono-alkyl ester (s) of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0076] In a preferred composition of the invention, the mono-alkyl esters of said saturated fatty acids comprise less than 4,5%, preferably less than about 4%, and more preferably less than about 3,5% of alkyl-ester (s) of palmitic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0077] In a preferred composition of the invention, the mono-alkyl esters of said saturated fatty acids comprise between about 4,5% and about 3%, preferably between about 4,1% and about 3,5% of alkyl-ester (s) of palmitic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl -esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0078] Said mono-alkyl esters composition can result from the transesterification of a blend of rapeseed oil and said other oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) , wherein the ratio of rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) is selected so that a blend of both oils comprises less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5%, preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5%, more preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the blend.

[0079] Alternatively, said mono-alkyl esters composition can result from the transesterification of each oil separately, the transesterified oils being mixed afterwards, wherein the ratio of rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) is selected so that a blend of both oils would comprise (if they were mixed) less than (about) 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5%, preferably between (about) 7% and (about) 5%, more preferably between

(about) 7% and (about) 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the blend.

[0080] Preferably the ratio of rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) is selected so that a blend of both oils further comprises (or would further comprise) more than (about) 72%, 75%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89% or 90%, preferably between (about) 70% and (about) 90%, more preferably between

(about) 75% and (about) 85% of oleic acid and/or less than

(about) 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1,5%, 1%, or 0,5%, preferably between (about) 4% and 0,2% of linolenic acid, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the blend.

[0081] Preferably the ratio of rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) is selected so that a blend of both oils (would) further

comprise (s) less than 4,5%, preferably less than (about) 4%, more preferably less than (about) 3,5%, more preferably between (about) 4% and (about) 3%, of palmitic acid based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the blend. [0082] Preferably the ratio of rapeseed oil to said other oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) is selected so that a blend of both oils (would) further comprise (s) less than (about) 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16%, more preferably less than (about) 7,5% of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the blend.

[0083] The mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids in the mono-alkyl esters compositions (derived from rapeseed oil and/or said other oleaginous oil), used in a (bio-) lubricant according to the invention, are methyl ester, ethyl ester, propyl ester, or butyl ester of fatty acids. They may also consist of a mixture of two, three or four of said esters.

[0084] Preferably, the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids are ethyl ester and / or methyl ester of fatty acids, and more preferably methyl ester of fatty acids .

[0085] It is to be understood that a (bio-) lubricant of the present invention comprises further fatty acids

(transesterified or not) that are characteristic of the rapeseed oil used (extracted from one or more varieties) or of the blend of rapeseed oil and said other oleaginous oil used (possibly extracted from one or more species and/or varieties) .

[0086] Another object of the invention is a process for preparing a (bio- ) lubricant according to the present invention comprising the step of (1) extracting the oil from the seeds of rapeseed varieties such as CONTACT, CABRIOLET,

CALIDA, MSP05, MSPIl and/or MSP13, and optionally from the seeds of another oleaginous species, in particular from the seed of sunflower varieties, such as ELANSOL or AURASOL, and

(2) the step of adding at least one additive selected from the group consisting of bactericides, fungicides, metal deactivators, friction reducers, viscosity modifiers (e.g. viscosity index improvers), antioxidants, antiwear agents, anti-scuff agents, pour point depressants, rust inhibitors, dispersants, detergents, and antifoam agents.

[0087] Oil extraction methods are well known and can be mechanical, via solvents (generally hexane) , via enzymes and/or by means of high pressure CO ₂ .

[0088] Preferably, a process of the invention further comprises the step of degumming the crude oil .

[0089] Crude oil is degummed to remove bulk of certain phosphatides such as lecithin.

[0090] The degumming treatment can consist of mixing the oil with water or steam during a certain period of time, preferably about 30 min. to about 60 min. , at a temperature between about 50° and about 90 ⁰ C, preferably in presence of phosphoric acid, citric acid or other acidic materials. The gummy residue is dehydrated and the precipitated gums are removed by decantation or centrifugation.

[0091] The degumming step may also consist of a chemical process.

[0092] Preferably, a process of the invention further comprises the step of refining the degummed oil.

[0093] The oil is refined (or neutralized) in order to reduce the free fatty acids, phospholipids, carbohydrates or proteins .

[0094] The most widely practiced form of refining method is an alkali treatment, usually sodium hydroxide, by

which the free fatty acids are converted into water soluble soaps. Phospholipids, carbohydrates and proteins can also be changed to water soluble substances with hydration.

[0095] After the alkali treatment, the oil is washed with (hot) water to remove residual water soluble soaps that can reduce stability of the oil. In addition, pigments of the oil, such as chlorophyll, also undergo partial decomposition during this step.

[0096] The refining step can also be referred to as a neutralization step.

