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Title:
DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LUBRICATING FLUIDS
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/193963
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates generally to methods, devices and system for the treatment of a lubricating fluid, for example, of an engine. The present disclosure relates more particularly to devices such as filters that includes an active material therein, and methods for using such devices to treat the lubricating fluid by reaction with the active material. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a device for treatment of a lubricating fluid, the device including a housing (e.g., a filter housing) forming a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port; and immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.

Inventors:
PAYNE MARK JOHN (GB)
HALL DAVID J (GB)
REDSHAW JOHN (GB)
DRURY ALISTAIR (GB)
SPRAGG ROBERT (GB)
PIERSON-SMITH TOM (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2020/050776
Publication Date:
October 01, 2020
Filing Date:
March 23, 2020
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
CASTROL LTD (GB)
International Classes:
C10M175/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2019170914A12019-09-12
Foreign References:
US20140202418A12014-07-24
EP2687770A12014-01-22
US20070170107A12007-07-26
US20040154970A12004-08-12
US6379564B12002-04-30
US20130292318A12013-11-07
US5885940A1999-03-23
US4092255A1978-05-30
US5814586A1998-09-29
US20150191318A12015-07-09
US20150292372A12015-10-15
US20190257229A12019-08-22
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
HAMER, Christopher (GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
What is claimed is:

1. A lubricating fluid container comprising:

a container housing including a wall forming an interior volume therein;

a lubricating fluid reservoir disposed in the interior volume;

an access port through the wall of the container housing and in fluid communication with the lubricating fluid reservoir; and

a device disposed in the housing, the device comprising:

a housing forming a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port; and

immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to remove one or more acid contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.

2. A lubricating fluid container comprising:

a container housing including a wall forming an interior volume therein;

a lubricating fluid reservoir disposed in the interior volume;

an access port through the wall of the container housing and in fluid communication with the lubricating fluid reservoir; and

immobilized active material disposed in a volume configured such that lubricating fluid passes therethrough, the active material being configured to remove one or more acid contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.

3. A method of replacing a lubricating fluid in a system, the method comprising:

providing a system including a drive component and a first lubricating fluid container as described with respect to claim 1 ;

extracting used lubricating fluid from the drive component into the liquid reservoir of the first lubricating fluid container;

removing the first lubricating fluid container from the system;

connecting to the system a second lubricating fluid container according to claim 1 , the second liquid container having a second lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;

transferring the second lubricating fluid from the liquid reservoir of the second liquid container to the drive component; and circulating the second lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more acidic contaminants to be removed by the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the acidic contaminant in the lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the liquid.

4. A method of replacing a lubricating fluid in a system, the method comprising:

providing a system including a drive component and a first lubricating fluid container as described with respect to claim 1 , the first liquid container having a first lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;

circulating the first lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device of the first lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more acid contaminants to be removed by the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the acidic contaminant in the first lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid; extracting used first lubricating fluid from the drive component into the liquid reservoir of the first lubricating fluid container;

removing the first lubricating fluid container from the system;

connecting to the system a second lubricating fluid container as described with

respect to claim 1 , the second liquid container having a second lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;

transferring the second lubricating fluid from the liquid reservoir of the second liquid container to the drive component; and

circulating the second lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants to be removed by the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the acidic contaminant in the second lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein providing the system including a drive component and the first lubricating fluid container comprises connecting the first lubricating fluid container to a system including the drive component.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein lubricating fluid or lubricating fluid additives are not added to a portion of the system in fluid contact with the drive component between a time when the first lubricating fluid container is connected and a time when the second lubricating fluid container is connected.

7. A method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising:

providing a lubricating fluid container according to claim 1 ; and

circulating the lubricating fluid through the lubricating fluid container so as to capture particles from the lubricating fluid and so as to cause one or more acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid to be removed by the immobilized active material.

8. A device for treatment of a lubricating fluid, the device comprising:

a housing forming a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port; and

immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to remove one or more acid contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.

9. A method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising:

providing a device according to claim 8;

circulating the lubricating fluid through the device so as to cause one or more acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid to be removed by the immobilized active material.

10. The container, method or device according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the active material is basic.

11. The container, method or device according to claim 10, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides.

12. The container, method or device according to claim 10, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, barium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, beryllium oxide, and barium oxide.

13. The container, method or device according to any of claims 1-9 wherein the active material is selected from one or more of basic activated alumina (aluminum oxide), basic activated silica (silicon dioxide), basic activated charcoal, and anion exchange resin.

14. The container, method or device according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the active material is an amine, such as a polymeric amine.

15. The method of any of claims 3-7 and 9, wherein the total acid number of the lubricating fluid is maintained to be no more than 6.

16. The container, method or device according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the lubricating fluid is substantially free of calcium- and magnesium-containing additives include no more than 500 ppm total of magnesium and calcium.

17. The container, method or device according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the lubricating fluid has a total base number of no more than 4.

18. The container, method or device according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the lubricating fluid does not include a substantial amount of overbased detergents.

19. A device for treatment of a lubricating fluid, the device comprising:

a housing forming a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port; and

immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.

20. A lubricating fluid container comprising:

a container housing including a wall forming an interior volume therein;

a lubricating fluid reservoir disposed in the interior volume;

an access port through the wall of the container housing and in fluid communication with the lubricating fluid reservoir; and

the device according to claim 19 disposed in the housing.

21. A lubricating fluid container comprising:

a container housing including a wall forming an interior volume therein;

a lubricating fluid reservoir disposed in the interior volume;

an access port through the wall of the container housing and in fluid communication with the lubricating oil reservoir; and

immobilized active material disposed in a volume configured such that lubricating fluid passes therethrough, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating oil.

22. A system comprising:

a drive component;

the lubricating fluid container according to claim 20 or claim 21 ; and

a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the lubricating fluid container such that the lubricating fluid contacts the active material.

23. A system comprising:

a drive component;

the device according to claim 19; and

a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the device such that the lubricating fluid contacts the active material.

24. A method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising:

providing a device according to claim 19;

circulating the lubricating fluid through the device so as to cause one or more

contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid.

25. A method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising:

providing a lubricating fluid container according to claim 20 or claim 21 ;

circulating the lubricating fluid through the lubricating fluid container so as to capture particles from the lubricating fluid and so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid.

Description:
DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF LUBRICATING

FLUIDS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of United Kingdom Patent Application no. 1903974.2, filed March 22, 2019, and United Kingdom Patent Application no. 1903994.0, filed March 22, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems and methods for the treatment of a lubricating fluid, for example, suitable for treating a lubricating oil of an engine. The present disclosure relates more particularly to devices such as filters and systems that include therein an active material such as an acid-removing material, and to methods for using such devices to treat the lubricating fluid by reaction with the active material, such as to remove acidic contaminants therefrom.

2. Technical Background

[0003] Lubricating fluids such as lubricating oils are used in many systems for a variety of purposes, for example, to lubricate the moving parts of a system. A lubricating fluid is typically circulated through the system passing over or through the components and parts that it lubricates. Lubricating fluids (e.g., lubricating oils) are used in a wide variety of systems, such as motors, engines (e.g., automotive engines), and manufacturing systems.

[0004] Additives are typically added to lubricating fluids to improve their properties and maintain their properties with age. Such additives may include active materials that interact with substances or contaminants in the liquid or with surfaces of the system. Common additives include, for example, dispersants, detergents, viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, corrosion and/or rust inhibitors, antioxidants, friction modifiers, antifoams, and antiwears. As a specific example, alkaline earth-containing bases are often used to react with acids formed during the service interval of an oil, e.g., organic acids such as carboxylic acids and inorganic acids such as sulfuric, nitric and phosphoric acids.

[0005] Automotive engine oils are typically formulated to provide a desired balance of properties. This usually means that the formulated oil (i.e. , one or more base lubricants together with a variety of additives) is the result of a series of compromises. For example, fuel economy benefits can be traded off against extended oil drain interval, low temperature operability can be traded off against base oil volatility, and exhaust after-treatment compatibility can be traded off against oil durability. These compromises come about because of the interactions that occur between the additives and base oils used to formulate the lubricants. Additives used to help extend oil drain interval or keep the engine surfaces clean may lead to physical properties of the lubricants that do not promote improvements in fuel economy benefit. Additionally, chemical interactions between different additive components can lead to a reduction in effectiveness of those additives which may necessitate increasing the concentration in the components in the lubricant formulation.

[0006] There remains a need for devices, systems and methods that allow for improved treatment of lubricating fluids such as engine oils.

[0007] For example, environmental legislation and consumer demand have pushed for continuous improvement of automobile fuel economy and reduction of exhaust emissions.

At the same time, consumer demand has dictated that these improvements come without sacrificing engine performance or durability. So in recent years, automobile gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines are being downsized and equipped with boosting devices, such as turbochargers or superchargers. Smaller engines provide higher power densities, while boosting devices increase boost pressure and specific output. As a result, downsized and boosted engines are more fuel efficient and have lower emissions but also maintain similar performance of much larger engines.

[0008] But, downsized and boosted engines are prone to abnormal combustion, such as pre-ignition (PI) events. In a spark-initiated internal combustion engine, pre-ignition occurs when there is combustion as a result of ignition before the spark plug fires. Pre-ignition can sharply increase combustion chamber temperatures and pressures, and lead to rough engine operation and loss of performance. Because downsized and/or boosted engines are also susceptible in operating at high brake mean effective pressure, high torque, low-speed and/or high-load conditions, these engines are also prone to low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) events. LSPI can cause permanent damage to cylinder walls, pistons, piston rings, connecting rods, and/or spark plugs, and can also lead to catastrophic engine failure.

[0009] But calcium-containing or other metal-containing additives are routinely included in engine lubricating oil compositions in order to neutralize acid byproducts (e.g., carboxylic acids) formed during oxidation or decomposition of oil. Not only do acid byproducts cause rust and corrosive wear to the engine’s metal surfaces, but they also contribute to formation of sludge and varnish. Sludge buildup decreases proper lubrication of the engine, which in turn can decrease engine performance and cause damage and even catastrophic engine failure. [0010] Thus, there is a need for systems and methods that balance the considerations of reducing or eliminating PI and LSPI events in downsized and/or boosted engines while neutralizing harmful acidic contaminants in engine lubricating fluid.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a device for treatment of a lubricating fluid, the device comprising:

a housing (e.g., a filter housing) forming a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port; and

immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.

