Natural Gas Engines
Industry Applications

Unlike gasoline or diesel engines, natural gas engines require very different oil formulations. These engines can reach up to 16,000 horsepower with up to 20 power cylinders and oil reservoir capacities as large as 1,500 gallons. Their speed can range from 300 to 2,000 rpm. The quality of the natural gas fuel used can vary widely. It can range from sweet methane to raw sour natural gas containing hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen, or even poorer quality digester gas from landfills.

Most equipment manufacturers specify engine oil based on its ash content and viscosity grade. The ash is the portion of the lubricant that is left behind as a deposit after complete burning of the oil. The ash content of Natural Gas Engine Oils are available in four general levels: ashless (less than 0.1 percent sulphated ash), low ash (0.2 to 0.6 percent), medium ash (0.7 to 1.2 percent) and high ash (greater than 2.0 percent). The ash directly provides valve protection in four-stroke engines.

Tulco has developed a full line of Natural Gas Engine lubricants that covers this wide range on engines, gas types and OEM requirements of Ash Level.