Professional Documents
Culture Documents
TLT
T R I B O LO G Y &
LU B R I C AT I O N
T E C H N O LO G Y
HEAVY-DUTY
DIESEL
LUBRICANTS
12 YEARS
of publishing excellence
How they’ll impact
fuel standards.
Gear Lubrication
Q&A with Evonik’s Aidan Rose
Testing for Biodegradability
Measurement variables
Rust Resistance
Fundamentals of
corrosion protection
Rheology Explained
Tribology at the
dinner table
Career Coach
Should you accept that
job offer?
GEAR
AS THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT GETS TOUGHER, THE INDUSTRIAL MICROBOTZ™ GEAR UP FOR PROTECTION
www.aftonmicrobotz.com
© 2016. Afton Chemical Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of NewMarket Corporation (NYSE:NEU).
AFTON®, HiTEC®, MicrobotzTM and Passion for Solutions® are trademarks owned by Afton Chemical Corporation.
Passion for Solutions® is a registered trademark in the United States.
Contents TLT / SEPTEMBER 2016 / VOLUME 72 / NO. 9
10 22 26
FEATURES
TECH BEAT WEBINARS PEER-REVIEWED PAPER (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
COMMENTARY
4
Debbie Sniderman
Silver-colored anti-friction
coating; elemental spectrom- CIRCULATION ADVERTISING SALES
eters and more. COORDINATORS Tracy Nicholas VanEe
Myrna Scott Phone: (630) 922-3459
Judy Enblom Fax: (630) 904-4563
70 Sounding Board COLUMNS (847) 825-5536 tnicholas@stle.org
Auburn, Alabama
Testing for biodegradability Dr. Mehdi Shafiei
Dr. Zulfiqar Khan
Bournemouth University Novelis Global Research
Poole, Dorset, & Technology Center
United Kingdom Kennesaw, Georgia
Copyright © 2016 Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. All Rights Reserved. TRIBOLOGY AND LUBRICATION TECHNOLOGY (USPS 865740)
TLT magazine is owned and published in print and electronically by the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE). Vol. 72, Number 9, (ISSN-1545-858), is published monthly
The views set forth in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily the views of STLE. Material from TLT magazine by the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers,
may be reproduced only with written permission from STLE. TLT magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any 840 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068-2376. Periodicals
inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. For more information, contact us at TLT@stle.org. Postage is Paid at Park Ridge, IL and at additional mailing
Subscription and Single Copies: Current volume single copies are $25 (not including shipping and handling). Annual subscription offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tribology
rate is $225/U.S., $290/international. Prepayment is required before subscription is started. Remittances from foreign countries and Lubrication Technology, 840 Busse Hwy, Park Ridge,
must be by international money order or bank draft drawn on U.S. bank. IL 60068-2376.
4 A comet is a relatively small solar system body that orbits the sun. When close enough to the sun, they display a fuzzy outline called a coma or tail.
Performance Fluids
for the metalworking industry
Americas : +1-281-719-7780
Europe : +44-1946-694-108
Asia Pacific : +65-6297-3363
HPP_Technical_Service@huntsman.com
www.huntsman.com/metalworking
FROM THE EDITOR
Evan Zabawski
WE HAVE ALL STRUGGLED AT ONE TIME OR employed, including coal tar and sodium ben- are largely shear thickening (like Oobleck) or
ANOTHER to get the right amount of ketchup zoate. By 1896 a study deemed that 90% of shear thinning (like paint).
out of a glass bottle. Ketchup never pours commercial ketchups contained ingredients These properties prevent the ketchup from
readily—and sometimes pours too quickly—and that posed a health hazard, and Dr. Harvey flowing off of a hamburger but also are what
each witness to the struggle offers a different Washington Wiley spearheaded efforts against makes it so difficult to get out of a bottle.
technique to get it right. their use. There is no trick to it; one must simply cause
the ketchup to shear and it will flow readily.
Some people have taken the literal approach
One must simply cause by inserted a knife up the neck of the bottle,
the ketchup to shear which works best when the bottle is full. In
and it will flow readily. 1983 Heinz introduced the squeeze bottle,
completely negating this effort, since forced
flow through an orifice creates the necessary
stress for the viscosity to decrease. Funnily
enough, it took until 2002 before they de-
signed the bottle to be stored upside down so
that partially consumed bottles did not require
shaking to get the ketchup toward the cap.
Returning to our struggle with a glass
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / OxfordSquare
6 A comet’s tail is created as the comet gets closer to the sun, causing water, carbon dioxide and other compounds to sublime from its surface.
Manufacturing unique high quality & high
performance products while delivering
excellent technical service since 1932
® SPECIALTY
PECIA CHEMICALS
EMIC
Specialty Additives
®
NA-LUBE KR Alkylated Naphthalene
Broadest range of high performance grades & custom products
®
NA-LUBE EP, AW, ADTC Extreme Pressure & Anti-Wear
Light color, low odor high performance additives
®
NA-LUBE AO Primary & Secondary Antioxidants
Phenolic & aminic chemistries for a variety of applications
®
NA-LUBE BL Additive Blends & Packages
Ashless additive packages for a broad range of applications
®
NA-LUBE FM Friction Modifiers
Liquid molybdenum and tungsten based friction modifiers
Sulfur and phosphorus free
®
NA-SUL Rust Inhibitors
Extremely effective additives for a variety of applications
®
K-CORR Specialty Rust & Corrosion Inhibitors
Rust and corrosion inhibitors & yellow metal deactivators
www.kingindustries.com
w kingindus
www.kingindustries.com
www.kingindustries.com
www.kingindustries.com
www.kingindustries.com before you formulate
formulate
formulate
www.kingindustries.com
Call Call
www.kingindustries.com
1-800-431-7900
90
00 Toll Free
...and ask our chemists which King Additive is best
best for you.
y
www.kingindustries.com
HEADQUARTERS REPORT
Edward P. Salek, CAE / Executive Director
You have to stay on the move to gain a lead. That’s why the To learn more,
Oil Additives specialists at Evonik focus on working with you scan the QR code or visit
to drive innovation and develop truly distinctive solutions. evonik.com/oil-additives.
Like premium lubricants that meet tomorrow’s demands —
and help you boost efficiency.
KEY CONCEPTS DEMANDS PLACED ON LUBRICANTS TO PROVIDE SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE under more
stressful operating environments over longer periods of time are increasing. This
• Three types of antioxidants means that the function that antioxidants perform to protect lubricants is continu-
are used to protect industrial ing to increase in importance.
With the implementation of two new engine oil specifications, as was discussed
lubricants from
from external
fr
in a previous TLT article,1 antioxidants will continue to play an important role
factors that will result in
in automotive lubricants. But antioxidants also are an important additive used in
the generation of free
freee industrial lubricants.
r di ls.
radicals. This article furnishes an update on the use of antioxidants in industrial lubri-
cants that includes discussions about critical lubricant applications, how to select
• Multiple types
type of antioxidants
a ti id ts antioxidants, assessing antioxidant performance and future trends.
are recommended for use Input on developments with antioxidants has been obtained from representatives
in lubricant
lubrica t applications
lubric at the following companies: BASF, Chemtura, Fluitec Industries, King Industries,
because they complement
compleme t Polnox, Rhein Chemie and Vanderbilt Chemical.
eachh other.
th .