[0012] In a specific aspect, the present disclosure provides a device for treatment of a lubricating fluid, the device comprising:

a housing (e.g., a filter housing) forming a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port; and

immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to remove acid contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the device is configured as a filter. Such a filter can in certain embodiments further include filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port. In certain embodiments, the immobilized active material itself is configured to filter particulate matter from the lubricating fluid. And in certain such embodiments, no other filter media is disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.

[0014] But in other embodiments, the device does not act as a filter; systems including such devices can include a separate filter to remove particulate matter from the lubricating fluid.

[0015] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a lubricating fluid container comprising: a container housing including a wall forming an interior volume therein; a lubricating fluid reservoir disposed in the interior volume (e.g., having lubricating fluid disposed therein);

an access port through the wall of the container housing and in fluid communication with the lubricating fluid reservoir; and

a device for treating a lubricating fluid, the device being disposed in the container housing, the device comprising:

a housing forming a cavity therein, the filter housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port;

optionally, filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port; and

immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device.

In one specific aspect, the immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port is configured to remove acid contaminants in a liquid that passes through the filter, e.g., by acid-base interactions.

[0016] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a system comprising

a drive component;

a lubricating fluid container as described herein; and

a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the lubricating fluid container.

[0017] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a system comprising

a drive component;

a device for the treatment of lubricating fluid as described herein; and

a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the device.

[0018] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising circulating lubricating fluid so as to contact the lubricating fluid with an active material and to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid. In a specific aspect, the one or more contaminants include acid contaminants that interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material so as to reduce the concentration of the one or more acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid, e.g., through acid-base interactions.

[0019] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising:

providing a device for the treatment of a lubricating fluid as described herein (e.g., as part of a lubricating fluid container as described herein);

circulating the lubricating fluid through the device and so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium).

In a specific aspect, the one or more contaminants include acid contaminants that interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material so as to reduce the concentration of the one or more acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid.

[0020] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of replacing a lubricating fluid in a system, the method comprising:

providing a system including a drive component and a first lubricating fluid container as described herein;

extracting used lubricating fluid from the drive component into the liquid reservoir of the first lubricating fluid container;

removing the first lubricating fluid container from the system;

connecting a second lubricating fluid container as described herein to the system, the second liquid container having a second lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;

transferring the second lubricating fluid from the liquid reservoir of the second liquid container to the drive component; and

circulating the second lubricating fluid through the drive component and the filter of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the second lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the liquid (e.g., in a filter medium).

In a specific aspect, the one or more contaminants include acid contaminants that interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material so as to reduce the concentration of the one or more acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid. [0021] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a method of replacing a lubricating fluid in a system, the method comprising:

providing a system including a drive component and a first lubricating fluid container as described with respect to any embodiments herein, the first liquid container having a first lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;

circulating the first lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the first lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the first lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium)

extracting used first lubricating fluid from the drive component into the liquid reservoir of the first lubricating fluid container;

removing the first lubricating fluid container from the system;

connecting a second lubricating fluid container as described with respect to any

embodiments herein, the second liquid container having a second lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;

transferring the second lubricating fluid from the liquid reservoir of the second liquid container to the drive component; and

circulating the second lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the second lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the second lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium).

In a specific aspect, the one or more contaminants include acid contaminants that interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material so as to reduce the concentration of the one or more acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid.

[0022] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be evident from the disclosure herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the methods and devices of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and sizes of various elements may be distorted for clarity. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s) of the disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosure. [0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic cross-sectional side view of a device for treatment of lubricating fluid of the lubricating fluid container of FIG. 1 ;

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 4 is a detailed schematic cross-sectional side view of a device for treatment of lubricating fluid of the lubricating fluid container of FIG. 3;

[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure; and

[0032] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a system according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a lubricating fluid container according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating the relationship between calcium concentration (ppm) and the PI event frequency.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] As described above, the present inventors have noted that lubricating fluid additives adapted to react with or otherwise reduce the concentration contaminants circulating in the lubricating fluid can require tradeoffs that hinder performance of the lubricating fluid. The present inventors have unexpectedly determined that a device use of an immobilized active material in devices (such as filters), systems and methods as described herein can help to avoid or ameliorate the tradeoffs of including certain additives in the lubricating fluid. [0036] For example, aminic anti-oxidants can cause deposits, aliphatic amines damage seals and can have detrimental interactions with inorganic anti-wear agents, polymeric dispersants have a detrimental effect on vehicle fuel economy, and ash containing additives can affect exhaust after-treatment via the combustion chamber.

[0037] As described above, alkaline earth-containing bases are often added to lubricating fluids in order to react with acidic contaminants. However, the inventors have noted, as described in detail below, that calcium concentration in a lubricating oil was found to have a direct correlation to degree of PI and LSPI in internal combustion engines. Notably, increase in calcium concentration in the lubricating oil can exponentially increase the occurrence of PI.

[0038] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , increased concentration of calcium in engine lubricating oil significantly increases the frequency of PI events in downsized engines. Thus, the present inventors have unexpectedly determined that reducing calcium concentration in the engine lubricating fluid to, or close to, 0 ppm can significantly reduce the PI and LSPI events, especially in downsized and boosted engines. Thus, in certain embodiments, the present inventors have determined that the use of immobilized active material that can remove the acid contaminants can avoid the tradeoffs of including calcium-containing or other alkaline earth metal-containing additives in the engine lubricating fluid itself, e.g., by reducing the amount of such additives in the lubricating fluid, or even eliminating altogether the need to use such additives.

[0039] Accordingly, one aspect of the disclosure is a device for the treatment of a lubricating fluid, e.g., in the form of a filter. The device includes a housing forming a cavity therein. The housing includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port. Immobilized active material is disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port. The active material is configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device.

[0040] In certain embodiments, the device is configured as a filter. For example, filter media can be disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port such that the filter media filters particulate matter from a lubricating fluid that passes through the device. In certain embodiments, the immobilized active material itself is configured to filter particulate matter from the lubricating fluid; in certain such embodiments, no other filter media is disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port. But in other embodiments, the device does not act as a filter; systems including such devices can include a separate filter to remove particulate matter from the lubricating fluid. [0041] For example, in certain desirable aspects and embodiments of the disclosure, the active material is configured to remove acid contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the device, for example, through acid-base interaction. As used herein, the term “acid contaminant” refers to an acidic species such as a carboxylic acid, a sulfuric or sulfurous acid, a nitric or nitrous acid or a phosphoric acid. Such species are often formed in lubricating fluid as it ages, e.g., by oxidation of the base oil, by oxidation of impurities in the fuel (e.g., sulfur-containing impurities to provide a sulfuric or sulfurous acid), or by oxidation of air. Acid contaminants can undesirably cause rust and corrosive wear to an engine’s metal surfaces. Acid contaminants also contribute to formation of sludge and varnish.

Sludge buildup decreases proper lubrication of the engine, which in turn can decrease engine performance and cause damage and even catastrophic engine failure.

[0042] As used in the herein, the term“remove” includes all chemical and physical means by which the acid contaminants associate with the active material, such as chemical reaction, physical or chemical absorption, physical or chemical adsorption, adhesion, and other physicochemical interactions between the acid contaminants and the active material. Removing the acid contaminants may be substantially complete (e.g., no more than 5 wt%, or no more than 1 wt%, or no more than 0.1%, or even no more than 0.01 wt% of the acid contaminants remain in the lubricating fluid as compared to when the active material is not present), or may partially or substantially reduce the concentration of the acid contaminants in the liquid (e.g., at least 50 wt%, or at least 75 wt%, or even at least 90 wt% of the acid contaminants is removed from the lubricating fluid as compared to when the active material is not present). In certain desirable embodiments, the devices, filters, systems and methods described herein can be used to maintain the total acid number of the lubricating fluid to be no more than 6, e.g., no more than 5 or even no more than 4.

[0043] In certain embodiments, removing the acid contaminants involves chemically reacting the acid contaminants with the active material. For example, in certain such embodiments, the acid contaminants are removed, at least in part or completely, by neutralizing the acid contaminants with the active material to form salts.

[0044] Various active materials known in the art to remove acid contaminants can suitably be used in the devices, filters, systems and methods described herein. In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the active materials are basic (i.e. , having a pKa at 25 °C (i.e., of the conjugate acid) of at least 7.5, or at least 8, or even at least 9).

[0045] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the active material may be one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides. In certain embodiments, the metal of the metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides, and/or metal oxides is alkali metal or alkaline earth metal.

For example, in certain embodiments, the metal of the metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides, or metal oxides is calcium, magnesium, beryllium, sodium, or potassium. In certain embodiments, the metal is calcium. In other embodiments, the metal is magnesium. In still other embodiments, the metal is sodium or potassium. The person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a combination of materials (e.g., using different metals) can be used.

[0046] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the active material is one or more of calcium carbonate (CaCCh), magnesium carbonate (MgCCh), barium carbonate (BaCC>3), sodium carbonate (Na 2 CC>3), potassium carbonate (K2CO3), potassium sodium carbonate (KNaCOs), sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCOs), potassium hydrogen carbonate (KHCO3), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)2), calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), beryllium oxide (BeO), and barium oxide (BaO). In certain embodiments, the active material is calcium carbonate.

[0047] Of course, other basic materials can be used as the active material. For example, a variety of organic amines can be used as the active material, for example, in polymeric form, for example, an amine-bearing polymer such as a polymer of ethyleneimine or a polymer of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate.

