Two distinctive viscosity measurements: 1. Dynamic (absolute) viscosity, cP or mPa-s: The measurement of a fluid's internal resistance to flow. 2. Kinematic viscosity (KV), cm2/s or cSt: The ratio of dynamic viscosity to density.
KV is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow when only gravity force is subjected to it. KV is therefore dependence on the density of the fluid, whereas density is not a factor in Dynamic Viscosity measurement.
Viscosity Index (VI) is a factor when two KV measuring points are obtained. In lubricant, a higher VI indicates the oil's better resistance to change its viscosity when subjected to a range of temperature change.
API SN+
API SN+ was launched in 2019 to meet the needs to address passenger car engine oil concerning LSPI (low speed pre-ignition) problem. LSPI... American Petroleum Institute is the forefront standard for setting and gauging the quality of automotive lubricants…
API CK+
Society of Automotive Engineers is a critical organization that sets the standards for a multitude of viscosities of lubricants that is deem suitable for use at certain ambient and operating temperature…
Viscosity & Viscosity Index (VI) of Lubricant
STAR is the pioneer in the production of VII in Malaysia and it currently produces different variants ranging from 28 SSI to 13 SSI. Most of its VII are olefinic copolymer (OCP) based as these polymers are proven to dissolve well in base oils, provide efficient thickening power, responsive in a wide temperature range, and cost effective. Viscosity of a lubricant is a very important matter for users. Viscosity affects several important factors such as fuel consumption, engine wear and engine performance, among others. If the best formulated engine oil of a wrong viscosity grade is used, an engine might not get the performance and protection provided by the additive package and the poor circulation caused by ineffective viscosity may cause premature engine wear & tear, and certainly poor fuel consumption. SAE J300 specification is very important for engine oil blenders to adhere to, and so does SAE J306 are meant for automotive gear oil. Good choice of base oils will help to improve the viscosity index (VI) which represents the efficiency of an oil to keep its viscosity in relation to the changes in temperature.
Formulation of Additive Package
In the beginning, only single additives were used in formulating a lubricant. Today, a suit of additives, termed as adpack or co-additives may consist of up to 15 different additive chemicals. Each additive component is made to provide a certain function(s). Together in a suit, these additives will help to form a fully-formulated lubricant which is designed to accomplish the tasks of protecting the engine parts, affect the efficient operation of an engine for fuel efficiency, prolong the useful life of the lubricant, and try to protect the environment. Current trend and challenges in the formulation of engine oil is translated into the development required of the additive package. Key issues are fuel economy, emission control, extended oil drain intervals (ODI), alternative fuels, and low speed pre-ingnition (LSPI). Restriction of SAPS has formulators looking to re-balance the use of antiwear, detergent, and other ash-causing additives. The balancing of additives performance, emission, and cost are always challenging. Additive producers spent large resources in this effort to keep users contented in an ever-tighthening regulatory framework.
Synthetic Lubricants
Synthetic Lubricants in general is a step up from the old mineral lubricants. The industry is now more aware of the true strength of synthetic lubricants and their appropriate application. Synthetic lubricant do give better performance and solve a wide range of problems, however not all problems. Precise choice of lubricant has become more important in this age of down-sizing but up-powering as modern engines are more sophisticated but also more demanding.
After-Market Additives & Boosters
After-market additives are additives post-added to a lubricant in an attempt to improve the lubricant's performance or prolong its useful life. They are usually sold in small packs of 50ml - 500ml and are popular with vehicle owners with older or worn-out engines. If precisely formulated and properly used, these top-up additives may function as intended, however consumers are left at the mercy of the salesmen or less-educated technicians.
Waste Lubricant Oil (WLO) Recycling
Used oil can be re-refined into base oil, processed into fuel oil, and used as raw materials for petrochemical and refining. Used oil filters contain reusable scrap metal and it can be reuse as scrap feed for recycling. Some estimates indicate that re-refining one litre of used engine oil will yield about 70% re-refined base oil. During low virgin base oil prices, re-refining activities may struggle to stay profitable, however in some cases the activities are supported by regulatory requirements.
Lubricant-Future Trends & Challenges
The most pressing driver for future trends & challenges in additives & lubricants are:
1. Fuel Economy
2. Emission Regulations
3. Extended Oil Drain Intervals
4. Alternative Fuels