FUNCTION OF ANTIOXIDANTS
• Evaluating the effectiveness Oxidation is a multistep process involving a three-step radical process that if left
of antioxidants used in a unchecked will eventually lead to the total breakdown of the components in the
lubricant. In the first step of the radical process, known as initiation, an external
specific lubricant
lubrica t requires a
lubric
factor such as heat, severe pressure or the presence of a metal will trigger the forma-
series of laboratory tests tion of a free radical (or unpaired electron) that is derived from one of the organic
followed by an assessment components found in the lubricant. Either a bond inside the organic species between
of field performance. two atoms is broken to form the radical or an electron is subtracted from a molecule
by an oxidized metal.
slow
ROOH R H
ROOH RO OH
slow
branching, + RH very + RH 3HUR[LGHVFDQIRUPQHZ±DQG 6HFRQGDU\DQWLR[LGDQWVGHFRPSRVH
multiplying PRUH±UDGLFDOVE\GHFD\DQGEUHDN SHUR[LGHVZLWKRXWJHQHUDWLRQRI
- ROH fast - H2O
LQWRVPDOOHUPROHFXOHVZKLFKPLJKW UDGLFDOV
EHYRODWLOH
R R
Figure 1 | The three-step process describing oxidation involves the initiation, propagation and multiplication of free radicals. (Figure courtesy of
Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH.)
ROOH + O2 7KHILQDOSURGXFWVRIR[LGDWLRQRIDOORUJDQLFPDWWHUZLOOEHPDLQO\
oxidation,
+ O2 CO 2 & H2O FDUERQGLR[LGHDQGK\GURJHQR[LGH
ultimate degradation
Figure 2 | Termination of oxidation takes place through recombination of two free radicals as shown in the top reaction. The ultimate oxidation
products as shown in the bottom reaction are carbon dioxide and water. (Figure courtesy of Rhein Chemie Rheinau GmbH.)
The free radical formed is a highly “A second aspect of propagation is that radicals from the lubricant as shown in
reactive species that can react with oxy- the peroxides formed can further react Figure 2.
gen to form a hydroperoxide radical in to form additional radicals in a branch- The termination step is only effec-
the second step of the radical process. ing and multiplying process. By con- tive in stopping the process if no more
This is known as propagation because tinuous breaking of bonds, smaller or free radicals are formed during ini-
the additional radicals formed acceler- even volatile molecules are generated.” tiation. For this to occur, the external
ate the decomposition of the lubricant. A schematic showing initiation, propa- stresses that are causing the lubricant
The hydroperoxide radicals formed en- gation and multiplying is illustrated in to oxidize must stop.
gage in a third step, known as the mul- Figure 1. Ultimately, König points out that
tiplying step, leading to the formation The only termination step of the the final products of oxidation are car-
of additional radicals. radical process is the recombination bon dioxide and water, as shown in
Dr. Michael König, senior manager step where two of the free radicals will Figure 2.
application for Rhein Chemie Rheinau combine to form a stable compound in Antioxidants interfere with oxida-
GmbH in Mannheim, Germany, says, a reaction that essentially removes free tion through reacting with free radicals
12 The name comet comes from the Greek word meaning ‘hair of the head.’ Aristotle coined the phrase because he observed comets as ‘stars with hair.’
turbines and compressors, where the Synergy Between ADPA and HP in Turbine Oil
lubricant is exposed to severe environ-
ments involving high temperatures,
TOST/ASTM D943
cold spots and metal contamination 3 ADPA
and where water places a large demand HP
TAN, mg KOH/g
variable. This is due to the potential for
water buildup at low temperatures that 1.5
0.5
ANTIOXIDANT SELECTION
In selection of antioxidants, it is im-
0
portant to use a mixture of aromatic
1168
1504
1840
2176
2512
2848
3184
3520
3856
4192
4528
4864
500
836
amines and hindered phenolics to af-
ford the broadest temperature coverage. Time (Hours)
Migdal says, “At temperatures less than
120 C, hindered phenolic antioxidants
Figure 3 | Better results in delaying the onset of oxidation are achieved with multiple anti-
perform very well and are predominate-
oxidants such as the combination of an alkylated diphenylamine (ADPA) and hindered phenolic
ly used, however at temperatures great- (HP) in the TOST. (Figure courtesy of Chemtura Corp.)
er than 120 C, aromatic amines such
as alkylated diphenylamines are more
effective than hindered phenolics.”
The need for multiple antioxidants Synergy Between ADPA and HP in Turbine Oil
is demonstrated in Figure 3 that shows
the evaluation of turbine oils in the RPVOT/ASTM D2272
Turbine Oil Oxidation Stability Test 800
(TOST—ASTM D943) and in Figure 4 700
that shows the same samples examined 600
using the Rotating Pressure Vessel Oxi- 500
OIT (minutes)
ADPA
ADPA
HP +
and performance.” 80
12000
Making a careful selection of anti-
Lubricant Additive
Outstanding Performance
in Both Thin-Film and Bulk
Oxidation Protection
hemic
ilt C a
rb
de
ls
,
Van
LLC
petro@vanderbiltchemicals.com • www.vanderbiltchemicals.com
1
IS
O 46
90 02
0 1:2
008 100
Registered and pending trademarks appearing in these materials are those of R.T. Vanderbilt Holding Company, Inc. or its respective wholly owned subsidiaries. For complete listings, please visit this location for trademarks, www.rtvanderbiltholding.com.
provides strong performance under se-
PDSC Evaluation – ASTM D6186 vere conditions compared to a commer-
cial antioxidant that has not even been
subjected to the harsh experimental
55.0
conditions.”
Commercial AO
50.0 Figure 7 also reveals that even af-
DT-mPM AO ter seven days of exposure of heat and
45.0
metal catalysts to the oil, the DT-mPM
40.0 antioxidant outperforms and maintains
its superior efficacy compared to the
35.0
commercial antioxidant, according to
OIT in Minutes
30.0 Cholli.
Baker points out that the type of
25.0
base stock used in the biolubricant
20.0 is critical in determining whether an
antioxidant will be effective. He says,
15.0
“Natural oils simply cannot be inhib-
10.0 ited to withstand any significant heat
and are restricted to more or less ambi-
5.0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Day
ent applications. The life of formulated
conventional and many synthetic fluids
can be compared using the TOST in the
thousands of hours; however, inhibited
Figure 7 | A PDSC study shows that an alternative antioxidant technology known as DT-mPM natural oils are at best in the hundreds
exhibits superior performance in canola oil versus a commercial antioxidant. (Figure courtesy
of hours and biodegradable synthetics
of Polnox Corp.)
can only be compared without the ad-
dition of water.”