[0048] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the active material may be one or more of basic activated alumina (aluminum oxide), basic activated silica (silicon dioxide), basic activated charcoal, and anion exchange resin. Examples of basic activated alumina include, but are not limited to, alumina activated with tertiary amines, NH 3 , KNH 2 , NaNFh, or the like. Examples of basic activated silica include, but are not limited to, silica activated with U 2 CO 3 , or the like. Examples of basic activated charcoal include, but are not limited to, charcoal activated with N 2 O, N H 3 , ZnCh-NFUCI-CC^, or the like. A variety of ion exchange resins are suitable for reacting with acid; one example is DOWEX M-43 available from Dow Chemical.

[0049] As the person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the active material can in some embodiments be supported on a solid support. Conventional solid supports insoluble and inert in the lubricating fluid can be used, for example, organic supports (e.g., polymeric supports), inorganic supports (e.g., alumina, silica, glass, metals), organic/inorganic hybrid materials (e.g., organically-modified silicates) and combinations thereof. In certain such embodiments, the active material is supported on filter media, with the filter media providing filtration of particulates and the active material reacting with the one or more acid

contaminants. [0050] In other embodiments, an active material may require no support. For example, in certain embodiments, the active material may be made to be self-supporting. For example, certain active materials (e.g., certain polymeric active materials) can themselves be formed in a desired shape and be sufficiently robust in the lubricating fluid. Other active materials can be bound by a binder and formed into a desired shape. In certain such embodiments, the active material itself can be formed into a shape (e.g., an open-cell porous material, or a mat of fibrous materials) and disposed such that the material can additionally provide filtration of particulates.

[0051] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the active material is in the form of a solid body configured such that the lubricating fluid can flow over a surface thereof. In some embodiments, the solid body of active material is porous, such that the lubricating fluid also penetrates into the active material to contact more than the mere surface thereof. Such a body can be, for example, in the shape of a block or some other substantially three- dimensional shape. In other embodiments, the body is provided as a thin film or layer (e.g., no more than 1 mm in thickness), for example, formed on a surface of the housing or on a support disposed therein.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the active materials, supported or unsupported, may be provided with other non-active materials (e.g., mixed with or applied onto the non-active material). Such non-active material may be used to provide bulk volume or perform as filter media (i.e. , assist in removing unwanted particulates from the liquid). In some embodiments, the non-active material includes a synthetic material (e.g., glass fibers or metal fibers), a cellulose material (e.g., paper), and a combination of synthetic and cellulose material.

[0053] As described above, the active materials of the disclosure are immobilized. The term“immobilized,” as used herein, refers to the confinement of the material within the device. The term“immobilized” does not preclude any slight shifting or small movements of the active material or any solid on which the active material is supported that may be caused by the flow of lubricating fluid through the device. Likewise, the term“immobilized” does not preclude small quantities of the active material that are in form of particles from escaping from the device upon the initial introduction of a lubricating fluid into the device. In general, any amount of active material (e.g., less than 5%, less than 2%, or even less than 1 % of the active material in the device) that escapes from the device preferably will be insufficient to diminish the lubricating properties of the lubricating fluid or to cause or contribute to the occurrence of pre-ignition (PI) and low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) events.

[0054] As explained in more detail above, the active material is configured to remove contaminants in the lubricating fluid flowing through the filter, and in some embodiments such removing yields reaction products. In various embodiments, these reaction products may or may not be immobilized. Thus, the immobility of the active materials does not necessarily apply to the reaction products after these materials react with their respective contaminants in the lubricating fluid flowing through the device.

[0055] In the devices, filters, methods and systems of the disclosure, the active materials of the disclosure are insoluble in the lubricating fluid, and thus will not flow out of the device with the lubricating fluid that passes therethrough. The term“insoluble” means essentially completely insoluble in the lubricating fluid of the disclosure. It is understood that a material can be“insoluble” yet have a minor residue dissolved, but this will be a very small amount, i.e. , no more than 1% by weight of the“insoluble” material, e.g., no more than 0.5 wt%, no more than 0.1 wt%, no more than 0.05 wt% or even no more than 0.01% by weight of the “insoluble” material. Similarly, a material that is“undissolved” in the liquid can have a minor dissolved residue, i.e., in the amounts described above. As lubricating fluids, in use, may have droplets of water suspended therein, in certain desirable embodiments the active material is also insoluble in water.

[0056] The active materials of the disclosure may be in the form of solid particles or granules, and those solids particles or granules are restrained within the filter, for example in a container. As explained in more detail above, the active material is configured to remove the acid contaminants in the liquid flowing through the filter, and in some embodiments such removing yields reaction products. In certain embodiments, these reaction products may or may not be immobilized. Thus, the immobility of the active materials does not necessarily apply to the reaction products after these materials react with their respective contaminants in the liquid flowing through the filter.

[0057] One embodiment of such a device, configured as a filter, is schematically shown in a side cross-sectional view in FIG. 1. Filter 150 is disposed in and part of a lubricating fluid container 130 that is described in more detail below. But the person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the device can be provided as a standalone component, and need not be used in conjunction with a separate lubricating fluid container. A housing 152 defines a cavity 154 within filter 150 for receiving a lubricating fluid that is processed within the filter. Filter housing 152 includes an inlet port 156 and an outlet port 158. The lubricating fluid received in filter housing 152 travels along a liquid path 160 from inlet port 156 to outlet port 158. An immobilized active material 164 is disposed in liquid path 160 between inlet port 156 and outlet port 158. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , inlet port 156 is disposed toward the radial outer edge of filter 150 and outlet port 158 is disposed at the radial center of the filter. [0058] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the device further comprises filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port. Such filter media can be configured by the person of ordinary skill in the art to filter particulates such as soot and metallic particles from the lubricating fluid, as is conventional. A variety of filter media can be used. In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the filter media includes a synthetic material, e.g., glass fibers or metal fibers. In other embodiments, the filter media includes a cellulosic material, such as paper. In some embodiments, the filter media includes a combinations of synthetic and cellulosic material. For example, in some embodiments, synthetic material is mixed with cellulose material. In other embodiments, the filter media includes layers of synthetic and cellulose materials.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the immobilized active material itself can be configured to filter particulate matter from the lubricating fluid. For example, the immobilized active material can be formed into a porous body with a pore size configured to filter particulates of a desired size. In certain such embodiments, no other filter media is disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, i.e., the immobilized active material itself can provide the filtration function of the device when it is configured as a filter.

[0060] In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , filter media 162 is disposed in liquid path 160 so as to catch and retain particles in the lubricating fluid that passes through filter 150. Filter media 162 is arranged in a ring shape around outlet port 158, such that lubricating fluid flows from the surrounding filter housing 152 toward the center of filter 150 and through filter media 162. Further, active material 164 is disposed at the radial center of filter 150 over outlet port 158 so that the lubricating fluid comes into contact with active material 164 before exiting filter 150 through outlet port 158.

[0061] In other embodiments, the active material and, if present, the filter media, are arranged in other configurations and the flow path through the device takes a different route. For example, in some embodiments the active material is upstream of the filter media. In other embodiments, there are stages of active material within the liquid path that are interspersed with the filter media. For example, in some embodiments the active material is disposed adjacent to both the inlet port and the outlet port of the filter media. In other embodiments the active material is disposed between two stages of filter media, as described in more detail below. While filter 150 is configured so that lubricating fluid passing therethrough flows from the radial outside to the inside and radially through filter media 164, in other embodiments, the filter is configured for lubricating fluid to flow from the inside to the outside. Further still, in some embodiments, the filter media is configured for lubricating fluid to pass therethrough along an axial direction. [0062] As described above, the device of the disclosure includes the active material.

Active material 164 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in lubricating fluid that passes through filter 150 and comes into contact with the active material. The term“interact physicochemically” as used herein refers to some chemical or chemical and physical interaction of the active material with a contaminant. This can be, for example, via a chemical reaction that converts the

contaminant to some other species and releases it in the lubricating fluid. It can also be a chemical reaction that converts the contaminant to some other species and traps that species (e.g., by forming a covalent or ionic bond with it). One suitable type of chemical reaction is an acid-base reaction. The physicochemical interaction can also be some other physicochemical interaction, e.g., a molecular adsorption or absorption, such as by a zeolite or through pi-pi interaction of a polycyclic aromatic with an aromatic polymer (as described in International Patent Application no. 2017/178593, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).“Interact physicochemically” does not include the mere size exclusion of particulate matter, and as such does not encompass the mere physical filtration of particulates from the lubricating fluid.

[0063] Various active materials for reacting with contaminants from the lubricating fluids can suitably be used in the devices, filters, systems, and methods described herein. One example is a basic material that reacts with acid components in the lubricating fluid, as described in detail above. But based on the disclosure herein, a wide variety of active materials can be used.

[0064] For example, in other embodiments as otherwise described herein, the active material is a solid-phase polymeric material including a cross-linked polymer that contains aromatic groups. Such materials are described in detail in International Patent Application no. 2017/178593, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. These materials can adsorb polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are known to be involved in the formation of soot in lubricating fluids.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the active material can be provided as a loose material (e.g., in granular form) but be held within an lubricating fluid-permeable container within the device, arranged such that the lubricating fluid can flow through the permeable container to contact the active material. Such materials can be supported or unsupported.

[0066] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , filter 150 includes an lubricating fluid- permeable container 166 disposed in the liquid path 160 adjacent to outlet 158. Permeable container 166 includes the immobilized active material in the form of a granular solid. A detailed partial cross-sectional view of permeable container 166 is shown in FIG. 2. As shown, permeable container 166 includes active material 168 disposed in a storage space 170 within the permeable container.

[0067] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the permeable container is in the form of a pouch including flexible walls of an permeable material that form a storage space within the pouch, and wherein the active material (e.g., in the form of solid granules) is disposed in the storage space. For example, permeable container 166 is formed as a pouch with flexible walls 172 made of a permeable material. A storage space 170 is defined by flexible walls 172 and active material 168 is disposed therein. The permeability of flexible walls 172 allows lubricating fluid flowing through filter 150 to pass through pouch 166 and contact active material 164 supported on active material 168. Pouch 166 is formed of two walls 172 of permeable flexible material that are sealed to one another around a perimeter of the pouch so as to form the storage space 170 within the pouch. In other embodiments, the pouch may be formed by more than two walls that form a three-dimensional shape or from a single wall that is folded over to form the internal storage space.

