test method results when products are marketed internationally. However, differences in the precision and statistics, along with other nuanced factors, between test methods can cause proper translation of results to be nearly impossible. Derived results from correlated test methods can often face scrutiny from various oil standard setters, as the validity of such results can be questionable due to the specificity of oil performance standards and the complexity of engine oil formulations. In addition, the effort to develop specifications globally can be expensive and time consuming. Consequently, global oil companies may face increased time restrictions and obstacles to validate their engine oils for the certain global specifications.


In an effort to address these issues, the Global Lubricants Test Standards Team (GLTST) was established in a collaborative effort alongside ASTM International. The formation of the GLTST intends to facilitate the development of a more global approach for test standards and to minimise redundancies among standardised oil test methods. streamlining of the involved processes and improving communication among standard developing organisations can lead to significant reductions in test development time and cost as well as simplification of oil compliance with standards. It can be readily argued this approach can lead to more consistent oil quality and performance in the global market.


The GLTST offers an international platform for the lubricant industry to expedite the exchange of global concerns, materials, intellect, and financial commitments. Similarly, the team aims to provide a communication forum to assist with industry issues, cross border specification differences, streamline test methods, and provide annual meetings on an international scale. The efforts of the GLTST are meant to encourage industry collaboration and sharing through the facilitation of meetings and establishment


of an electronic platform for exchanging information, documents, and data.


Importantly, the formation of the GLTST was not designed to establish a means for setting industry specifications. Instead, the team is tasked to encourage discussion about industry needs and discrepancies between industry specific bodies, so that this information can be passed along to organisations, such as the ACEA, API, ILSAC, RIPP, JASO and SAE. Rather than developing new oil standards, the GLTST only intends to conceptualise them. Through the recommendation of new standards, updates, and modifications, the reduction of redundancies and inconsistencies can be accomplished. Suggested improvements will be sent to the appropriate test standard body for the final development work, such as CEC, ASTM, IP, or others. To facilitate the process of the development and consistent quality of oils for the global market, the GLTST provides a means for transparent communication of the developments in oil specifications and standards within the industry.


The Steering Committee and Membership The GLTST is composed of the Steering Committee and member representatives from a wide range of standard setting organisations (SSOs), standard developing organisations (SDOs), and industry trade associations. The Steering Committee is an advisory body that makes directional guidelines on various organisational projects and acts as an advocate for initiatives and projects across the wider organisation. The purpose of the GLTST Steering Committee is to hold, exercise, and enforce the duties and obligations that were outlined in the previous sections. The current GLTST Steering Committee is comprised of Greg Miiller (ASTM), Hind Abi-Akar (EMA), Raj Shah (STLE), Paul Nai (ALIA), Rattanjit Gill (EI), and Lin Shui (SINOPEC). Each committee member holds a two-year term. The member representatives are from various SSOs, SDOs,


Continued on page 46 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.169 JUNE 2022 45


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