ÎÎÎÎÎ oxidation standpoint are biolubri- mulators. Cholli says, “This technology Figure 8 on Page 17 compares the
cants. Cholli explains, “In contrast to exploits a unique regenerative mecha- performance of petroleum, natural oil
petroleum-based lubricants, biolubri- nism to improve the antioxidant per- and synthetic ester base stocks with an
cants consist of esters of mixed fatty formance by multiple times to provide appropriate treat rate of the same an-
acids (i.e., saturated, monosaturated a significant improvement in efficacy tioxidant blend in the TOST and the
and polyunsaturated) that contain sig- over conventional products.” RPVOT. The natural oils display infe-
nificant levels of unsaturated compo- Performance data showing the effec- rior oxidation characteristics compared
nents particularly those that are poly- tiveness of DT-mPM versus a commer- to the petroleum base oils and the satu-
unsaturated. The level of unsaturated cial antioxidant are shown in Figure 7. rated biodegradable, synthetic ester.
components is known to correlate with The two antioxidants are each added Baker adds, “For more demand-
increasing oxidative instability.” separately at a 2% treat rate to canola ing applications that require or desire
Cholli maintains that the perfor- oil and metal catalysts (iron and cop- biolubricants, it is necessary to move
mance of conventional antioxidants is per) and their effectiveness compared toward synthetic esters and utilize the
relatively ineffective when used with using the Pressure Differential Scan- benefit of antioxidant blends similar to
biolubricants. He says, “The most seri- ning Calorimetry (PDSC) test proce- those that have been demonstrated in
ous issues in using conventional anti- dure, ASTM D6186. Both samples are petroleum base stocks.”
oxidants are the lack of sufficient reac- heated at 135 C for seven days and the König believes that hydrolysis of
tivity to efficiently scavenge the highly oxidation induction time (OIT) deter- biolubricants is as important as oxida-
reactive free radical intermediates that mined on a daily basis and charted in tion. He says, “Hydrolysis products of
propagate oxidation chains in polyun- Figure 7. esters promote the radical formation
saturated oils and the sacrificial nature Cholli says, “Subjecting the canola and aging of esters. This means that
of conventional existing antioxidants oil containing DT-mPM to pro-oxidant esters need as much protection from
that makes them incapable of function- metal catalysts and a temperature of hydrolysis as from oxidation and ag-
ing as antioxidants once they scavenge 135 C for four days leads to an iden- ing of esters by radical reactions must
a free radical.” tical OIT compared to the canola oil be distinguished from aging by hydro-
An alternative antioxidant technol- sample after it is just blended with 2% lysis. One challenge faced by lubricant
ogy known as DT-mPM has been found of a commercial antioxidant (see arrow formulators is the main types of anti-
to be a better option for lubricant for- in Figure 7). The DT-mPM antioxidant oxidants are not readily biodegradable,
DIFFERENTIATE ANTIOXIDANT
PERFORMANCE Common Fluid Lubricant Oxidation Tests
The best approach to differentiate an-
Test Method Description
tioxidant performance is through run-
“TOST” – ASTM D943 Commonly referred to as the Turbine Oil Oxidation
ning a series of laboratory tests (recog- Standard Test Method for Stability Test, perhaps the bench test that best
nizing that no bench test simulates all Oxidation Characteristics of correlates to reality. Unfortunately well-inhibited
the possible operating conditions to be Inhibited Mineral Oils oils run thousands of hours. There are several
similar bench tests that produce results in less
encountered). Details on the available time, mostly by accelerating conditions.
tests can be found in the ASTM Fu- “RPVOT” – ASTM D2272 The test is used to measure the remaining life of in-
els and Lubricants Handbook.2 Baker Standard Test Method for service oils by comparing the current result to the
Oxidation Stability of Steam new oil value. It is not intended to compare the
says, “Four of the most common fluid Turbine Oils by Rotating Pressure performance of different oils; however, it is
lubricant oxidation tests are the TOST, Vessel commonly used for screening because the results
are in minutes rather than hours and is helpful in
RPVOT, PDSC and the Cincinnati Mi- comparing similar AO variations.
lacron ‘thermal stability’ test” (see Table “PDSC” – ASTM D6186 This test provides fast results with very small
1). It should be noted that automotive Standard Test Method for samples and is useful in screening; however, ASTM
Oxidation Induction Time of states, “no correlation has been established
engine oils are typically confronted Lubricating Oils by Pressure between the results of this test method and service
with conditions not common to most Differential Scanning Calorimetry performance.”
industrial applications and industrial “Cincinnati Milacron Thermal A well-recognized test that includes oxidation as an
bench tests are generally not consid- Stability” – ASTM D2070 occurring mechanism with copper and iron
Standard Test Method for Thermal catalysts added to the fluid sample evaluated at
ered predictive of engine performance.” Stability of Hydraulic Oils 135 C for one week.
Gatto offers his thoughts for evalu-
ating antioxidants. He says, “My pref- Table 1 | (Table courtesy of King Industries.)
Short-term comets like Halley’s Comet have orbital periods of fewer than 200 years. Long-term comets have orbital periods of more than 200 years. 1 7
sures the concentration of hindered dation in bulk or thin-film and whether
phenolics in lubricants and high-pres- to include water.”
sure liquid chromatography/gas chro- ‘Specifications for biolu- Greene indicates that field perfor-
matography are two methods that also bricants in specific global mance will drive customer perception
can be used to measure the concentra- about the value of the lubricant and
tion of antioxidants in lubricants.”
regions often limit which counsels that test programs should be
Migdal feels that a series of tests can antioxidants can be used tailored to evaluate the performance
be used to properly differentiate antiox- parameters that matter. He says,
idant performance. He says, “The PDSC
and the treat rate that “Combinations of parameters such as
can be tailored for use under different may be used.’ viscosity control, acid number control,
pressures, temperatures, atmospheres sludge and deposit control must be
and catalysts. The RPVOT is used to prioritized with regard to the specific
simulate an environment of 150 C in application. Many well-understood, in-
applications where water may be pres- statistical experimental design (SED) dustry-standard bench-and-rig tests are
ent. The TOST is used in steam tur- methodology should be used to maxi- available for industrial lubricants and
bines, where water is present and is run mize the information obtained from a OEM specifications can offer a guide to
at a temperature (95 C) that simulates series of environmental stress tests used which tests are appropriate for which
the low temperature of this application. to evaluate antioxidant performance. applications.”
For gas turbines, a relatively new test He says, “SED is the best technique Cholli prefers to use the PDSC to
method known as the Determination of to identify synergistic or antagonistic assess antioxidant performance. He
the Oxidation Stability and Insolubles effects between additives. Variables to says, “The PDSC is a direct method that
Formation of Inhibited Turbine Oils at consider when setting up an SED to detects the heat generated as a result
120 C was developed and is known as evaluate antioxidants include: additive of exothermic processes that are oc-
ASTM D7873.” concentration, end-use temperature curring due to the reaction of heat and
Migdal continues by stressing that range, presence/type of metal ions, oxi- oxygen with the lubricant oil molecules
LEADING EDGE
People and specialty products
you can count on.
20 Records of humans observing Halley’s Comet go back thousands of years, with appearances noted by Babylonian, Chinese and European star gazers.