[0068] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the lubricating fluid- permeable container comprises a case having an outer wall that forms a storage space therein, wherein the active material is disposed in the storage space, and wherein at least a portion of the outer wall is porous. For example, filter 350 in lubricating fluid container 330 includes a lubricating fluid-permeable container 366 that houses active material 364. Similar to filter 150, filter 350 includes a cavity 354 with fluid access via an inlet port 356 and an outlet port 358. A lubricating fluid passing through filter 350 flows from inlet port 356 to outlet port 358 passing through filter media 362 and container 366. A detailed partial cross- sectional view of permeable container 366 is shown in FIG. 4. Permeable container 366 includes a case that has an outer wall 372 that defines a storage space 370. Active material 364 is held within the storage space. Outer wall 372 also includes porous sections to allow lubricating fluid to flow therethrough so as to come into contact with active material 364.

[0069] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the case has an inlet formed by a first porous section of the outer wall and an outlet formed by a second porous section of the outer wall. In some embodiments, the outer wall includes a plurality of porous sections, each of which forms an inlet. In other embodiments, a plurality of porous sections in the outer wall form outlets from the case. Still in other embodiments, the case includes more than one inlet formed by porous sections in the outer wall and more than one outlet formed by other porous sections in the outer wall. Still in other embodiments the entire outer wall can be porous. For example, in some embodiments the outer wall is formed by wall sections that are each in the form of a screen. [0070] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the case is in the shape of a ring, and one of the inlet or the outlet is disposed on an internal side of the case. For example, container 366 is formed as a case in the shape of a ring. Outer wall 372 of case 366 includes an inlet 374 on an upper surface thereof and an outlet 376 on annular inner surface thereof. Each of inlet 374 and outlet 376 are formed by porous sections including a plurality of perforations in the outer wall 372 of the case 366. Accordingly, fluid flows down into the storage space 370 of case 366 through inlet 374 and proceeds to the center of filter 350 through outlet 376.

[0071] As described above, in certain embodiments the device as otherwise described herein includes filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port. In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, at least a portion of the lubricating fluid-permeable container is formed by the filter media. For example, filter 550, shown in FIG. 5, includes an lubricating fluid-permeable container 566 that is partially formed by filter media 562. Filter 550 includes an inlet port 556 and an outlet port 558 and a liquid path 560 that flows through the filter from inlet port 556 to outlet port 558. Filter 550 also includes two layers 562 and 563 of filter media disposed in the liquid path 560. Together, first and second layers 562, 563 of filter media form a container 566 that encloses active material 564 therein. Accordingly, a standalone lubricating fluid-permeable container is avoided in filter 550.

[0072] While the lubricating fluid-permeable container in filter 550 is formed by two layers of filter media, in other embodiments, the lubricating fluid-permeable container is formed by the filter media and a wall of permeable material that cooperates with the filter media to form a storage space for the active material. Still, in other embodiments, the lubricating fluid- permeable container is formed by a surface of the filter media and a portion of the filter housing. For example, in some embodiments, the active material is disposed between the inside surface of the housing and the filter media, which together form the lubricating fluid- permeable container. In such embodiments a net or perforated cover may be disposed over the inlet or outlet port of the filter to retain the active material in the filter.

[0073] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the active material is disposed on a support surface. For example, filter 650, shown in FIG. 6, includes active material on a surface of a support structure 664. In particular, filter 650 includes a filter housing having a cavity therein that forms a liquid path 660 between an inlet port 656 and an outlet port 658. Filter media 662 is disposed in liquid path 662 to catch particulates in the lubricating fluid passing through the filter. Likewise, filter 650 includes a support structure 665 with active material 664 disposed on an outer surface of the support structure 665. [0074] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the support surface is undulating. The undulating support surface within the device increases the available surface area on which the active material can be supported. The undulating surface is the product of the underlying structure that provides the surface. Various different structures can be used to provide such an undulating surface with a high surface area, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the support structure can be formed as a mesh, as an open cell foam, or can have outwardly extending fins to increase surface area, for example. In the particular embodiment of filter 650, support structure 665 of filter 650 is formed as a metal mesh with active material 664 disposed on the outer surface of the mesh. The surface of the metal mesh is undulating, which increases the available surface area for active material 664.

[0075] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the support surface is part of the filter media. For example, filter 750, shown in FIG. 7 includes a filter media 762 disposed in a filter housing 752 between the inlet port 756 and the outlet port 758. Filter media 762 includes a surface 763 on which the active material 764 is supported. While the active material 764 in filter 750 is disposed on an outer surface of filter media 762, in other embodiments the active material is disposed on an inner surface. In other embodiments, other arrangements of the active material on a support surface of the filter media are used. For example, in filter 850, active material 864 is disposed on an inside surface of the wall of filter housing 852. Further, in some embodiments active material is disposed on a surface of the filter media and on a surface of the filter housing. Still, in other embodiments, active material is included both on surfaces of the filter and within an lubricating fluid-permeable container disposed inside the filter housing.

[0076] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the filter media and the immobilized active material are disposed in series along the liquid path from the inlet port to the outlet port. For example, in filter 150 the lubricating fluid-permeable container 166 that holds active material 164 is downstream of filter media 162. Accordingly, lubricating fluid passing through filter 150 first flows through filter media 162 and then flows through container 166 so as to contact active material 164. In other embodiments, the filter media and active material are disposed in parallel, such that some lubricating fluid flowing through the filter passes through the filter media and some lubricating fluid comes into contact with the active material. With such parallel paths through the device, an unduly high pressure drop can be avoided. Still in other embodiments, all of the lubricating fluid passes through the filter media but only a portion of the lubricating fluid comes into contact with the active material. For example, in some embodiments, after passing through the filter media, a portion of the lubricating fluid is routed through a container including the active material and another portion of the lubricating fluid bypasses the container and active material.

[0077] The active materials described herein can be provided with a wide variety of porosities depending on overall system design. In certain embodiments, the active material has a specific surface area of at least 0.1 m 2 /g as measured using the Brunauer-Emmett- Teller (BET) Surface Area method. For example, in some embodiments, the specific surface area of the active material is at least 1 m 2 /g, or at least 10 m 2 /g, or at least 100 m 2 /g, or at least 500 m 2 /g, or from 1 to 3000 m 2 /g, or from 1 to 2000 m 2 /g, or from 1 to 1500 m 2 /g, or from 10 to 3000 m 2 /g, or from 10 to 2000 m 2 /g, or from 10 to 1500 m 2 /g, or from 100 to 3000 m 2 /g, or from 100 to 2000 m 2 /g, or from 100 to 1500 m 2 /g, or from 500 to 3000 m 2 /g, or from 500 to 2000 m 2 /g, or from 500 to 1500 m 2 /g, as measured using the BET Surface Area method.

[0078] The filters described herein can have lubricating fluid (e.g., lubricating oil) dispensed in the cavity thereof, in the liquid path from the inlet port to the outlet port. For example, in use, the filters described herein will have lubricating fluid in the cavity thereof. The amount of lubricating fluid in the cavity can be, for example, at least 25%, at least 50%, or even at least 75% of the volume of the cavity.

[0079] The devices, filters, methods and systems described herein can be used in conjunction with a variety of lubricating fluids (in particular, lubricating oils). For example, in certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the device is an engine oil filter, and the lubricating fluid is an engine oil. For example, in some embodiments, the device is configured as a filter to remove particulates and contaminants from lubricating fluid, such as for use in an engine. In other embodiments, the device is a transmission fluid filter, and the lubricating fluid is a transmission fluid.

[0080] In certain desirable embodiments, the lubricating fluid is substantially free of calcium- and magnesium-containing additives typically included in the lubricating fluid to remove the acid contaminants. For example, in certain embodiments, a lubricating fluid (e.g., a lubricating fluid such as an engine oil) of the disclosure includes no more than 800 ppm total of calcium and magnesium, for example, no more than 500 ppm total of calcium and magnesium, no more than 200 ppm total of calcium and magnesium, or even no more than 50 ppm total of calcium and magnesium. For example, in certain embodiments, a lubricating fluid has no more than 400 ppm of calcium and no more than 400 ppm of magnesium, e.g., no more than 250 ppm of calcium and no more than 250 ppm of magnesium, or no more than 100 ppm of calcium and no more than 100 ppm of magnesium, or no more than 50 ppm of calcium and no more than 50 ppm of magnesium. Because the immobilized active material operates to remove the acid contaminants without circulating through the system, tradeoffs between using metal-containing additives to remove the acid contaminants and the occurrence of PI and LSPI with the circulation of metal-containing additives can be avoided.

[0081] In certain desirable embodiments, the lubricating fluid has a total base number of no more than 4, e.g., no more than 3, or even no more than 2. Lubricating fluids useful in the devices, filters, systems and methods described herein can be made, for example, without substantial amounts of overbased detergents (e.g., no more than 0.01 wt%, or even no more than 0.005 wt%) typically used, e.g., in automotive oils.

[0082] In other embodiments, the lubricating fluid of the disclosure includes some concentration of metal-containing additives, such as calcium- and magnesium-containing additives, that are configured to react with the acid contaminants. Because of the immobilized active material also reacts with the acid contaminants, the amount of metal- containing additive can be reduced compared with conventional lubricating fluids. For example, the concentration of the metal-containing additives in the lubricating fluid of the disclosure is less than 25 %, or less than 50 %, or even less than 75 % of the concentration of the metal-containing additives in the conventional lubricating fluid. For example, the amount of the metal-containing additives in the lubricating fluid is such that majority (e.g., more than 50 %, or more than 75 %, or even more than 90 %) of the acid contaminants are removed by the active material.

