Lubricant Additives Industry Newsletter Vol. 4

Lubricant Additives Industry Newsletter Vol. 4

Low HTHS in Heavy Duty Engine Oil

The world is focused on reducing emissions and improving fuel economy. Industry bodies and OEMs are reacting to this by moving to lower viscosity engine oil specifications, which means customers will increasingly be talking about the need for low High-Temperature High Shear (HTHS) engine oils.

The purpose of this deck is to explain what HTHS is, why it is important, and how Afton is responding.

HTHS measures the viscosity of a lubricant. It is the most representative measurement  of how the viscosity of an engine oil behaves in an engine. It is measured under high temperature, constant shear and at high speed. HTHS viscosity is regarded as the best indication of potential fuel economy improvement.

HTHS drivers are engine downsizing (weight reduction), down-speeding (rear gear ratio sped up to lower the speed of the  engine), and stop/start technologies (no fuel consumption at idle).

New heavy-duty vehicles will increasingly mandate the use of lower HTHS lubricant to achieve emission and fuel economy targets. The industry is responding by releasing low HTHS Heavy Duty specifications.

We want our customers to know that we are keeping up with these latest developments and that we have the solutions they need for their portfolios today and in the future.

Interview:

Arijeniwa Michael - General Workshop Supervisor, Cormart Nigeria Limited

Q. You have seen lots of damage to vehicles over the years. Apart from body damage, what overlooked things can cause vehicle damage?  

Ans. The inappropriate use or lack of quality lubricating oil can cause damage to the engine of a vehicle. The steering tie rod, bolt joint, front-wheel hub, rear-wheel hub and universal joint work along the propeller shaft. These vehicle parts must be lubricated. Gratefully, there will always be warning signs before a problem.

Q. Why is the choice of lubricant important in the maintenance of vehicle parts?

Ans. Lubrication is essential to the moving parts of a mechanical system. It is important in motor vehicles as it reduces friction and mechanical stress that affect vehicle parts. Also, the correct application of lubricants ensures a smooth running of all the parts in the vehicle.

Q. A routine  oil  change  helps  to ensure optimum vehicle performance. What properties should one look out for in a suitable lubricant?

Ans. The first thing to look out for is the viscosity of the lubricant. Next are the thermal stability and corrosion prevention properties. The vehicle manufacturer determines the standard kilometre travel distance before the oil change is due. The lubrication oil must be changed once the predetermined distance is covered.

Q. Why is it vital to monitor oil performance in a vehicle?

Ans. It is necessary to know if the oil is lubricating the vehicle parts. Doing so helps to maximize vehicle engine performance and prevent engine damage.  

Q. The Lubrication Industry is fast evolving with modifications for new vehicle models. What can be expected in the next 5 years?

Ans. The OEMs and lubricant manufacturers are the determinants of oil modifications. Irrespective, I look forward to seeing lubricants designed  for multiple vehicle parts. The required lubricant can be developed after multiple research and field trials.

RESENT INSIGHTS

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Product Spotlight: HITEC 12010

Economic Diesel Engine Oil Additive Package

HITEC® 12010 is an additive package designed  to cover API SG/SF/CF4 / CF/CD/CC Performance.

  • Minimum 6 TBN treat rate for API CF quality
  • 10  TBN typical CF-4

Applications

HiTEC® 12010 additive is a cost-effective additive package used in producing economic diesel and passenger car engine oils.

HiTEC® 12010 additive is specifically designed for emerging markets to cover from API SG/CF-4 down to API SB/CB performance at a competitive treat rate.

Recommended Dosage

  • An API SG/CF-4 core program has been modelled at 6.0 wt% (Exxon Mobil group I & group II basestocks)
  • An API SF/CF core program has been modelled at 3.8 wt% (Exxon Mobil group I basestocks) HiTEC® 12010 additive covers the  following economic heavy-duty diesel profile

Typical Characteristics

  • Appearance: Dark Brown Slightly
  • Viscosity @100°C,mm2/s: 73
  • Flash Point, °C (PMCC): 135 min
  • Calcium, %wt. 53
  • Phosphorus,%wt. 38
  • Total Base Number, mg KOH/g: 175

Handling Information

  • Max Handling Temp: 70°C
  • Shelf Life: 24 months

Contact our Sales Representative for more information – 08037221292

Technical Advice & Tips

Benefits and Challenges of Developing Low HTHS Heavy Duty Engine Oil

The benefits of low HTHS include the following;

  • Lower HTHS viscosity engine oils
  • Less viscous drag within the oil in the engine
  • Better fuel economy
  • Reduction of emissions

Developing a low HTHS HDEO formulation requires more than a viscosity adjustment via base oil and viscosity modifier changes.

A novel additive approach is required for low HTHS HDEO to balance.

Competing Requirements:

  • Fuel economy – Low HTHS provides less viscous drag from the engine oil between the engine’s moving parts, leading to better fuel economy and reduced emissions
  • Engine Durability – Thinner lubricants can lead to an increased risk of excessive wear in  the  engine; careful balancing of the formulation is required to ensure wear

Low HTHS engine oils require complex formulations to balance the need for improved fuel economy while maintaining engine durability.

Afton is leading the way by collaborating with OEMs on future ultra-low HTHS heavy- duty engine oil.

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