Tedex experts

What distinguishes oils with extended drain intervals from a technological point of view is a properly balanced composition of base oils and a package of improvers giving them an exceptional resistance to adverse thermal-oxidative effects or natural ageing processes.

In general, engine oils with extended drain intervals are listed on the basis of base oils of Groups III or IV as per API, i.e. based on unconventional and synthetic oils. In comparison with mineral base oils of Groups I and II, oils of Group III and IV demonstrate a much higher viscosity rate (resulting in better viscosity and temperature characteristics), a lower sulphur content and a higher content of saturated hydrocarbons (which improves oxidation resistance).

Oils containing properly-balanced ingredients combined with a package of improvers adjusted to specific requirements imposed by engine manufacturers can be used to obtain specialist oils intended for operation with extended drain intervals.

Pursuant to the regulation of the European Union, the Euro 5 standard implemented in October 2009 requires that all new passenger cars and delivery trucks equipped with diesel engines are fitted with a diesel particulate filter. Consequently, properly selected lubricating agents must be used in such vehicles. In order for new cars to meet the emission limit level of min Euro 4 or higher, it was necessary to extend the exhaust system of cars with a flue gas treatment unit: selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for heavy-duty trucks, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and diesel particulate filter (DPF) for diesel engines in passenger cars. As modifications in the engine design and the exhaust reduction system were introduced, it was necessary to develop completely new recipes for oils of a low level of sulphated ash, sulphur and phosphorus, i.e. agents which contribute to the formation of ash and catalyst impurities. The implementation of the above restrictions was a real revolution in the chemistry of improvers.

It was necessary to use completely new chemical compounds which do not generate ashes in the combustion process, while maintaining the same level of protection of mating parts and the same drain intervals as oils used to date. An example of proper engine oils are ‘LOW SAPS’ oils for heavy-duty trucks. Oils manufactured in the ‘LOW SAPS’ technology are characterised by very low levels of sulphated ash (SA), phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S). The limit level depends on the ACEA quality class: for E6 (trucks) – (sulphated ash) – below 1.0%, S (sulphur) 0.3%, P (phosphorus) 0.08%, while for ACEA C2/C3 passenger cars – SA below 0.8%; ACEA C1/C4 – SA below 0.5%. With this innovative formula, it is possible to extend faultless operation of a DPF, protect the engine, reduce fuel consumption and minimise the emission of harmful substances to the atmosphere. The Euro 5 standard will result in a limited negative effect of car exhaust gases on the surroundings.

Tedex has launched new oils for diesel engines, to include:

• Tedex Diesel Truck UHPD LSP Motor Oil, API: CI-4/CF, SAE: 5W40
• Tedex Diesel Truck UHPD LSP Motor Oil, API: CI-4/CF, SAE: 10W40
• Tedex SHPD VDS4 LSP, API: CJ-4, CI-4+, CI-4, CH-4,SM, SAE: 15W-40, 10W-30
• Tedex Diesel Truck UHPD (S) LSP Motor Oil, API:Ci-4/CF, SAE: 5W-40, 5W-30
• Tedex Synthetic (C4) Motor Oil

Tedex oils manufactured in the LOW SAPS technology minimise formation of high temperature deposits, prevent accumulation of black sludge and protect cylinder bearing structures from bore polishing.