[0083] The person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of lubricating fluids can be adapted for use in the devices, filters, systems, and methods described herein. Generally, lubricating fluids can be adapted by refraining from including high amounts of basic additives and/or overbased detergents as described herein. Any of the petroleum or synthetic base oils (e.g., Groups I, II, III, IV and V) can be used as the base oil. Indeed, any conventional lubricating oil or combinations thereof may also be used. Conventional viscosity index improving polymers, including, for example, polyolefins and polyesters, can be used in the lubricating oil formulations of the present invention. Several examples of polymers contemplated for use herein include those suggested at column 1 , lines 29-32 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,255, the disclosure of which in its entirety is incorporated herein by reference: polyisobutenes, polymethacrylates, polyalkylstyrenes, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated low molecular weight polymers of butadiene and styrene, amorphous polyolefins of ethylene and propylene, ethylene-propylene diene low molecular weight polymers, polyisoprene, and styrene-isoprene. Similarly, functionalized polyolefins such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,092,255 and 5,814,586 and references cited therein, which are incorporated in their entirety, are contemplated for use herein. Dispersants help suspend insoluble engine oil oxidation products, thus preventing sludge flocculation and precipitation or deposition of particulates on metal parts. Suitable dispersants include alkyl succinimides such as the reaction products of oil-soluble polyisobutylene succinic anhydride with ethylene amines such as tetraethylene pentamine and borated salts thereof. Such conventional dispersants are contemplated for use herein. Several examples of dispersants include those listed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,255 at column 1 , lines 38-41 : succinimides or succinic esters, alkylated with a polyolefin of isobutene or propylene, on the carbon in the alpha position of the succinimide carbonyl. These additives are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of an engine or other machinery. Detergents used to maintain engine cleanliness can be incorporated in the present lubricating oil compositions. These materials include the metal salts of sulfonic acids, alkyl phenols, sulfurized alkyl phenols, alkyl salicylates, naphthenates, and other soluble mono- and dicarboxylic acids. Basic (vis, overbased) metal salts, such as basic alkaline earth metal sulfonates (especially calcium and magnesium salts) are frequently used as detergents. Such detergents are particularly useful for keeping the insoluble particulate materials in an engine or other machinery in suspension. Other examples of detergents contemplated for use herein include those recited in U.S. Pat. No. 4,092,255, at column 1 , lines 35-36: sulfonates, phenates, or organic phosphates of polyvalent metals. However, in certain embodiments, such overbased detergents are not used, or are used only in small quantities, as described above. Anti-wear agents, as their name implies, reduce wear of metal parts. Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates and zinc diaryldithiophosphates and organo molybdenum compounds such as molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamates are representative of conventional anti-wear agents. Oxidation inhibitors, or anti-oxidants, reduce the tendency of lubricating oils to deteriorate in service. This deterioration can be evidenced by increased oil viscosity and by the products of oxidation such as sludge and varnish-like deposits on the metal surfaces. Such oxidation inhibitors include alkaline earth metal salts of alkylphenolthioesters having preferably Cs to Ci2 alkyl side chains, e.g., calcium nonylphenol sulfide, dioctylphenylamine, phenyl-alpha- naphthylamine, phosphosulfurized or sulfurized hydrocarbons, and organo molybdenum compounds such as molybdenum dialkyldithiocarbamates. Other minor ingredients are contemplated for incorporation in the lubricating fluids contemplated for use herein. A non- exhaustive list of such additives includes pour point depressants, rust inhibitors, as well as extreme pressure additives, friction modifiers, seal swell agents, antifoam additives, and dyes.

[0084] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a lubricating fluid container including a container housing with a wall that forms an interior volume therein. A lubricating fluid reservoir is disposed in the interior volume. An access port extends through the wall of the container housing and is in fluid communication with the lubricating fluid reservoir. The lubricating fluid container also includes a device for the treatment of lubricating fluid that is disposed in the housing. The device has a housing forming a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port. The device includes immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid. For example, as otherwise described herein, in certain desirable embodiments the immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port is configured to remove one or more acid contaminants from a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter.

[0085] Such a lubricating fluid container is shown in FIG. 1. Lubricating fluid container 130 includes a container housing 132 formed a container wall 134 that provides an interior volume 136 within the lubricating fluid container. Interior volume 136 provides space for both device 150 (e.g., configured as a filter), described in detail above, as well as a lubricating fluid reservoir 138. Fluid access to lubricating fluid reservoir 138 is provided by an access port 140 that extends through wall 134 of container housing 132. Accordingly, fluid communication between lubricating fluid reservoir 138 and components outside of lubricating fluid container 130 is provided by access port 140.

[0086] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the inlet port, the outlet port, and the access port are all disposed on an outer surface of the lubricating fluid container. For example, in lubricating fluid container 130, lubricating fluid reservoir 138 extends around a large portion of interior volume 136 adjacent to container wall 134. Access port 140 is positioned through wall 134 at the outer surface of container 130 so as to provide direct access to lubricating fluid reservoir 138. Likewise, device 150 is also positioned adjacent to outer wall 134 with the inlet port 156 and outlet port 158 both disposed on the outer surface of lubricating fluid container 130. In other embodiments the device is positioned in an interior region of the lubricating fluid container and conduits are provided between the outer surface of the lubricating fluid container and the inlet and outlet ports.

[0087] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the inlet port, the outlet port, and the access port are all disposed on the same side of the lubricating fluid container. For example, in container 130, inlet port 156 and outlet port 158 of device 150 are both disposed on the bottom of the container. Likewise, access port 140 to lubricating fluid reservoir 138 is also disposed on the bottom of lubricating fluid container 130. Accordingly, liquid access to both filter 150 and fluid oil reservoir 138 is provided on the same side of lubricating fluid container 130. This allows the lubricating fluid container to make a simple connection with a corresponding structure that exchanges lubricating fluid with the lubricating fluid container, as described in more detail below.

[0088] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the lubricating fluid container further includes a vent port providing access from the lubricating fluid reservoir to an outer surface of the lubricating fluid container. In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the vent port is disposed on an opposite side of the lubricating fluid container from the access port. For example, lubricating fluid container 130 includes a vent port 142 disposed on an upper side thereof, which is opposite the access port 140. The vent port 142 provides fluid access between the inside of reservoir 138 and the surrounding environment. The inclusion of the vent port 142 at the top of lubricating fluid container 130 provides pressure relief from reservoir 138 without interference by any lubricating fluid within the reservoir under normal operating conditions. In some embodiments, the vent port includes a valve to prevent the passage of lubricating fluid therethrough if the lubricating fluid container is inverted.

[0089] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the lubricating fluid container also includes lubricating fluid (e.g., lubricating oil), such as engine oil or transmission fluid, disposed in the lubricating fluid reservoir. For example, lubricating fluid container 130 includes lubricating fluid 144 disposed in lubricating fluid reservoir 138. The amount of lubricating fluid in the lubricating reservoir can be, for example, at least 25%, at least 50%, or even at least 75% of the volume of the lubricating fluid reservoir. In some embodiments the lubricating fluid is also disposed in the filter 150.

[0090] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system including a drive component, a device for the treatment a device for the treatment of lubricating fluid as described herein; and a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the device. And another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system including a drive component, a lubricating fluid container as described herein, and a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the lubricating fluid container. The lubrication fluid circulation system can include, for example, one or more pumps and one or more conduits configured to circulate the lubricating fluid between the drive component and the device or lubricating fluid container.

[0091] Systems described in U.S. Patent Application Publications nos. 2015/0191318, 2015/0292372, and 2019/0257229, and International Patent Application Publication no. 2019/170914, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, can be adapted for use in the containers, systems and methods described herein.

[0092] In certain desirable embodiments, the system is arranged such that there is no user-accessible lubrication filling port (e.g., an oil fill cap). Such systems can

advantageously be provided such that a user is not able to conveniently add oil to the system expect together with a lubricating fluid reservoir, as described below. Thus, the composition of the lubricating fluid in the system can be set by the composition provided originally in the lubricating reservoir. That is, in embodiments where the lubricating fluid originally provided in the lubricating reservoir has a low concentration of alkaline earth metals (e.g., a low concentration of calcium) as described herein, a user would not conveniently add or replace lubricating fluid or add additives thereto, and thus there would be little danger of addition of lubricating fluid with a higher alkaline earth concentration.

Such closed systems can advantageously help to prevent inadvertent use of a lubricating fluid that does not meet desired specifications for the system, e.g., a fluid having a relatively high concentration of alkaline earth (e.g., through the use of conventional alkaline earth concentration). In such cases, the system can be maintained with the desired operability, e.g., a lower risk of preignition resulting from the maintenance of low alkaline earth concentrations.

[0093] An example of a system as described herein is shown in FIG. 9. System 900 includes a drive component 910, a lubricating fluid container 930 and a lubricating fluid circulation system 980 that circulates lubricating fluid between drive component 910 and lubricating fluid container 930. Lubricating fluid container 930 includes a lubricating fluid reservoir 938 and a lubricating fluid filter 950. Fluid communication is provided between lubricating fluid circulation system 980 and lubricating fluid reservoir 938 through access port 940. Likewise, filter 950 is in fluid communication with lubricating fluid circulation system 980 through inlet port 956 and outlet port 958. In use, lubricating fluid is circulated through filter 950 from circulation system 980 through inlet port 956 along liquid path 960 to outlet port 958. Filter media 962 and active material 964 are disposed within filter 950 along liquid path 960 to remove unwanted particulates and contaminants from the lubricating fluid.

[0094] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the drive component includes at least one of an engine and a transmission. For example, in system 900, drive component 910 is an engine and lubricating fluid container 930 is a lubricating fluid container that includes a device 950 for the treatment of engine lubricant. In other embodiments, the drive component is a transmission and the lubricating fluid container houses transmission fluid and a corresponding device for the treatment of transmission fluid. [0095] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the lubricating fluid circulation system includes a circulation pump configured to circulate lubricating fluid from the drive component through the filter and back to the drive component. For example, lubricating fluid circulation system 980 includes a circulation pump 982 that removes lubricating fluid from a collection container 920 in drive component 910 and delivers the lubricating fluid to filter 950 through inlet port 956. Pump 982 further drives the lubricating fluid through filter 950 along path 960 to outlet 958, from which the lubricating fluid is returned to drive component 910.