[0097] Preferably, a process of the invention further comprises a bleaching step,, after the refining step. [0098] In fact, a large amount of the colouring materials, such as chlorophyll and carotene, is already removed during the refining process. And the bleaching step aims to finalize the decolouration process.

[0099] A common method of bleaching is by absorption of the colour producing substances on an adsorbent material such as e.g. bentonite (or acid-activated earth clay) , Fuller's earth, TONSIL earth, silica gel, etc.

[00100] A process for preparing a (bio- ) lubricant according to the present invention can further comprise the transesterification step of the oil.

[00101] Said transesterification step may consist of a base catalysed transesterification of the oil. This reaction is more commonly used today, since it requires low temperature and pressure conditions, and it yields very high conversion with minimal side reactions and minimal reaction time. Moreover, it is a direct conversion to mono-alkyl ester with no intermediate compounds.

[00102] The catalyst is generally sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. It is generally dissolved in the alcohol (s) using a standard agitator or mixer.

[00103] The alcohol (s) can be methanol, ethanol , propanol and/or butanol . Excess alcohol is normally used to ensure total conversion of the oil to its esters.

[00104] The alcohol (s) / catalyst mix is then charged into a closed reaction vessel and the oil is added.

[00105] The system should be closed to the atmosphere to prevent the loss of the alcohol (s) .

[00106] The reaction time may vary, ' generally from 1 to 8 hours, depending on the temperature. The temperature is preferably chosen in the range consisting of the room temperature up to the temperature just above the boiling point of the alcohol used.

[00107] The conversion can be repeated (twice, three times or more) in order to raise the yield and obtain the required degree of purity, and to get very low glycerides content .

[00108] Once the reaction is complete, two phases containing respectively glycerin and alkyl esters can be separated. The glycerin phase being much more dense than the other, the two phases can be separated using merely the gravity, or faster by using a centrifuge .

[00109] Each of the phases has substantial amount of the excess alcohol (s) that was used in the ^' reaction. This excess alcohol (s) can be removed by any appropriate process, for example with a flash evaporation process or by distillation.

[00110] The products of the reaction can be neutralized before or after the two phases, containing respectively glycerin and esters, are separated. This neutralization step

can also take place before or after the alcohol (s) is (are) removed in each phase .

[O 0111] The alkyl esters composition thus obtained can be washed gently with warm water to remove residual catalyst or soaps .

[O0112] It can also be distilled in an additional step to remove small amounts of colour bodies to produce a colourless composition.

[00113] The glycerin by-product can be submitted to further steps depending on the applications envisaged and the degree of purity required.

[00114] In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol used is methanol or ethanol . A mixture of both can be used and the ester composition obtained is thus a mixture of methyl ester and ethyl ester of fatty acids .

[00115] In a more preferred embodiment, methanol is used. And when methanol is used the transesterification step can be referred to as a methanolyse step.

[00116] The transesterification may also consist of a direct acid catalysed transesterification of the oil .

[00117] The alcohol can be methanol, ethanol, propanol and/or butanol .

[00118] In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol used is methanol, ethanol or a mixture of both.

[00119] Where methanol is used, the transesterification step can also be referred to as a methanolyse step.

[00120] The transesterification may also consist of a two steps reaction, the first being the conversion of the oil to its fatty acids, and then the conversion of the fatty acids to alkyl esters with acid catalysis.

[00121] The alcohol can be methanol, ethanol, propanol and/or butanol .

[00122] In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol used is methanol, ethanol or a mixture of both. The transesterification step can also be referred to as a methanolyse step where methanol is used.

[00123] Whatever are the catalysts used and/or the alcohols used, the oil used in a process of the invention comes from either rapeseed oil extracted from the seeds of one or more varieties of rapeseed and exhibiting the features mentioned in the present invention, or from rapeseed oil and another oleaginous oil (more particularly sunflower oil) , the blend of which exhibits the features mentioned in the present invention.

[00124] Said rapeseed oil and said other oleaginous oil (preferably sunflower oil) can be submitted to the transesterification step separately and the esters obtained mixed afterwards. In that case, a process according to the invention comprises the step of transesterification of each (kind of) oil (from each variety, .from each species or from each genus) and the step of mixing the alkyl-esters obtained.

[00125] Alternatively, said rapeseed oil and said oleaginous oil (preferably sunflower oil) can be submitted to the transesterification step as a blend of oil. In that case, a process according to the invention comprises the step of mixing the different oils and the step of transesterification of the blend of oil .

[00126] The oils used as base-fluids and the (bio-) lubricants obtained have been analysed to ensure they

meet the different specifications established by the European Union, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or other national or international instances .

[00127] The most important parameters (or specifications ) can be summed up in the following table

(Table I ) , together with the methods used in the examples section to measure said parameters .

Table I

[00128] A preferred oil to be used as base-fluid comprises about 6% of saturated fatty acids based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the oil.