Baker points out that a big chal- refined base oils. The antioxidant that the turbine oil and easily replenished at
lenge for the lubricants industry is the lubricant formulators may need to add the appropriate time is essential. This
lack of new antioxidants to work with is generally the secondary type or hy- can potentially provide enormous cost
in new and existing products. He says, droperoxide decomposers.” savings to the power generation indus-
“Registrations of new antioxidant can- Baker sees that maximizing lubri- try if developed properly.”
didates have become more difficult and cant performance in the future will Gatto continues, “Another oppor-
expensive, which is virtually preclud- only be part of an overall strategy by tunity exists for higher temperature,
ing the development of new chemis- the end-user to maximize the perfor- more thermally stable antioxidants pro-
tries. The continuing challenge is to mance of the system. He says, “Increas- viding superior deposit control. Such
seek cost-effective synergies of existing technology already exists for aviation
chemistries.” lubricants but is exceedingly expen-
sive. Cost reduction for this technol-
FUTURE TRENDS ‘Sometimes, it is necessary ogy becomes a challenge because it
Future trends revolve around the to run long-term tests may require the development of a new
continuing use of more highly refined molecule that is costly and can take
petroleum oil base stocks, synthetic to cover all aspects of many years.”
base stocks and the need to find ways complex antioxidant Ameye points out that longer lu-
to keep lubricants based on these bricant life will lead to reduced main-
materials operating effectively over mechanisms.’ tenance costs and improved reliabil-
longer lifetimes. “Higher refined and ity in lubricant applications. He says,
modern base oils promise a longer “Higher use of antioxidants in insulat-
lifetime,” says König, “while end-user ing attention is being paid to a system ing/transformer fluids is needed as the
requirements for oxidative stability approach to equipment operation and lubricants industry has switched from
of lubricants increase. The required maintenance, such that the benefit of naphthenic to paraffinic base oils.”
stabilities—even in higher refined prolonging the functional life of the It is clear that antioxidants will con-
and modern base oils—can only be lubricant to the system as a whole is tinue to be an important additive type
achieved by use of optimized antioxi- recognized (versus the cost of the lu- that is required to protect lubricants
dant and/or industrial oil packages.” bricant alone).” from the more demanding operating
Cholli emphasizes that biobased Greene focuses on the greater de- conditions they face on a daily basis.
lubricant use will continue to grow as mands that end-users are facing, which Finding better ways to use antioxidants
will the challenges associated in using puts more pressure on antioxidants to in specific combinations for particular
them. He says, “Increased environmen- effectively perform. He says, “Custom- applications and working to better
tal awareness in society to minimize ers continue to expect lower cost of monitor lubricant systems are two ways
the consequences of pollution coupled ownership including longer service that the industry will be able to maxi-
with increased regulatory requirements intervals and higher energy efficiency. mize their value in the future.
are expected to drive the development This means longer lubricant life at
of lubricant additives that are non-tox- higher operating temperatures. More
ic and environmentally friendly. The and higher performing antioxidants Neil Canter heads his own
consulting company, Chemical
trend also may include using raw ma- will be needed to meet these expecta-
Solutions, in Willow Grove, Pa.
terials from renewable resources (bio- tions.”
Ideas for Tech Beat items
based) in manufacturing of additives Gatto specifically discusses the op-
can be sent to him at
in order to lessen dependence on the portunity to conduct proper condition neilcanter@comcast.net.
petroleum-based chemicals that domi- monitoring of compressor and turbine
nate the world today.” oils to extend lubricant performance.
Migdal points out that the lubri- He says, “An enormous opportunity
REFERENCES
cants industry trend away from Group exists for extending the useful life of
1. Canter, N. (2015), “GF-6, PC-11
I base oils will leave a need for inte- certain compressor and turbine oils via
and dexos1™: New engine oil
grating a specific antioxidant type into antioxidant replenishment. The tech-
specifications mean new additive
future formulations prepared with nology already exists to do this with the challenges,” TLT, 71 (9), pp. 10-
more highly refined base oils. He says, key being proper condition monitoring 24.
“Blending of hydrocarbon synthetic- of the service lubricant and having the
2. Totten, G., Ed. (2003), “Fuels and
based lubricants may require an addi- right systems in place for removing
lubricants handbook: Technology,
tional antioxidant because the ‘natural’ contaminants that build up over time. properties, performance and test-
antioxidant present in Group I base oils Using the right combination of antioxi- ing,” ASTM International.
is removed in processing more highly dants that can be easily monitored in
Aidan Rose
Evonik’s global business director discusses resource efficiency,
gear lubrication and the automotive market.
Halley’s Comet can be seen with the naked eye from Earth every 75-76 years, although the time period has stretched to 79 years. 23
it’s gratifying to see these returns on system has been challenged to con- TLT: Is there any legislation that is
our investment. This is no small issue, tinue to improve efficiency, and given actually holding back promising new
as the research and development time- the complexity of engine-transmission developments?
lines are typically several years long integration, it has to be optimized as
and the significant costs involved are a whole entity. Perhaps an even bigger Rose: Generally we don’t see legislation
sustained by our core business. challenge is for lubricants to become holding us back. If anything, the regional
The long-established focus on en- more of an intrinsic design element in and national emissions and fuel efficien-
gine oil fuel economy is accompanied engines and transmissions from the out- cy legislation changes encourage us to
by a parallel focus on ATF efficiency im- set, and for the cost-benefit balance to develop improved performance from our
provements. The complete powertrain be better recognized by OEMs. automotive viscosity index improvers.
Nevertheless, we typically introduce
new products to the market with full
global product registrations to meet
customer needs and certainly this is an
issue. Registration timelines and grow-
ing and potentially significant costs
You Use It. weigh in the consideration. This be-
comes especially important as we adopt
Calcium, Barium Sodium Sulfonates new raw materials and intermediates to
expand our product portfolio. There-
Neutral, Overbased, Natural, Synthetic
fore, we work especially close with cus-
tomers on tailored products to ensure
Oxidized Waxes and Petrolatums good transparency and understanding.
Various acid values, esters and soaps Specifically one aspect of legisla-
tion that comes to mind are national
Rust Preventive Packages regulations requiring extreme low-tem-
Calcium or barium sulfonate-based perature fluidity for wind turbine gear
Water displacing and water-emulsifiable oils in regions where turbine systems
would never experience these envi-
ronmental extremes. To prevent dam-
Emulsifier Packages
age from highly viscous oils, wind tur-
Soluble and semi-synthetic bases bine manufacturers require preheating
For naphthenic and paraffinic base oils lubricants prior to circulating pump
activation and system rotation. While
Metalworking Processing Additives it could be that special oils are needed
Corrosion inhibitors, amides and for a few extreme winter locations, in
lubricity additives general, this only serves to limit end-
user lubricant choices where no risks
exist. We think a more pragmatic ap-
Gelled Calcium Sulfonates proach could address variations in loca-
Oil, solvent and water soluble tion and lubricant types, would expand
competition and still serve to fully pro-
© 2016 Chevron Oronite Company LLC. All rights reserved. Chevron, the Chevron hallmark, Oronite, and Adding Up are registered trademarks of Chevron Intellectual Property LLC.
COMMENTARY
Dr. Robert M. Gresham / Contributing Editor
26 While the coma over Halley’s Comet can stretch up to 100,000 km across, the nucleus
Imported to the U.S.
from Asia to prevent
erosion, kudzu grows
so fast that it can
kill entire forests by
blocking out the sun.
energy’s failure to meet reliability and As I was writing all this, I received a there is an urgent need for it (in terms
cost goals were the primary reasons serendipitously and timely email from of pollutants). The solution is not an
for declining investment. Europe has STLE-member Dr. Mathias Woydt, who elaborate geostrategic model but the
poured $1.2 trillion into the green en- also is from Germany. He attached an sensible, efficient and sustainable use
ergy industry to fight global warming, unpublished manuscript of his that di- of resources, which eventually will
but its CO2 emissions and power bills rectly addresses the point I am laboring also reduce CO2 and pollutants much
just keep rising. to make. He poses several questions: quicker than regulations mandated by
The enormous German utility Rhe- “Will the sustainable use of natural politics and legislation.” I think he is
inisch-Westfälisches Elektrizitätswerk resources, non-natural resources and correct.