[0096] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the lubricating fluid circulation system includes a transfer pump configured to extract lubricating fluid from the drive component into the lubricating fluid reservoir. For example, in system 900, lubricating fluid circulation system 980 includes transfer pump 984 that is configured to extract lubricating fluid out of drive component 910 and transfer the lubricating fluid into lubricating fluid reservoir 938 of lubricating fluid container 930. Transfer pump 984 introduces the lubricating fluid into lubricating fluid reservoir 938 through access port 940. Transfer pump 984 may be used, for example, to drain lubricating fluid from drive component 910 when the lubricating fluid therein is used and needs to be exchanged for new lubricating fluid, as explained in more detail below.

[0097] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the transfer pump is further configured to deliver lubricating fluid from the lubricating fluid reservoir to the drive component. For example, transfer pump 984 is also configured to remove lubricating fluid from the lubricating fluid reservoir 938 of lubricating fluid container 930 and inject the lubricating fluid into drive component 910. In some embodiments, the transfer pump is configured only to either extract lubricating fluid from the drive component or to introduce lubricating fluid into the drive component. Further, in some embodiments separate pumps are used to extract lubricating fluid from the drive component into the lubricating fluid reservoir and to introduce lubricating fluid from the lubricating fluid reservoir to the drive component. While lubricating fluid is both removed from and injected into lubricating fluid container 930 through the same access port 940 in system 900, in other embodiments, the lubricating fluid container includes two or more access ports. For example, some

embodiments include an inlet access port and an outlet access port.

[0098] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the system is a vehicle. For example, system 900 is a vehicle (such as an automobile or a truck), as schematically depicted in FIG. 9, with drive component 910 (e.g., in the form of an engine, or a

transmission), lubricating fluid container 930, and lubricating fluid circulation system 980 disposed in vehicle 900. In other embodiments the system is a power system, such as an electrical generator. Still in other embodiments, the system is a machine, for example, for manufacturing. In other embodiments, the system is a compressor, a lawnmower, or a power tool. Other embodiments of systems with lubricating fluid circulation and drive components are also possible, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0099] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the drive component is an engine of the vehicle. For example, the drive component 910 of vehicle 900 is an engine, which includes an engine block 912, a cylinder head 914, and a cylinder head cover or valve cover 916.

[0100] In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the engine includes oil galleries extending therethrough, and the lubricating fluid circulation system provides liquid communication between the filter and the oil galleries. In certain embodiments, the engine includes an oil collection container in liquid communication with the lubricating fluid circulation system. For example, lubricating fluid circulation system 980, depicted in FIG. 9, takes the form of an engine oil circulation system and is in fluid communication with oil galleries 918 that run through the different parts of engine 910 to lubricate moving components of the engine. The oil galleries 918 return any oil passing through engine 910 to a lubricating fluid collection container 920, which is in the form of a sump or an oil pan. From lubricating fluid collection container 920, the circulation system 980 can cycle the oil through device 950 or extract the oil into lubricating fluid reservoir 938.

[0101] However, in other embodiments, a lubricating fluid filter does not include an immobilized active material, but does include filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port. In such embodiments, an active material (as otherwise described herein) can be disposed elsewhere in the system, for example, in a volume (e.g., a cavity, a passageway or a tube) configured such that lubricating fluid passes therethrough. In such cases, the active material can interact physicochemically with lubricating fluid as described above, albeit not in the filter itself. The volume can be in series with the fluid path through the filter and/or in parallel with the fluid path through the filter. In such cases, the walls defining the volume in which the active material is disposed can be considered as the “housing” of a device as described herein. The active material can take any desirable form as described above.

[0102] One such embodiment is shown in schematic cross-sectional view in FIG. 10. In FIG. 10, lubricating fluid container includes filter 1095 disposed in series with device 1050, which includes an active material 1092 (here, in the form of a porous body through which lubricating fluid can flow). Device 1050 has a housing 1052, defining a volume 1054, input and output ports at the top and the bottom of the device as shown. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 has the volume protruding from the main overall shape of the container, the person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the volume containing the active material can be formed such that the container does not have a protrusion, e.g., by having the volume as a walled-off volume separated from the reservoir.

[0103] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising circulating lubricating fluid so as to contact the lubricating fluid with an active material and to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid (e.g., by at least 25%, by at least 50%, by at least 75 wt%, or even by at least 90%, i.e. , as compared to the case where the immobilized active material is not present). As described in detail below, the devices, filters, and lubricating fluid containers described herein can be used to perform the methods of this aspect of the disclosure. But the person of ordinary skill in the art can in many cases practice the methods described herein without the use of the devices, filters, and lubricating fluid containers described herein; depending on the application, the person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate there can be other ways to configure an active material such that it can be contacted with circulating lubricating fluid.

[0104] In certain desirable embodiments of the treatment methods as otherwise described herein, the method is performed to remove acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid via physicochemical interaction with the immobilized active material, e.g., via acid-base interactions as described herein. Removal of the acid contaminants may be substantially complete (e.g., no more than 5 wt%, or no more than 1 wt%, or no more than 0.1 %, or even no more than 0.01 wt% of the acid contaminants remain in the lubricating fluid as compared to the case where the immobilized active material is not present), or may partially or substantially reduce the concentration of the acid contaminants in the liquid (e.g., at least 50 wt%, or at least 75 wt%, or even at least 90 wt% of the acid contaminants is removed from the lubricating fluid as compared to the case where the immobilized active material is not present). In certain desirable embodiments, the devices, filters, systems and methods described herein can be used to maintain the total acid number of the lubricating fluid to be no more than 6, e.g., no more than 5 or even no more than 4.

[0105] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of treating a lubricating fluid, including providing a device, filter or lubricating fluid container as otherwise described herein, circulating the lubricating fluid through the device, filter or container so as to cause contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material to form a reaction product and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium). In certain desirable embodiments of the treatment methods as otherwise described herein, the method is performed to remove acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid via physicochemical interaction with the immobilized active material, e.g., via acid-base interactions as described herein, and specifically as described immediately above. In certain embodiments as otherwise described herein, the lubricating fluid flows into the filter through the inlet port, through the filter media, in contact with the immobilized active material, and out of the filter through the outlet port. For example, in using filter 150, shown in FIG. 1 , to clean lubricating fluid passing therethrough, lubricating fluid enters the filter through inlet port 156. From inlet port 156, the lubricating fluid flows upward along lubricating fluid path 160 around the perimeter of filter housing 152 so as to surround filter media 162. At the bottom of filter 150, the lubricating fluid flows through a container 166 holding active material 164. As lubricating fluid passes through container 166 and contacts active material 164, the contaminants in the lubricating fluid are removed by active material 164. Along the entire height of filter media 162, the lubricating fluid passes through the filter media to a central opening where it flows back down to the bottom of the filter. As the lubricating fluid passes through filter media 162 (or the active material itself when configured to act as a filter), particulates (e.g., precipitates resulting from the interaction of the contaminant(s) with the active material) can become trapped. In some embodiments, the device traps a majority of particulates greater than 20 microns in size. In some embodiments, the device traps a majority of particulates greater than 5 microns in size.

[0106] In certain embodiments of the methods as otherwise described herein, the active material is disposed in a container, and wherein substantially all of the circulating lubricating fluid passes through the container. For example, in filter 150, all of the lubricating fluid flowing along lubricating fluid path 160 passes through container 166 so as to contact active material 164. In other embodiments, only a portion of the lubricating fluid passing through the filter passes through the container holding the active material. For example, in some embodiments, the filter includes a bypass so that a portion of the lubricating fluid flows around the container and bypasses the active material.

[0107] In certain embodiments of the methods as otherwise described herein, the lubricating fluid is lubricating fluid as otherwise described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the device is an oil filter for an engine, and the lubricating fluid passing therethrough is an engine oil that is treated and filtered in the filter. [0108] In certain embodiments, the methods as otherwise described herein further comprise circulating the lubricating fluid from the active material (e.g., in a device, filter or lubricating fluid container as described herein) to a drive component and back to the filter.

[0109] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of replacing lubricating fluid in a system. The method includes providing a system including a drive component and a first lubricating fluid container according to any of the embodiments described above.

Used lubricating fluid is extracted from the drive component into the lubricating fluid reservoir of the first container. The first lubricating fluid container is removed from the system and a second lubricating fluid container is connected to the system. Replacement lubricating fluid is transferred from a lubricating fluid reservoir of the second lubricating fluid container to the drive component. The replacement lubricating fluid is circulated through the drive component and the device or filter of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause particular contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid (and, optionally, so as to filter particulates from the lubricating fluid). Such a method is illustrated with reference to system 900 shown in FIG. 9. During operation of drive component 910, operating lubricating fluid is circulated by pump 982 through filter 950 and channels 918 through the drive component 910. When the lubricating fluid is to be changed (e.g., when the operating characteristics of the lubricating fluid have degraded), the lubricating fluid is extracted from drive component 910 into lubricating fluid reservoir 938 of lubricating fluid container 930. The first lubricating fluid container 930 is removed and replaced with a second lubricating fluid container 930 including replacement lubricating fluid in the corresponding reservoir 938. The replacement lubricating fluid is then transferred to drive component 910. Once the lubricating fluid has been replaced, the drive component 910 is operated again and the lubricating fluid is pumped through filter 950 of the second lubricating fluid container 930 and back to drive component 910. As the lubricating fluid passes through filter 950, and contacts active material 962, the contaminants in the lubricating fluid interact active material 962.

[0110] Notably, such methods can be performed such that any changing or addition of lubricating fluid to the system is via the replacement methods described herein, i.e. , via connection to the system of a lubricating fluid reservoir containing a lubricating fluid as described herein. As described above, this can help prevent the addition of lubricating fluid having undesirable characteristics, or the addition of additives that would provide the lubricating fluid with undesirable characteristics. For example, in embodiments where the lubricating fluid desired for use in the system has a low concentration of alkaline earth metals (e.g. calcium), provision of a method and system in which replacement of lubricating fluid is performed only via replacement of the reservoir can help prevent the addition of a lubricating fluid having a higher concentration of calcium.

