4 ms·
For the confused, the captain's symptoms were "consistent with ToCP poisoning", meaning https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricresyl_phosphate https://en.wikipedia.
by lainga 9y ago
For the confused, the captain's symptoms were "consistent with ToCP poisoning", meaning
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricresyl_phosphate https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricresyl_phosphate,
which is used as "an additive in turbine engine oil".
- tlb 9y agoThat is some nasty stuff. Can someone who understands lubricants explain the need for it in lubricating oil? Is it to keep mold from growing in the oil, or does it have essential anti-wear properties?
- gruez 9y agofrom the wikipedia page: >It is used as an antiwear and extreme pressure additive in lubricants and hydraulic fluids.[2][3]
- tlb 9y agoThis explains the chemical mechanism: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extreme_pressure_additive https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extreme_pressure_additive An important property is that when localized hot-spots appear on metal surfaces due to friction, the heat causes a chemical reaction that bonds the molecule to the metal preventing further wear. Organophosphates like ToCP do this at higher temperatures than some less toxic compounds, presumably important in jet engines. So they're not just mixing in random poisons for no reason.