APISH API SH (continued from Page l)


DM: In the pa st it has been possible for oil companies to


select a proprietary performance additive,


formulate an oil and make performance claims of the kind "formulated to meet API SG".


Will the introduction of API SH affect this type of claim?


RP: The blend modification rules which apply to API SH oils simply mean that performance claims can only apply to the oil formulation which underwent the tests. The use of terminology such as "SH Level" would quite clearly be meaningless where non tested combinations of additive and base oil are concerned.


DM: What effect will this situation have on our members some of whom may not wish to sponsor an APISH programme? How will they be able to market oils conforming to API SH?


RP: Obviously this is a change from the past. where elements of technical judgement and read-across of data could be made with quite a bit of flexibility. In today's market to be able to sell an APISH oil without running a programme will be achievable in possibly two ways:


i) To purchase an API SH proven package and then comply strictly with all of the other formulation details- Base oil. VI. PPD, etc.


ii) Purchase a fully formulated and finished APISH oil from another manufacturer andre-brand.


DM: Would this then mean that no changes in base oil source can be made for an oil on which an API SH programme has been made?


RP: There are special API Guidelines for base oil interchangeability. This first starts by separating base oils into three types.


Group I Base stocks containing less than 90 per cent saturates and/or greater than 0.03 per cent sulphur minimum and having a viscosity index of 80 or more.


Group II Base stocks contain a minimum of 90 per cent saturates and 0.03 per cent sulphur or less and have a viscosity index greater than or equal to 80.


Group III Base stocks include all other base stocks, including synthetics, not included in Group I or II.


Original Base Stock


Group I Group II Group III


Group I IIIE & VE IIIE & VE All Tests


Interchangeability Base Stock Group II


IIIE


IIIE & VE All Tests


Group III All Tests All Tests All Tests


All the above characteristics a re defined by test methods stipulated in the API Guidelines.


These groups are then related into a cha rt which acts as a calculator for any change of base oil.


Quite simply changes can be made but some· testing


is required, which of course would be run under CMA conditions.


DM: We understand that in the US a special symbol is used to indicate oils that fully comply with API performance levels. Will this symbol apply in the same way to the new API SH category?


RP: The symbol you refer to is the API "DONUT", which has been in use since the early 1980's when API SF was introduced. Licences will be issued for APISH oils. Marketers wishing to claim compliance with this performance standard may apply for a licence.


DM: What is too stop anybody from using the API symbol?


RP: Only formulations which have been registered with EOLCS (Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System) and have fully documented data, can apply to use the symbol. There is a registration fee to cover initial administration. (In 1994 this will be $500) plus a volume related fee:


up to 1.000,000 gallons above 1,000,000 gallons


$0


$1.000 for each l million gallons


Oils using the symbol will be subject to auditing and testing. Failure to meet the standard will result ultimately in the licence being revoked. Loss of licence would apply in all markets, not just the one where the non conformance occurred.


DM: To my knowledge, no one has used the API symbol in Europe before. Will the arrival of API SH change this?


RP: There is no mandatory requirement to use, the API symbol. Oils technically complying with API SH may just have a written statement on the container making the claim. However, there is always a chance that one marketer might choose to differentiate with the DONUT!. and then who knows what will happen?


DM: I understand that there is another US symbol under the "ILSAC" name can you throw any light on this?


RP: Dave, that requires quite a lot of background, shall we leave that one for another day?


STOP PRESS ... STOP PRESS ... ST CHIP REGULATIONS


We have heard that strong representation from industry has persuaded the HSE to reconsider the timing of the implementation of the CHIP Regulations.


The six-month period for implementation following the publication date of the Regulations has now been extended to twelve months, with a further six months allowed for implementation for small packages, i.e. 25 litres or less.


The CHIP Regulations are currently being examined in detail by the BLF Technical and Health Advisory Committee with a view to providing practical guidance to members.


OP PRESS ... STOP PRESS ... STOP .


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