[0111] For example, another aspect of the disclosure is a method for replacing lubricating fluid in a system. The method includes providing a system including a drive component and a first lubricating fluid container as described herein, the first liquid container having a first lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof. The first lubricating fluid is circulated through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the first lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the first lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium). Then, for example after a desired service interval, used first lubricating fluid is extracted from the drive component into the liquid reservoir of the first lubricating fluid container, and the first lubricating fluid container (i.e., bearing used first lubricating fluid) is removed from the system. A second lubricating fluid container as otherwise described herein, having a second lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof, is then connected to the system. The second lubricating fluid is transferred from the liquid reservoir of the second liquid container to the drive component; and circulated through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the second lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the second lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium).

[0112] The service interval will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the particulars of the lubricating fluid and the drive system. In certain embodiments (e.g., in automotive applications where the drive system is the engine of a vehicle), the service interval is at least one month, e.g., at least two months or at least three months.

[0113] In these aspects, providing the system including the drive component and the first lubricating fluid container includes connecting the first lubricating fluid container to a system including the drive component. That is, such methods can include connecting a first fluid lubricating fluid container, operating the system for a time, then changing out the lubricating fluid by extracting it from the drive component and replacing the first lubricating fluid container with a second lubricating fluid container.

[0114] Notably, in certain embodiments according to these aspects, lubricating fluid or lubricating fluid additives are not added to a portion of the system in fluid contact with the drive component between a time when the first lubricating fluid container is connected and a time when the second lubricating fluid container is connected. That is, a user does not add lubricating fluid or additives therefor to the system. Of course, the lubricating fluid may change its chemical makeup as a result of being contaminated in the system, but at least a user will not inadvertently change the makeup of the lubricating fluid by addition. As described above, this can help guarantee the maintenance of the lubricating fluid at a desired concentration of certain components.

[0115] Methods according to these aspects are especially desirable with respect to use of an immobilized active material to remove acidic contaminants. For example, in certain embodiments, the acidic contaminants are removed at least in part by reacting the acidic contaminants with the basic active material to form salts. In this embodiment, as the lubricating fluid passes through filter 950, particles (e.g., salts resulting from neutralization of the acid contaminants in the lubricating fluid) are captured by filter media 962 in the filter 950 of the second lubricating fluid container 930.

[0116] In certain desirable embodiments of these methods, each lubricating fluid is substantially free of calcium- and magnesium-containing additives typically included in the lubricating fluid to remove the acid contaminants. For example, in certain embodiments, a lubricating fluid (e.g., the first lubricating fluid and the second lubricating fluid) includes no more than 800 ppm total of calcium and magnesium, for example, no more than 500 ppm total of calcium and magnesium, no more than 200 ppm total of calcium and magnesium, or even no more than 50 ppm total of calcium and magnesium. For example, in certain embodiments, a lubricating fluid has no more than 400 ppm of calcium and no more than 400 ppm of magnesium, e.g., no more than 250 ppm of calcium and no more than 250 ppm of magnesium, or no more than 100 ppm of calcium and no more than 100 ppm of magnesium, or no more than 50 ppm of calcium and no more than 50 ppm of magnesium. Because the immobilized active material operates to remove the acid contaminants without circulating through the system, tradeoffs between using metal-containing additives to remove the acid contaminants and the occurrence of PI and LSPI with the circulation of metal- containing additives can be avoided.

[0117] In certain desirable embodiments, the lubricating fluid (e.g., the first lubricating fluid and the second lubricating fluid) has a total base number of no more than 4, e.g., no more than 3, or even no more than 2. Lubricating fluids useful in the devices, filters, systems and methods described herein can be made, for example, without substantial amounts of overbased detergents (e.g., no more than 0.01 wt%, or even no more than 0.005 wt%) typically used, e.g., in automotive oils. [0118] In certain embodiments of the methods as otherwise described herein, the second lubricating fluid flows into the device or filter of the second lubricating fluid container through the inlet port, contacting the immobilized active material and out of the device or filter of the second lubricating fluid container through the outlet port. When filter media is present, lubricating fluid can pass therethrough, e.g., in series with contacting the immobilized active material (before or after), or in parallel with contacting the immobilized active material.

[0119] In certain embodiments of the methods as otherwise described herein, the active material in the device of the second lubricating fluid container is disposed in a container, and substantially all of the circulating lubricating fluid passes through the container.

[0120] In certain embodiments of the methods as otherwise described herein, the system is a vehicle. For example, in some embodiments the method is used with system 900, which is a vehicle. In other embodiments the method is used with another type of system, such as those described above.

[0121] In certain embodiments of the methods as otherwise described herein, the drive component is an engine. For example, in some embodiments drive component 910 is used in the method.

[0122] The devices, filters, containers, methods and systems described herein can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of drive components. For example, in some embodiments, the lubricating fluid is for use in engine lubrication, e.g., in a vehicle such as an automobile or truck. In other embodiments, the lubricating fluid is for use in transmission lubrication, e.g., in a vehicle such as an automobile or truck. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the drive component is an engine (e.g., of a vehicle) or a transmission (e.g., of a vehicle). In other embodiments, the drive component is an engine, a motor, a transmission, a gear assembly, a shaft-and-hub assembly, or a rotating assembly. But the person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the filters, containers, systems and methods described herein can be used in conjunction with other drive components.

[0123] The devices, filters, systems and methods of the disclosure are further described by the following enumerated embodiments, which can be combined in any logically and technically consistent fashion:

Embodiment 1. A device for treatment of a lubricating fluid, the device comprising: a housing forming a cavity therein, the housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port; and immobilized active material disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.

Embodiment 2. The device according to embodiment 1 , configured as a filter.

Embodiment 3. The device according to embodiment 2, further comprising filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.

Embodiment 4. The device according to embodiment 3, wherein the filter media includes a synthetic material, e.g., glass fibers or metal fibers.

Embodiment 5. The device according to embodiment 3 or embodiment 4, wherein the filter media includes a cellulosic material.

Embodiment 6. The device according to any of embodiments 2-5, wherein the immobilized active material is configured to filter particulate matter from the lubricating fluid.

Embodiment 7. The device according to embodiment 6, wherein no other filter media is disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.

Embodiment 8. The device according to any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the physicochemical interaction includes a chemical reaction.

Embodiment 9. The device according to embodiment 1-7, wherein the

physicochemical interaction includes an acid-base reaction.

Embodiment 10. The device according to any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the active material is basic (e.g., having a pKa of at least 7, at least 8, or at least 9).

Embodiment 11. The device according to embodiment 10, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides.

Embodiment 12. The device according to embodiment 11 , wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.

Embodiment 13. The device according to embodiment 11 , wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is selected from calcium, magnesium, beryllium, sodium, and potassium.

Embodiment 14. The device according to embodiment 11 , wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is calcium and/or magnesium. Embodiment 15. The device according to embodiment 11 , wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is calcium.

Embodiment 16. The device according to embodiment 10, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, barium

carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, beryllium oxide, and barium oxide.

Embodiment 17. The device according to embodiment 10, wherein the active material is calcium carbonate.

Embodiment 18. The device according to embodiment 10, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of basic activated alumina (aluminum oxide), basic activated silica (silicon dioxide), basic activated charcoal, and anion exchange resin.

Embodiment 19. The device according to embodiment 10, wherein the active material is an amine, such as a polymeric amine. Embodiment 20. The device according to any of embodiments 1-7, wherein the removal is via an adsorption or absorption.

Embodiment 21. The device according to embodiment 20, wherein the active material is an aromatic-containing polymer.

Embodiment 22. The device according to any of embodiments 1-21 , wherein the active material is insoluble in water.

Embodiment 23. The device according to any of embodiments 1-22, wherein the active material is supported on a solid support.

Embodiment 24. The device according to any of embodiments 1-22, wherein the active material is not supported on a solid support.

Embodiment 25. The device according to any of embodiments 1-24, wherein the active material is provided as a loose material held within an lubricating fluid-permeable container within the device, arranged such that the lubricating fluid can flow through the lubricating fluid-permeable container to contact the active material.

Embodiment 26. The device according to embodiment 25, wherein the lubricating fluid- permeable container is in the form of a pouch including flexible walls of a permeable material that form a storage space within the pouch, and wherein the active material is disposed in the storage space. Embodiment 27. The device according to embodiment 25, wherein the lubricating fluid- permeable container comprises a case having an outer wall that forms a storage space therein, wherein the active material is disposed in the storage space, and wherein at least a portion of the outer wall is porous.

Embodiment 28. The device according to embodiment 27, wherein the case has an inlet formed by a first porous section of the outer wall and an outlet formed by a second porous section of the outer wall.

Embodiment 29. The device according to embodiment 27, wherein the case is in the shape of a ring, and wherein one of the inlet or the outlet is disposed on an internal side of the case.

Embodiment 30. The device according to any of embodiments 25-29, wherein at least a portion of the lubricating fluid-permeable container is formed by the filter media.

Embodiment 31. The device according to any of embodiments 1-30, wherein the active material is disposed on a support surface.

Embodiment 32. The device according to embodiment 31 , wherein the support surface is undulating.

Embodiment 33. The device according to embodiment 31 or embodiment 32, wherein the support surface is part of filter media.

Embodiment 34. The device according to any of embodiments 1-33, wherein filter media and the immobilized active material are disposed in series along the liquid path from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Embodiment 35. The device according to any of embodiments 1-34, further comprising lubricating fluid disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.

Embodiment 36. The device according to any of embodiments 1-35, wherein the device is for treatment (and, optionally, filtration) of an engine oil and the lubricating fluid is an engine oil.

Embodiment 37. A lubricating fluid container comprising:

a container housing including a wall forming an interior volume therein;

a lubricating fluid reservoir disposed in the interior volume;

an access port through the wall of the container housing and in fluid communication with the lubricating fluid reservoir; and

the device according to any of embodiments 1-36 disposed in the housing.

Embodiment 38. A lubricating fluid container comprising: a container housing including a wall forming an interior volume therein; a lubricating fluid reservoir disposed in the interior volume;

an access port through the wall of the container housing and in fluid communication with the lubricating fluid reservoir; and

immobilized active material disposed in a volume (e.g., a cavity, a passageway or a tube) configured such that lubricating fluid passes therethrough, the active material being configured to interact physicochemically with one or more contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter, the active material being insoluble in the lubricating fluid.

