Chairman’s Report Andrew Goddard, Chairman, Verification of Lubricant Specifications
This year VLS has seen an increase in the number of products requiring testing as part of our product investigation. This is to be expected as the programme moves to scrutinise specific performance claims and technical specifications of products requiring its attention.
In the early stages of VLS we looked at simple claims that were obviously not compliant with the current ACEA engine oil sequences. Often these involved the use of simple year date markers which are permissible in the trade but not to end users, or the use of conflicting specification such as A3/B4 along with C3 which are mutually exclusive due to the level of sulphated ash.
Since then the claims investigated have become more complex and involve a higher level of scrutiny that often necessitates the physical testing of products. Our Technical Review Panel considers each product anonymously and are not aware of the company, the brand or the specific product under investigation. If, when presented with the product’s technical information, they recommend the product is tested then this could take a number of different forms.
For example, we might test for SAPS, that is Sulphated Ash, Phosphorous and Sulphur, in an engine oil to ensure that a product’s claim to be low or mid SAPS is evident in its chemical formulation. If an application requires the use of the low SAPS product - possibly for a vehicle fitted with a sensitive exhaust catalytic converter or DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) – and the oil has higher levels of SAPS, then there is a risk that the phosphorus and sulphur may interfere with the effective operation of the catalyst or the ash produced block the DPF.
In terms of gear oil we might test a typical 75w90 product with a Brookfield low temperature viscosity test. This demonstrates how effective the product is during cold weather operation which can go as low as minus 40 degrees centigrade. The product must be able to flow if the gearbox is to operate
60 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.144 APRIL 2018
properly and to protect bearings and moving parts even at very cold temperatures so, although in many parts of the country temperatures do not reach this low, it is important that the technical specification of the product remains compliant with relevant industry standards at all times. Products made with the incorrect (but often cheaper) base oils can become solid at low but significantly more modest temperatures than -40 degrees centigrade.
The NOACK volatility test can be used to determine the evaporation characteristics of a lubricant. In recent times that has been a trend in the automotive sector for engines to become more powerful, operate at higher temperatures and for vehicles to have smaller sumps. In this high temperature environment a poorly formulated lubricant can lose its lighter components due to evaporation leading to a product which not only is thicker than before but also the oil may not have the physical volume to do its job properly meaning that frequent topping up is needed or, if this is not done, excessive wear in the engine could occur.
Overall, product testing forms an important component in determining the validity of any product complaint which is why tests have to be carried out against the correct specified ASTM standards, and the test laboratory should always carry certification from the official United Kingdom accreditation body, UKAS.
LINK
www.ukla-vls.org.uk
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