[00129] Preferably, said oil further comprises about 85% of oleic acid based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the oil .

[00130] Preferably, said oil further comprises about 2% of linolenic acid based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the oil .

[00131] Preferably, said oil further comprises about 3,5% of palmitic acid based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the oil .

[00132] Preferably, said oil further comprises about 7,5% of poly-unsaturated acids based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in the oil .

[00133] Said preferred oil to be used as base-fluid can comprise (or consist of) an oil extracted from MSPIl seeds.

[00134] Said preferred oil (more particularly an oil extracted from MSPIl seeds) can be mixed with an oil extracted from another rapeseed varieties and/or from another oleaginous

(in particular from high oleic sunflower varieties) in a ratio such that the resulting oil comprises between (about) 6,5% and

(about) 5%, more preferably between (about) 6% and (about) 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in said resulting oil .

[00135] Preferably, said ratio is such that the resulting oil further comprises between (about) 82% and (about) 89%, more preferably between (about) 84% and (about) 87% of oleic acid, and/or between (about) 2% and (about) 0,5%, more preferably

between (about) 2% and (about) 1% of linolenic acid , based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in said resulting oil.

[00136] Preferably, said ratio is such that the resulting oil further comprises between (about) 5% and (about) 9%, more preferably between (about) 6% and (about) 8% of polyunsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in said resulting oil.

[00137] Preferably, said ratio is such that the resulting oil further comprises between (about) 3% and (about) 4%, more preferably about 3,5% of palmitic acid , based on the total weight of the fatty acids present in said resulting oil .

[00138] More preferably, said ratio is such that the resulting oil comprises more than about 85% of oleic acid and/or less than about 2% of linolenic acid, and less than 6,5% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

EXAMPLES

Example 1 : Oil extraction a) . Mechanical extraction

[00139] The seeds are pressed in a single screw press, Taby 4OA press, with a diameter of 6,5 mm, at a temperature comprised between about 40° and about 60 ⁰ C.

[00140] The following varieties are pressed: CARACAS, CONTACT, CABRIOLET, CALIDA, SPIRAL, MSP05, MSPIl, MSP13 , ELANSOL and AURASOL varieties.

[00141] The result of that step is summarized in Table II.

[00142] In this example and in the following examples, the CARACAS variety is used as a point of reference.

[00143] It can be noted that the yields are very high, between about 70% and about 75%, except for CALIDA variety.

b) . Hexane extraction Material of extraction

[00144] Extractor 5L, a thermic bath and an extraction cartridge 13L.

Conditions of the extraction

[00145] The temperature of the bath is set at 82,5°C for a flow rate of hexane of about 2 L/h. The extraction process lasts about 16 hours. Because of the important amount of oil cake, the extraction process is repeated twice. The hexane contained in the cartridge is used again for second extraction, which lasts 17 hours.

[00146] The oil extracted mechanically, and the oil extracted with hexane are mixed and filtered on a settling in order to remove the solid particles. The oil is then distilled on a "RlO" at a temperature of 90 ⁰ C, 100 rabar during 1 hour. The flow rate of hexane is about 2 1/h. The residual content of hexane is about 4% to about 6%, which will facilitate the further steps of purification process .

[00147] The results of the extraction steps are summarized in Table III .

Example 2 : Deguinming step.

[00148] The degumming and the neutralization are both carried out in 10 litres temperature controlled reaction vessel .

[00149] In order to facilitate the degumming, mainly the decantation, the residual hexane content is adjusted at 6%.

[00150] The degumming step aims to remove the phospholipids naturally present in the crude oil.

[00151] The oil is introduced in the reaction vessel, then the temperature is raised up to 65 ⁰ C while the oil is agitated. At 65°C, phosphoric acid (1,5&>) and water (6% based on the oil weight) are added. The mixture is agitated during 10 min. and then the temperature is raised up to 75°C. The mixture is agitated at this temperature of 75°C during 30 min. Then, the decantation is allowed to proceed during 30 min. Finally, the heavier phase is removed.

[00152] The results of this step are summarized in Table IV.

Example 3 : Refining or neutralization step.

[00153] This step aims to remove the free fatty acids present in the degummed oil .

[00154] The degummed oil is maintained at 75°C in a reaction vessel in which sodium hydroxide is added in excess of 10% compared to theoretical amount needed and the mixture is agitated during 5 min.

[00155] Then the temperature is raised up to 95 ⁰ C and maintained at 95°C during 30 min. The reaction vessel is cooled down at 65 ⁰ C and the two phases of the reaction mixture are allowed to separate by gravity during 20 min.

[00156] Then the aqueous phase is withdrawn (pH of 11-12) and the oil is washed with demineralized water until the used water is neutral. [00157] The oil is then dried at 110 ⁰ C under vacuum during 30 min.