(RWE) was forced by the government management of wastes in the future be Woydt observes: “It is noteworthy
to shut down many of its profitable nu- an environmental or, better, economical that the American Petroleum Industry
clear reactors and build expensive wind objective?” “Or is it more likely that has declared for engine oils the energy-
and solar power alternatives. The gov- the availability of resources threatens conserving designation as obsolete and
ernment’s mandate to replace nuclear our level of prosperity in an age of ris- switched now to resource-conserving
reactors with wind or solar power cost ing population awaiting access to ame- designations.” Perhaps that is an ex-
more than $1.1 trillion. The company nities as well as scarcities of food and ample of this trend.
has a 46% chance of going bankrupt water in some regions?” Certainly these stories highlight ex-
within the next two years, according Woydt reminds us, “The traditional amples of the best of intentions—and
to investment groups. political or regulatory circuit for pre- the unintended consequences that can
The massive amount of money Ger- serving the environment is: ‘The use of arise. One can only hope that we as a
many poured into green energy is a non-renewable resources, such as met- global society can learn and quickly
direct result of the government’s deci- als, minerals and hydrocarbons and the adapt. Over the years, I’ve found there
sion to abandon nuclear energy after associated generation of byproducts and is always more than one way to solve
the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster wastes, gives rise to numerous impacts a problem, but usually only one solu-
in Japan galvanized political opposi- on the environment and human health.’” tion that is truly optimal, and that one
tion. Nuclear power made up 29.5% of Thus, we mistakenly have the notion is usually driven by economics and
Germany’s energy in 2000. The share that these impacts can only be managed sustainability. Also, one can only hope
dropped to 17% in 2015, and by 2022 through taxation and regulation. that our leaders can learn to set envi-
the country intends to have every one of Woydt believes “both the Europe- ronmental policy based on sound judg-
its nuclear plants shut down. This shift an and global models of prosperity are ments and not always politics and self-
caused Germany’s CO2 emissions to ac- much rather jeopardized by the short- interest. Probably that’s a little (OK, a
tually rise by 28 million tons each year age of resources than by CO2 emissions. lot) naïve on my part. I just don’t want
after Germany’s nuclear policy changed. With increasing demand of a growing to be overrun by kudzu.
Nuclear power’s decline has created world population, resources will be- So be careful what you ask for.
an opening for coal power, according to come more expensive. Economic access
a Voice of America article published in to resources as a basis for the model
November. Coal now provides 44% of of prosperity will soon turn into a so-
German electricity. cial issue.” I think we are seeing that
That is quite a shift from altruistic in some of the rhetoric in our current Bob Gresham is STLE’s director
environmental goals to environmental political flagellations. of professional development.
goals driven by harsh economics and He goes on: “Environmental protec- You can reach him at
the reality of technical limitation. tion only tackles the symptoms even if rgresham@stle.org.
Fundamentals of
RUST PREVENTIVES
used for temporary
corrosion protection
KEY CONCEPTS
At Munzing, we start with 180 years of experience and add in unmatched technical expertise.
We then craft the perfect defoamer for each customer’s industrial needs – from metalworking
ƦTHCR@MCHMCTRSQH@KBKD@MDQRSN@MSHEQDDYDBNNK@MSR@MCHMCTRSQH@KKTAQHB@MSR
www.munzing.com I info@munzing.us
the rust preventive is essential to the
performance of subsequent processing
Hydrophobic
steps like painting, phosphating or gal-
Tail vanizing, or welding.
- --- -- --- - -- --- -- --- To see how well a rust preventive
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Polar Head
Metal Surface coating can be removed after use, The
Wax/Oxidate Sulfonate Lubrizol Corp. does an in-house clean-
ing test. Panels coated with a rust pre-
ventive are allowed to dry completely,
Figure 2 | Metal sulfonate molecules have polar heads that bind to metal surfaces, driving off and then soaked in a 5% alkaline
water. Their long organic tails become entangled with the long molecular chains from the wax cleaning solution. During the soak,
component, forming a water-repellent protective layer. (Figure courtesy of The Lubrizol Corp.) the panels are submerged halfway in
the cleaning solution, where they sit
for 7.5 minutes at 45 C. Afterward, the
ÎÎÎÎÎ erties, while sodium sulfonate is best tion against acid fumes and provide panels are rinsed with deionized water
for making emulsifiable (water-based) better surface wetting and a range of and dipped into a copper sulfate plating
rust preventives. Barium presents some other properties. Formulating metal solution. Panels where the rust preven-
environmental concerns, but some re- protection fluids requires a balance be- tive has been cleanly removed show a
gions continue to use barium sulfonate tween several factors, including perfor- more uniform copper plating. Harder
because historically it was known to mance factors (barrier properties, wet- to clean formulations show gaps in the
separate water better than calcium and ting and water separation) and the cost plating, indicating that the rust pre-
sodium sulfonates. However, improve- and solubility of various components. ventive was not well removed by the
ments in rust preventive formulation cleaner (see Figure 3).
have produced calcium sulfonate-con- RUST PREVENTIVE REMOVAL Interestingly, the copper plating test
taining fluids with equal or better water Rust preventives can be applied using a shows that barium sulfonate products
separation performance compared with dip tank, sprayer (conventional or elec- are more difficult to remove compared
barium sulfonate. trostatic), roller, brush or by wiping, to calcium sulfonate products. This
Metal sulfonates have hydrophilic and the application method often de- might lead to the assumption that bar-
(polar) heads that adhere (chemisorb) pends on the size and shape of the part. ium-based products offer more protec-
to metal surfaces and hydrophobic After the film has served its purpose, it tion against corrosion. However, the
(nonpolar) tails that protrude away from is removed, commonly using alkaline salt spray test described below reveals
the metal and provide a barrier film. The degreasing cleaners. Clean removal of that traditional barium and calcium sul-
organic tails of the sulfonates can vary
in molecular weight and branching, and
the number of tails can vary.
Metal sulfonates by themselves pro-
vide a barrier between a metal surface
and the outside environment, but that
film can have defects that leave parts of
the surface exposed. Wax or oxidized
wax molecules become entangled with
the hydrophobic tails of the sulfonate
molecules, forming a more robust,
more hydrophobic film than either the
sulfonate or wax component alone. For
example, 10% of either a sulfonate or
an oxidized wax in a solvent might pro-
vide 30 days of protection to a metal
High performance Medium performance High performance Medium performance
part in a humidity cabinet (a common calcium calcium barium barium
testing environment). However, a 10%
combination of wax and sulfonate
could provide more than 60 days of Figure 3 | Dipping test panels into a copper plating solution shows differences in the ease of
protection (see Figure 2). removal of various rust preventive fluids by an alkaline cleaning solution. Here, barium sulfo-
Specialty ingredients also are added nate films are removed less completely than similar calcium sulfonate films. (Figure courtesy
for niche products to enhance protec- of The Lubrizol Corp.)
