Product category:
Lubrication - lubricants and lubrication systems
News Release from: Shell Lubricants | Subject: Advanced lubricants
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 March 2007
Advanced lubricants help in cold
conditions
Shell Lubricants has highlighted the dramatic changes in engines over the last two decades, and the increased pressure this has placed on the choice of oil.
This year's Arctic Test for trucks, vans and off-road equipment was held in the extremely cold conditions of Lapland, Finland between 2 - 10 February and in this, the 20th anniversary of putting engines through these gruelling conditions, test partner Shell Lubricants has highlighted the dramatic changes in engines over the last two decades, and the increased pressure this has placed on the choice of oil "There have been major advances in engine designs over the last 20 years and each of these has placed more stress on the role of the lubricant within the engine," explained Paul Evers, Shell Lubricants Product Application Specialist Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oils, who gave a special presentation to motoring journalists and manufacturers at the end of the Test
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 10 Sep 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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The Arctic Test compares and evaluates the suitability of different vehicles for arctic conditions, but the lessons learnt in the snow of Lapland are also valuable for all parts of the globe as they demonstrate what can happen when engines have to operate under extreme conditions.
The tests are arranged by a group of motor journalists and manufacturers, with the objective of evaluating various vehicles in extreme conditions.
The participating vehicles have to be alike in essence, and they all are equipped with the same tyres, fuels and oils.
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Shell has been the supplier of all engine oils to the test vehicles.
"Diesel emissions over the past 20 or so years have fallen by 98 per cent, and since the introduction of Euro3 in 2000, we have seen the need for after treatment of exhaust fumes to reduce particulate emissions even further.
At the same time, major changes in engine design over the last two decades have seen the power output of engines increase, with today's modern engines offering nearly double the output of those available in the 80's," added Mr Evers.
Oil drain intervals have also dramatically increased as well with the average for short haul vehicles jumping fourfold (from 5,000 to 40,000 km) right up to the most advanced engines with extra filters, extending more than five times that of 20 years ago (from 30,000 to 160,000 km).
"This increase in engine power, higher engine temperatures, longer oil change intervals, more carbon loading and reduced oil consumption have placed an increased stress on the oil, which some operators still see as a mere commodity, but actually, your choice has never been more critical," said Evers.
"Choosing the right oil can give you a longer engine life, lower bore polish, better oil consumption control and excellent piston cleanliness, and wear will also be dramatically "The average 35 litres of engine oil in your sump has to cope with around three kilos of soot in between oil changes," he went on to explain.
"That's roughly equivalent to a six pound bag of charcoal - great for the barbeque, but tough on the engine unless you've chosen the right oil every time, or look to shorten your oil drain periods and change the oil more often." Soot causes oil thickening and increases the likelihood of wear, but the right oil can prevent soot forming clumps and prevent wear.
If you also add the modern requirement for a low SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosporus and Sulphur) oil, which works with EGR and SCR engines, this places yet more pressure on the oil to keep on performing its crucial role for longer.
"We've done extensive field tests in the heat of South Africa that have shown that Shell Rimula Signia produces less than half the ash than conventional ACEA E4 oils, and in addition, both Shell Rimula Ultra and Signia showed extraordinary low wear when compared directly to a top ACI CI-4 oil," said Evers.
"Whether it is in the demanding and ruthless snows of Lapland, the searing heat of the desert, or in the rain on the M1, these ongoing tests help demonstrate that whatever engine you operate, the choice of oil has never been more important." Shell's flagship synthetic lubricant is Rimula Signia - a unique formulation which not only matches all types of Euro 4 and Euro 5 engines, but is also suitable for older engines.
In addition to being compatible with all engine types - old and new, European and North American, offering the outstanding soot and viscosity control required to protect low emission engines - the lubricant minimises contamination of after-treatment systems.
Rimula Signia has been developed exclusively by Shell and comes with all necessary recommendations from engine manufacturers.
It delivers outstanding piston cleanliness and wear protection leading to longer engine life and better fuel economy.
The full technical profile meets or exceeds the following specification: ACEA E4, E6, E7; API CI-4; Mercedes-Benz 228.5, 228.51; MAN M 3477, M3277* (CRT application); DAF long drain; Cat ECF-1; Cummins CES 20077, Mack EO-M+. Request a free brochure from Shell Lubricants ...
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