Embodiment 39. The lubricating fluid container according to embodiment 38, wherein the immobilized active material is configured to remove one or more acid contaminants in a lubricating fluid that passes through the filter,

Embodiment 40. The lubricating fluid container according to claim 39, wherein the immobilized active material is as described in any of embodiments 10-19.

Embodiment 41. The lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 37-40, further comprising a filter for a lubricating fluid configured such that lubricating fluid passes therethrough, the filter comprising a filter housing forming a cavity therein, the filter housing including an inlet port, an outlet port, and a liquid path extending through the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port, and filter media disposed in the liquid path between the inlet port and the outlet port.

Embodiment 42. The lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 37-41 , wherein the inlet port, the outlet port, and the access port are all disposed on an outer surface of the lubricating fluid container.

Embodiment 43. The lubricating fluid container according to embodiment 42, wherein the inlet port, the outlet port, and the access port are all disposed on the same side of the lubricating fluid container.

Embodiment 44. The lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 47-43, further comprising a vent port providing access from the lubricating fluid reservoir to an outer surface of the lubricating fluid container.

Embodiment 45. The lubricating fluid container according to embodiment 44, wherein the vent port is disposed on an opposite side of the lubricating fluid container from the access port.

Embodiment 46. The lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 37-45, further comprising lubricating fluid disposed in the lubricating fluid reservoir. Embodiment 47. A system comprising:

a drive component;

the lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 37-46; and a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the lubricating fluid container such that the lubricating fluid contacts the active material.

Embodiment 48. The system according to embodiment 47, wherein the lubricating fluid circulation system includes a circulation pump configured to circulate lubricating fluid from the drive component through the lubricating fluid container and back to the drive component.

Embodiment 49. The system according to embodiment 47 or embodiment 48 wherein the lubricating fluid circulation system includes a transfer pump configured to extract lubricating fluid from the drive component into the lubricating fluid reservoir.

Embodiment 50. The system according to embodiment 49, wherein the transfer pump is further configured to deliver lubricating fluid from the lubricating fluid reservoir to the drive component.

Embodiment 51. A system comprising:

a drive component;

the device according to any of embodiments 1-36; and

a lubricating fluid circulation system configured to circulate lubricating fluid between the drive component and the device such that the lubricating fluid contacts the active material.

Embodiment 52. The system according to any of embodiments 47-51 , wherein the system is a vehicle.

Embodiment 53. The system according to embodiment 52, wherein the drive component is an engine of the vehicle.

Embodiment 54. The system according to embodiment 53, wherein the engine includes oil galleries extending therethrough, and wherein the lubricating fluid circulation system provides lubricating fluid communication between the active material and the oil galleries.

Embodiment 55. A method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising circulating lubricating fluid so as to contact the lubricating fluid with an active material and to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid.

Embodiment 56. A method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising: providing a device according to any of embodiments 1 to 36;

circulating the lubricating fluid through the device so as to cause one or more

contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid.

Embodiment 57. The method of embodiment 56, wherein the circulating of the lubricating fluid is performed so as to capture particles from the lubricating fluid in the device.

Embodiment 58. A method of treating a lubricating fluid, the method comprising:

providing a lubricating fluid container according to any of embodiments 37-46;

circulating the lubricating fluid through the lubricating fluid container so as to capture particles from the lubricating fluid and so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid.

Embodiment 59. The method according to any of embodiments 55-58, wherein the contaminant is an acid contaminant, and wherein the method is formed to remove acid contaminant from the lubricating fluid.

Embodiment 60. The method according to embodiment 59, wherein the total acid number of the lubricating fluid is maintained to be no more than 6, e.g., no more than 5, or no more than 4.

Embodiment 61. The method according to embodiment 59 or embodiment 60, wherein the removal involves an acid-base reaction.

Embodiment 62. The method according to any of embodiments 59-61 , wherein the active material is basic (e.g., having a pKa of at least 7, at least 8, or at least 9, i.e., of the conjugate acid).

Embodiment 63. The method according to embodiment 62, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides.

Embodiment 64. The method according to embodiment 63, wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal.

Embodiment 65. The method according to embodiment 63, wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is selected from calcium, magnesium, beryllium, sodium, and potassium. Embodiment 66. The method according to embodiment 63, wherein the metal of each of the one or more of metal carbonates, metal hydrogen carbonates, metal hydroxides and metal oxides is calcium and/or magnesium.

Embodiment 6761. The method according to embodiment 62, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, barium carbonate, sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium sodium carbonate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, beryllium oxide, and barium oxide.

Embodiment 67. The method according to embodiment 62, wherein the active material is calcium carbonate.

Embodiment 68. The method according to embodiment 62, wherein the active material is selected from one or more of basic activated alumina (aluminum oxide), basic activated silica (silicon dioxide), basic activated charcoal, and anion exchange resin.

Embodiment 69. The method according to embodiment 62, wherein the active material is an amine, such as a polymeric amine.

Embodiment 70. The method according to any of embodiments 55-58, wherein the removal is via an adsorption or absorption.

Embodiment 71. The method according to any of embodiments 55-70, wherein the active material is insoluble in water.

Embodiment 72. The method according to any of embodiments 55-71 , wherein the active material is supported on a solid support.

Embodiment 73. The method according to any of embodiments 55-71 , wherein the active material is not supported on a solid support.

Embodiment 74. The method according to any of embodiments 55-71 , wherein the active material is provided as a loose material held within a lubricating fluid-permeable container, arranged such that the lubricating fluid can flow through the lubricating fluid- permeable container to contact the active material.

Embodiment 75. The method according to embodiment 74, wherein the lubricating fluid-permeable container is in the form of a pouch including flexible walls of a permeable material that form a storage space within the pouch, and wherein the active material is disposed in the storage space. Embodiment 76. The method according to embodiment 74, wherein the lubricating fluid-permeable container comprises a case having an outer wall that forms a storage space therein, wherein the active material is disposed in the storage space, and wherein at least a portion of the outer wall is porous.

Embodiment 77. The method according to embodiment 76, wherein the case has an inlet formed by a first porous section of the outer wall and an outlet formed by a second porous section of the outer wall.

Embodiment 78. The method according to embodiment 77, wherein the case is in the shape of a ring, and wherein one of the inlet or the outlet is disposed on an internal side of the case.

Embodiment 79. The method according to any of embodiments 74-78, wherein at least a portion of the lubricating fluid-permeable container is formed by the filter media.

Embodiment 80. The method according to any of embodiments 55-71 , wherein the active material is disposed on a support surface.

Embodiment 81. The method according to embodiment 80, wherein the support surface is undulating.

Embodiment 82. The method according to embodiment 80 or embodiment 81 , wherein the support surface is part of a filter medium.

Embodiment 83. A method of replacing a lubricating fluid in a system, the method comprising:

providing a system including a drive component and a first lubricating fluid container as described with respect to any of embodiments 37-46;

extracting used lubricating fluid from the drive component into the liquid reservoir of the first lubricating fluid container;

removing the first lubricating fluid container from the system;

connecting a second lubricating fluid container as described with respect to any of embodiments 37-46, the second liquid container having a second lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;

transferring the second lubricating fluid from the liquid reservoir of the second liquid container to the drive component; and

circulating the second lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the liquid (e.g., in a filter medium).

Embodiment 84. A method of replacing a lubricating fluid in a system, the method comprising:

providing a system including a drive component and a first lubricating fluid container as described with respect to any of embodiments 37-46, the first liquid container having a first lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;

circulating the first lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the first lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the first lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium);

extracting used first lubricating fluid from the drive component into the liquid reservoir of the first lubricating fluid container;

removing the first lubricating fluid container from the system;

connecting a second lubricating fluid container as described with respect to any of embodiments 37-46, the second liquid container having a second lubricating fluid disposed in a liquid reservoir thereof;

transferring the second lubricating fluid from the liquid reservoir of the second liquid container to the drive component; and

circulating the second lubricating fluid through the drive component and the device (e.g., filter) of the second lubricating fluid container so as to cause one or more contaminants in the second lubricating fluid to interact physicochemically with the immobilized active material, sufficient to substantially change the concentration of the contaminant in the second lubricating fluid, and, optionally, so as to capture particles from the second lubricating fluid (e.g., in a filter medium).

Embodiment 85. The method of embodiment 83 or embodiment 84, wherein the one or more contaminants in each of the first and second lubricating fluids is an acidic contaminant, and wherein the immobilized active material is configured to remove acidic contaminants (e.g., as described with respect to any other enumerated embodiment herein).

Embodiment 86. The method of any of embodiments 83-85, wherein providing the system including a drive component and the first lubricating fluid container as described with respect to any of embodiments 37-46 comprises connecting the first lubricating fluid container to a system including the drive component.

Embodiment 87. The method of any of embodiments 83-86, wherein lubricating fluid or lubricating fluid additives are not added to a portion of the system in fluid contact with the drive component between a time when the first lubricating fluid container is connected and a time when the second lubricating fluid container is connected.

Embodiment 88. The device, container, system or method according to any of embodiments 1-87, wherein the lubricating fluid is substantially free of calcium- and magnesium-containing additives (e.g., include no more than 800 ppm total of magnesium and calcium, e.g., no more than 500 ppm total of magnesium and calcium, no more than 200 ppm total of magnesium and calcium, or even no more than 50 ppm total of magnesium and calcium.

Embodiment 89. The device, container, system or method according to any of embodiments 1-88, wherein the lubricating fluid has a total base number of no more than 4, e.g., no more than 3, or even no more than 2.

Embodiment 90. The device, container, system or method according to any of embodiments 1-89, wherein the lubricating fluid does not include a substantial amount of overbased detergents (e.g., no more than 0.01 wt%, or even no more than 0.005 wt%).

[0124] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the processes and devices described here without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of certain embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of various embodiments of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings and/or examples making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. Thus, before the disclosed devices and methods are described, it is to be understood that the aspects described herein are not limited to specific embodiments, apparatus, or configurations, and as such can, of course, vary. It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other

modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. In addition, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and, unless specifically defined herein, is not intended to be limiting. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.