32 A meteoroid is a small rock or particle of debris in our solar system. They range in size from dust to around 10 m (33 feet) in diameter.
fonate products protect about equally
well against corrosion, while new-gen- ( '
)
&
eration calcium sulfonate products offer '
much better protection (see Figure 4).
(
%*
TESTING METHODS
Several standard methods are used to
(
evaluate and compare the performance
&+ ,
of rust preventives. Some tests use a sim-
!"
ulated environment to accelerate corro- #
sion, while other tests evaluate rust pre- (
-
'
vention under actual usage conditions.
!
In ASTM B117 Salt Spray, an ac- $ !"
' '
celerated testing method for extreme #%
atmospheres, test panels are housed in
a chamber held at 35 C. A 5% aqueous
sodium chloride solution is continu- Figure 4 | Having a rust preventive (RP) film that is difficult to remove does not guarantee the
ously sprayed throughout the chamber. best protection against corrosion. Top to bottom: traditional barium and calcium sulfonate
Coated metal panels are run to failure products offer less corrosion protection than either of two new-generation calcium sulfonate
(disregarding the outer eighth-inch of products. (Figure courtesy of The Lubrizol Corp.)
the panel). The test method does not
provide a criterion for failure—the ven-
dor and the customer generally define ASTM D1748 Humidity Cabinet is Polished carbon steel test panels are
suitable criteria. The Lubrizol Corp. an accelerated testing method for in- run to failure, defined as one or more
defines failure as more than 5% rust door storage. The test chamber is held dots of rust larger than 1 mm, or four
on the surface of the panel. at 49 C and 100% relative humidity. or more dots of any size. Again, the
RP B = Traditional calcium
Figure 5 | In this water separation test, shown after 2.5 minutes, a traditional barium sulfonate product expelled 20 mL of water (out of 25 mL
added), and a traditional calcium sulfonate product only separated out five mL. Two new-generation calcium sulfonate products separated out
all 25 mL of water. (Figure courtesy of The Lubrizol Corp.)
outer eighth-inch of the test panel is appear as red rust, but rather as a dark out all 25 mL of water is recorded—
disregarded, as well as areas surround- stain. Specially formulated non-stain- anything less than five minutes is
ing the holes for the hanger hooks. ing rust preventive fluids are called for considered good. This method can be
The salt spray test gives results much in this situation. modified to better simulate specific
more quickly than the humidity cabinet A rust preventive’s ability to dis- real-world conditions (see Figure 5).
test. Coated test panels can withstand place water from a metal surface can be The protection that rust preventive
as much as 60 days in a humidity cabi- tested using MIL-PRF-16173E. Clean fluids offer may be only temporary, but
net without showing signs of corrosion, test panels are submerged in distilled this protection is a key factor in reduc-
whereas salt spray can initiate corrosion or deionized water for five seconds and ing loss during storage and shipping,
in the first couple of hours. The speed then immediately submerged in rust making these fluids a worthwhile in-
of the salt spray has made it a common preventive solution for 15 seconds. The vestment.
test method, even though metal parts panels are stored in a static humidity
in a given application might never be chamber at 25 C for one hour. Failure
exposed to salt in actual use. is defined as any sign of rust, mottling
A stack stain test based on the mili- or surface stains.
tary specification MIL-C-22235A can For rust preventives applied by dip
determine the effects of water contami- application, water carried on the part
nation, heat and metal-to-metal contact into the dip tank can interact with a
on coiled or stacked metal surfaces. rust preventive fluid, which can reduce Nancy McGuire is a free-lance writer based in Silver
Test panels are coated with a neat rust its ability to offer effective protection. Spring, Md. You can contact her at nmcguire@
preventive solution or one contaminat- One method for measuring water sepa- wordchemist.com.
ed with water and stacked in a sand- ration is ASTM D1401. The Lubrizol
wich arrangement. The panel stack is Corp. has its own water separation test, REFERENCES
stored for 24 hours at 82 C. Failure is in which a room-temperature mixture 1. Kline and Co. (2014), Global met-
defined as any sign of staining or rust. of 75 mL rust preventive solution and alworking fluids: Market analysis
This test is useful for situations where 25 mL water is placed into a 100-mL and opportunities. Report #Y650C.
Available at www.klinegroup.com/
air does not penetrate between the lay- graduated cylinder and inverted six reports/y650series.asp.
ers of metal. Here, corrosion does not times. The time needed to separate
34 A meteoroid that burns up as it passes through the Earth’s atmosphere is known as a meteor. The shooting stars we see are actually meteors.
Mark Your Calendars!
Conference
We’ll again gather an international community
to share tribology’s most cutting-edge research.
The Drake Hotel Chicago Come join us for three information-packed days
Nov. 13-15, 2016 with tribology’s top minds--you’ll leave with a better
understanding of how your company’s products
will fit into an ever-evolving technical future.
Places of Interest • The Art Institute of Chicago • Museum of Science and Industry • Follow us on:
Field Museum • Shedd Aquarium • Willis Tower • Lincoln Park Zoo •
John Hancock Building • Navy Pier • Millennium Park • Michigan Avenue shopping
Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, 840 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068 • info@stle.org • www.stle.org • 847-825-5536
FEATURE ARTICLE
Jeanna Van Rensselar / Senior Feature Writer
Heavy-duty
diesel lubricants
ber when trucks rarely turned off; they and heavy-duty vehicles. The new
were either driving or idling the whole regulations, which are being phased in
time. Fleet owners started to look at from 2014-2018, impose fuel-efficiency
those things—where they were wast- targets based on the vehicle’s size and
The imminent ing fuel. So, for example, we are seeing weight. The toughest GHG regulations
auxiliary power units that reduce the will be enforced in 2017 (see U.S. Emis-
availability of amount of idle time while still allowing sion Regulations).
the driver to stay comfortable.” Vehicles impacted include combi-
PC-11 lubricants OEMs, aftermarket customizers and nation tractor/trailers, pickup trucks,
is a focus on fleet owners themselves have made
improvements through low-rolling
buses, vans and vocational service ve-
hicles. Together these vehicles are the
fuel efficiency resistance tires, aerodynamic design U.S. transportation segment’s second-
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / ziss
38 A meteoroid that survives falling through the Earth’s atmosphere and collides with the Earth’s surface is known as a meteorite.
Additives to Transform Lubricant Technologies
DOVER CHEMICAL is helping industries transform their technologies to meet evolving global
regulations and make products people need in a greener world. We offer metalworking formulators
and blenders 12 additive chemistries to replace chlorinated paraffins:
SPECIFICATION PROCESS
The development and approval of an engine oil is a three-
phase process:
• Phase 1. The New Category Evaluation Team (NCET) is
formed, which consists of manufacturers (EMA), oil mar-
keters (API) and additive companies (American Chemistry
Council). The focus of the NCET, through a consensus
process, is to review the request and evaluate the need for
a new specification.
• Phase 2. The New Category Development Team (NCDT)
is formed to oversee the specification and test method
development and to agree to any additional guidelines.
The NCDT is structured with four functional work groups
(API, ASTM, ACC and EMA) that report to the NCDT.