[00158] The process and the results are summarized respectively in Table V and Table VI .

[00159] The varieties have all a low acid number: below 1 mg KOH/g . Usually, the acid number of common rapeseed oil is about 2 to about 3 , 5 mg KOH/g .

[00160] With an acid number below 0,3 mg KOH/g, the deguTTiming and refining steps are regarded as very efficient .

Example 4 : Bleaching step.

[00161] The refined oil is introduced in the reaction vessel with 3%, based on the weight of the oil, of TONSIL ^® earth.

[00162] The temperature is raised up to 95°C under vacuum with a pressure of 200 tnbar. After 15 min. the pressure is diminished to 100 mbar and then to 15 mbar after 10 min.

[00163] The decolouration continues at 95°C, 15 mbar during 2 hours, and then the temperature is reduced to a temperature of 60 ⁰ C. At 6O ⁰ C, 0,5% of promosil, based on the weight of the oil, is added to improve the filtration, which is carried out on a filter ("cloche" filter) , at a flow rate of about 20L/h.

[00164] The oil is then cooled down with the ambient temperature during 1 hour and stored under nitrogen atmosphere .

[00165] The results of the bleaching step are summarized in Table VII.

[00166] The bleaching step using TONSIL earth has a small impact on the acid numbers, which are slightly higher in comparison with the acid numbers before this bleaching step.

Example 5 ; Fatty acids content.

[00167] The fatty acids content of the oils extracted from the different rapeseed and sunflower varieties have been evaluated by gas chromatography and the results are summarized in Table VIII.

Example 6 : Methanolyse.

[00168] Approximately 2000 g of oil extracted from rapeseed seeds .

[00169] The oil is degummed and refined according to the process described in examples 2 and 3, and then mixed with 300 g of methanol in a reaction vessel. About 5 to 10 g of sodium hydroxide added to the same reaction vessel.

[00170] The methanolyse takes place during about 2 hours, at a temperature comprised between approximately 40° C and 60° C, under atmospheric pressure.

[00171] These conditions provide essentially about 95 % conversion of added triglycerides to fatty acids methyl esters .

[00172] After the settling, the two phases of the reaction mixture are allowing to stand and separate to provide methyl esters in the upper phase, and a mixture of glycerol and approximately 2% wt . residual methyl esters, methanol, and base in the lower phase. The upper phase is used in a second conversion.

[00173] The same amount as in the first conversion of methanol and of alkaline catalyst is then introduced in the reaction vessel. The same conditions of temperature and pressure are applied (between about 40° and 60° C, atmospheric pressure) . In these conditions more than 98 % of triglycerides are converted to fatty acids methyl esters .

[00174] The fatty acids methyl esters are washed and dried. More than 1900 g of fatty acids methyl esters are weighted, with a purity of higher than 98%. The mass yield, methyl esters / refined oil, is good.

[00175] The methyl esters content of the methyl ester composition obtained by the process as described has been evaluated by gas chromatography and the results are summarized in Table IX.

Example 7 ; Test of hydrolyse resistance.

[00176] A copper strip is dipped into a mixture of oil and water contained in a glass bottle. The bottle is placed in an oven at about 93 ⁰ C (+/- 0,5 ⁰ C) during about 48 hours, with a rotation of about 5 rev/min.

[00177] The mixture is then filtrated and the acidity measured.

[00178] In parallel, the copper strip is examined having regard to its mass and colour. A mark (or scoring) of less than 2B means that there is no corrosion ("2C" indicates the occurrence of corrosion) .

[00179] The conditions of the test are summarized in Table X and the results obtained for different oils are summarized in Table XI.

Example 8 : JDQl6 method.

[00180] The mass, viscosity and acid number of the oil to be examined are measured.

[00181] The oil is then placed into an oven at (about) 150 ⁰ C during (about) 100 hours.

[00182] After this treatment, mass, viscosity and acid number are measured again.

[00183] The changes of mass, viscosity and acid number of the oil can thus be determined.

[00184] The results obtained can be compared to standard transmission and hydraulic oils. They are summarized in Table XII (for different rapeseed oils and sunflower oils) and also in Tables XXI to XXVII (for different blends of different oils in different ratios) .

Example 9 : Specifications of different oils for use as base- fluids in (bio-) lubricants.

^■ [00185] The rapeseed oils and sunflower oils have been analyzed and compared with the specifications of a

(bio- ) lubricant as established by the European Union. The results of such analysis are summed up in Table XIII .

[00186] The results obtained for different blends of different oils (in different ratios) are summarized in Tables XIV to XX.

TABLES

Table II: Mechanical extraction

Table VII : Bleaching

00

Table X : Conditions of hydrolyse tests

Table XI : Results of hydrolyse tests.

H H

^■ 3

Table XXI

Table XXIV

Table XXV