SUSTAINABILITY
Oxidation revealed:
A deep dive into TOST testing
Vincent Bouillon, Eurofins BfB Oil Research S.A.
Introduction
Sustainability, carbon footprint reduction (CFR), and the circular economy are key drivers for most companies today, including those in the lubricants industry. Lubricants contribute to sustainability at various stages of their life cycle. A simplified lubricant life cycle encompasses at least four stages: material supply, manufacturing, blending, transportation, and the use phase, ending with end-of-life management.
Sustainability and CFR initiatives encourage lubricant manufacturers to transition from a cradle-to-gate lifecycle approach to a cradle-to-grave, and even cradle-to-cradle, if regeneration or re-refining processes are included. The selection of biobased or regenerated raw materials, which are biodegradable and non-toxic to aquatic microorganisms, plays a crucial role.
In the lubricant lifecycle, the use phase is particularly significant for carbon footprint reduction, although accurately calculating this benefit remains challenging. Various actions can be taken to extend oil life, such as monitoring the oil and equipment and performing regular maintenance operations. For optimal CFR benefits, high-performance lubricants are essential.
Enhancing lubricity and reducing wear by focusing on excellent tribological properties can help reduce the energy consumption. Additionally, improving compatibility and minimising destructive effects on materials like seals and metals are important considerations.
Developing lubricant formulations with high thermal stability and excellent oxidation resistance is vital for increasing oil durability. This is why oxidation resistance tests are so important. Among the numerous tests available to determine oxidation resistance in industrial oils, the Turbine Oxidation Stability Test (TOST) is one of the most widely used. This article, “Deep Dive into TOST Testing,” reviews the classic TOST test and various adaptations for different types of lubricants and conditions.
Continued on page 42 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.187 JUNE 2025 41
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