Each of the four groups has specific responsibilities. In
addition, ad hoc work groups from SAE and engine test
laboratories are asked to participate. The NCDT uses a
consensus process to develop the category. Once the cat-
egory and the tests have been defined, the first licenses are
scheduled for issuance. Figure 3 | A quick overview of two new PC-11 engine oils.
(Graphic courtesy of Dan Arcy and Shell.)
• Phase 3. This is the category implementation.8
www.basf.com/lubes
ÎÎÎÎÎ oils in higher viscosity grades, such
as 15W-40 (see Figure 4). These oils
would provide additional oxida-
tion stability, resistance to aeration,
scuffing and adhesive wear and in-
creased shear stability.
° Licenses on Dec. 1, 2016
° Is backward compatible with
API CJ-4, API CI-4+, etc.
° Covers XW-40 and XW-30 vis-
cosity grades (X = 0, 5, 10 or 15)
° Minimum 3.5 cP HTHS
° Has the same limits on sulfur,
phosphorus and sulfated ash as
CJ-4
° Is compatible with after-treat-
ment systems. Figure 4 | The rate of viscosity increase throughout the oil-drain interval is similar for
all three oils (shown by the similar gradient of the lines). Oxidation is a major cause
of viscosity increase, which indicates oil aging. (Graphic courtesy of Dan Arcy and Shell.)
• FA-4. Oils at lower viscosities that
yield better fuel economy and meet
the same performance requirements
(but might compromise protection and development to design new chem- engines? We are going to have to wait
in older engines, thus limit back- istry to meet—and exceed—the perfor- and see what each manufacturer says.”
ward compatibility). mance and durability requirements of
these new FA-4 oils and as such I would BASE STOCK AND ADDITIVES
° Licenses on Dec. 1, 2016
suggest fuel economy has been and will One of the primary catalysts for PC-11
° Has limited or no backward
remain one of Afton’s highest priorities oils was OEMs that wanted an oil with
compatibility—any backward
in heavy-duty engine oils.” significantly better protection against
compatibility depends on the
According to a recent Commercial wear and oxidation. This, in turn, com-
OEM
Carrier Journal survey, almost 48% of pelled oil formulators to incorporate
° Covers only XW-30 viscosity respondents are slightly to very con- new additives into more stable base oils.
grade (X = 0, 5 or 10) cerned about the implementation of PC-11 base stock can run the range
° Has a viscosity range between PC-11. Respondents’ top concerns in- of mineral oil, semisynthetics and syn-
2.9-3.2 cP HTHS cluded: thetics. Base oil selection will depend
• The fear that lower viscosity oils on oil performance tier and viscosity
° Has improved fuel economy
will increase engine wear grade.
compared to API CJ-4 and CK-4
There is some overlap in additive
oils • The possibility of needing both API packages for CK-4 and FA-4 oils; most
° Has the same limits on sulfur, CK-4 and FA-4 oils PC-11 oils will include at least two
phosphorus and sulfated ash as • Determining the right oil for their classes of additives: viscosity index
CJ-4 fleet (VI) improvers and antioxidants.
° Is compatible with after-treat-
• Not being able to use the new for-
ment systems. 1. VI improvers. These account for 23%
mula in older engines and what will
happen if it is used in older engines.9 of all additive sales. VI improvers are
Both CK-4 and FA-4 oils can help the preferred technology for optimiza-
reduce CO2 emissions and maintain “OEMs are working to determine tion of lubricant and hydraulic fluid
engine durability while improving ox- if there is backward compatibility,” viscosity behavior in both low-temper-
idation resistance, shear stability and Arcy explains. “One of the challenges ature vehicle and equipment start-ups
aeration control. is going to be fleets that have a range and high-temperature operations. VI
Phil Ames, heavy duty engine oil of ages of vehicles and manufacturers. improvers help strike the optimal bal-
marketing manager for Afton Chemical CK-4 should be no problem. The chal- ance of thickening efficiency and shear
Corp. in Richmond, Va., says, “Afton has lenge is going to be FA-4. Will those stability in a variety of base stocks and
made significant investments in research FA-4 oils be acceptable for use in older more recently have begun to serve as
DURABILITY/VISCOSITY TRADE-OFF
© Can Stock Photo Inc. / Zalias
The fastest meteoroids travel through the solar system at a speed of around 42 km per second (26 miles per second). 43
• As a direct contributor through for-
mulation changes that maximize KINEMATIC VISCOSITY VERSUS HTHS VISCOSITY
fuel economy.
Kinematic viscosity is a common measure of the fluid’s resistance to flow and shear
While fuel economy for passenger under forces of gravity—how easily the oil flows to the different parts of the engine.
cars has been a design consideration High-temperature high-shear (HTHS) viscosity is an indicator of an engine fluid’s resis-
for decades, this is not true for heavy- tance to flow in the passages between fast moving parts in fully warmed up engines.
duty diesel engines (see The Source of HTHS is a much more useful measure of what happens to the oil in the engine. It is
Friction on Page 43). Now that the in- HTHS viscosity that is a critical property and that will distinguish backward compatible
dustry seems to have reached the point CK-4 oils from fuel economy FA-4 oils for newer engines. Lower HTHS viscosity improves
of diminishing returns in the area of fuel economy and lowers greenhouse gases, but higher HTHS viscosity has better wear
reducing diesel exhaust gas emissions, protection.
the emphasis is back on fuel econo-
my.11 PC-11 FA-4 oils are focused on
enhanced fuel efficiency with HTHS
viscosity being the main determinant helps prevent wear. Additive packages sense that lowering the viscosity saves
of fuel economy performance (see Kine- can be designed with more robust anti- fuel. However, the oil still needs to be
matic Viscosity versus HTHS Viscosity). wear performance to help offset debits thick enough to protect the engine and
“While viscosity does play a criti- from lighter viscosity base oils.” prevent wear. FA-4 oils are being for-
cal role in preventing metal-to-metal Because the oil pump in the engine mulated in a way that allows reduced
contact and wear, it is not the only suctions the oil out of the oil pan and viscosity without sacrificing durability.
factor that impacts wear and durabil- circulates it around in the engine to pro- Lower-viscosity oils for HD engines
ity,” Ames says. “The additive package vide lubrication, the more viscous that have already been adopted in Europe,
also plays a critical role in maintaining oil is the more fuel-draining energy it where the most widely used grade is
durability and contains chemistry that takes to pump the oil. So it just makes 10W-40, and they are moving to 5W-
CORROSION INHIBITORS
REFERENCES
1. From Shell’s Preparing for API CK-4 and FA-4: What the 7. Centipoise high-temperature high-shear.
New Categories Mean for You and Your Heavy-Duty Engines.
8. From Shell’s Preparing for API CK-4 and FA-4: What the
Available at www.whatispc-11.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/
New Categories Mean for You and Your Heavy-Duty Engines.
Shell_Lubricants_CK4_and_FA4_technical_brochure_lo.pdf.
Available at www.whatispc-11.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/
2. Since more than 95% of all heavy-duty trucks are diesel- Shell_Lubricants_CK4_and_FA4_technical_brochure_lo.pdf.
powered, the term heavy-duty lubricants in this article refers
9. From Chevron’s PC-11 Explained website. Available at http://
to lubricants for heavy-duty diesel vehicles.
pc-11explained.com/.
