Lube-Tech PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
No.99 page 4
Source: Infineum International Limited
The base stock mix To produce effective low viscosity lubricants, base stocks with lower viscosity, higher viscosity index (VI) and lower volatility are needed. This means the pace at which we move to ultra low viscosity will be heavily influenced by the availability and cost of high quality base stocks. Currently sufficient volumes of Group III should be available to meet the demand for SAE 0W-16 and 0W-20 viscosity grades. But it is not clear if there will be sufficient very high VI or PAO base stocks to meet demand for ultra low viscosity oils - something that could increase investment challenges for all stakeholders.
This is a very complex area, where decisions are often driven by OEM specifications. And, because these are not all the same, the Group III, high VI Group III, PAO, and ester base oils mix can vary depending on which characteristics in the specification are the most challenging to meet. Part of our job is to provide the most cost effective and supply reliable formulation solution to the market.
Getting the balance right
Fuel economy is undoubtedly one of the biggest drivers for change in the automotive industry, which means moving to ultra low viscosity engine oils is a trend that is bound to continue. Thorough formulation development and careful base stock selection is essential to ensure we strike the right balance between fuel economy and hardware protection and between lubricant viscosity and volatility.
Right now, we believe the technical wear protection challenges presented by SAE 0W-16 oils can be handled by lubricant and engine design advances, but some OEMs are already looking at lower viscosity grades. Now that the definition of SAE 0W-8
28 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.128 AUGUST 2015
and 0W-12 has been approved the move to low viscosity grades may accelerate. In our view, because lubricant derived fuel economy is engine specific, it is increasingly important to create tailored formulations. This approach will ensure the most benefit is derived without needing to compromise on performance across a myriad of different engine designs with different needs. Infineum is continuing to assess the impact of a number of variables including the effects of using different combinations of viscosity modifier polymers and high quality base stocks.
Collaboration is essential As engines get smaller, more powerful and more fuel efficient, passenger car engine oils are expected to meet three key performance requirements, which are potentially conflicting.
They must: • Keep engines cleaner for longer • Contribute to OEMs’ fuel economy aspirations • Protect engine hardware
Developing a deep understanding of issues including LSPI and the impacts of lubricants with ultra low viscosity is essential as we design next generation lubricant technologies to deliver against these requirements.
In our view the close collaboration of OEMs with lubricant and additive suppliers is essential to ensure that changes in the design of both hardware and lubricant systems continue to work in harmony.
LINK
www.Infineum.com
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