3. From http://cumminsengines.com/uploads/docs/Secrets%20
10. From An Introduction to Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Frictional
of%20Better%20Fuel%20Economy_whitepaper.pdf.
Losses And Lubricant Properties Affecting Fuel Economy – Part I.
4. From EPA and NHTSA Adopt First-Ever Program to Reduce Available at www.researchgate.net/publication/235152586_An_
Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Improve Fuel Efficiency of Introduction_to_Heavy-Duty_Diesel_Engine_Frictional_Losses_and_
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles. Available at www3.epa.gov/ Lubricant_Properties_Affecting_Fuel_Economy_-_Part_1.
otaq/climate/documents/420f11031.pdf.
11. From The Lubricant Contribution to Improved Fuel Economy
5. From Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards and Fuel Efficiency in Heavy Duty Diesel Engines (abstract). Available at http://
Standards for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Engines and Vehicles. papers.sae.org/2009-01-2856/.
Available at www.nhtsa.gov/fuel-economy.
12. Ibid.
6. From PC-11 Explained. Available at http://pc-11explained.com/
pc-11-explained.html.
46 The Earth’s atmosphere experiences millions of meteors every day, most of which burn up in the atmosphere.
ton ring–to–cylinder block pair of an internal combustion
engine can be appreciably improved utilizing this technique.
Tung and Gao (18) compared the tribological performance
of thermally sprayed CrN coating and diamond-like carbon
(DLC) film prepared by physical vapor deposition (PVD) on
nitride stainless steel piston rings using different lubricating
oils. The results showed that the DLC coating produced the
lowest wear on the cylinder liner segment and had wear simi-
lar to that of nitrided and CrN-coated piston rings. Cho and
Lee (19) evaluated the effects of various surface coatings in-
cluding TiN, TiAlN, Cr-ceramic, and DLC on the tribological
characteristics of the piston ring and cylinder block surfaces
of a diesel engine. They found that TiN and DLC coatings
showed better scuffing resistance than the other coatings,
and the DLC coating showed only mild abrasive wear that
prolonged the time to scuffing failure. Cai, et al. (20), (21) in-
vestigated the nanolayered CrN/TiAIN coating and CrxTi1-xN
composite coating in tribological applications on piston rings.
Figure 1 | Morphology of the composite ferrous-based powder.
Although it has been proven that ferrous-based coat-
ings could improve the tribological performance of cylinder
blocks, various studies have found that proper coatings were
austenitic matrix by oxidation during the spraying process, beneficial to the piston rings. The dependent relationship be-
and Al2O3-ZrO2 oxides were additionally formed in the matrix tween high-performance plasma-sprayed, ferrous-based coat-
for the blend coatings. The blend coatings with Al2O3-ZrO2 ing for the cylinder block and different coatings for piston
oxides showed better hardness and wear resistance than the rings has not been extensively investigated, which is impor-
STS 316 coating without Al2O3-ZrO2 oxides, but the main tant for the design of the cylinder block–piston ring tribopair
wear mode was changed from abrasive wear to delamination in an engine system. Therefore, the present study fabricated
wear as the volume fraction of Al2O3-ZrO2 oxides increased a plasma-sprayed composite ferrous-based coating with high
due to cracking of oxides and separation of oxide/matrix in- hardness following a comparative investigation on the tribo-
terfaces. Bobzin, et al. (8) reported that ferrous-based pow- logical performance of the as-fabricated ferrous-based coating
ders with 5% boron were proven to be capable of producing sliding against different piston ring coatings including Cr,
a coating with a hardness of 1,200 HV0.1, which showed low CrN, TiN, and DLC in engine oil. The selected four coating
friction, but numerous microcracks were found in the coating. counterparts represent typical commercial coating systems
In addition, various coatings were fabricated on piston in the modern engine industry. The main objective was to
rings to protect the substrates and obtain good tribological obtain the tribological dependence of the high-performance
performance of cylinder block–to–piston ring tribopairs, in- ferrous-based coating on the nature of typical piston ring coat-
cluding hard Cr coating, metal nitride coatings, and amor- ings. Then the guidelines for selection of coating pairs in the
phous carbon coatings (Friedrich, et al. (9); Gangopadhyay, application for a cylinder block–to–piston ring tribopair in
et al. (10); Wang and Tung (11)). Due to the excellent wear engine system could be deduced.
and corrosion resistance, electroplated hard Cr coatings have
been widely used on piston rings (Bozyazı, et al. (12); Sohi, EXPERIMENTAL
et al. (13)). However, hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) was uti- Coating preparation
lized in the deposition process of the electroplated hard Cr The ferrous-based coating was fabricated using an XM-80SK
coating, which had been classified as a carcinogen compound plasma spray system on aluminum alloy ZL109 (ZAlSi2-
(Walter, et al. (14); Lee, et al. (15)). Consequently, intensive Cu1Mg1Ni1) substrates with dimensions of 45 mm = 20 mm
research has been performed on possible alternatives to re- = 5 mm. In order to achieve a high performance of the sprayed
place electroplated hard Cr coatings on piston rings, such as ferrous-based coating, ferrous-based composite powder with
metal nitride coatings, amorphous carbon coatings, and so significant Cr was used (Liu, et al. (22)). The composition of
on. Shi, et al. (16) deposited thick CrN coatings on piston the composite powder was Fe-18Cr-8.5Ni-3Si-0.8C-0.96Mn
rings using an arc ion plating system. The test results were (wt%). The morphology of the composite powder is shown
very encouraging for the application of CrN thick coatings in in Figure 1. The spraying parameters are shown in Table 1
replacing electrodeposited hard Cr coatings. Sun, et al. (17) on Page 48. Before spraying, the substrates were sand-blasted
fabricated multilayers of Ti-TiN coating with a thickness of using brown fused alumina with a particle size of 1.2–1.4 mm
4–5 μm on a cast iron piston ring. The experimental results for about 30 s and then ultrasonically cleaned in alcohol and
showed that the tribological performance of the cast iron pis- acetone for 15 min. After spraying, the coated samples were
Figure 2 | XRD patterns of coating counterparts. Figure 3 | Schematic diagram of the reciprocating tribometer.
Figure 4 | Cross-sectional morphologies of the ferrous-based coat- Figure 5 | Details of the lamellar structure: (a) selected regions for
ing: (a) total view of the peeled coating; (b) snapped micromorphol- EDS; (b) Cr and C contents due to EDS; and (c) magnified micrograph
ogy; and (c) polished micromorphology. of the lamellar region.
The word meteor comes from a Greek word that means suspended in the air. They can become visible as high as 120 km (75 miles) above Earth. 49
pendent on different colors were selected. Figure 5b reveals Vickers microhardness tests of the sprayed coatings were
the Cr and C contents of the selected regions due to the EDS carried out at two loads, 0.1 and 1 kg. The obtained average
analyses. It can be seen that all of these regions mixed with values were 664.94 and 768.24 HV1.0, respectively. Because
significant Cr and C. A slight difference might be attributed the typical austenite matrix was approximately 200 HV, the
to segregation during the cooling process. It also indicated as-fabricated ferrous-based coating exhibited extremely high
that the Cr-C compound might be formed inside the coating. hardness, which might related to the formation of a hard
A magnified micrograph of the lamellar region 4 is shown in Cr7C3 phase, whose hardness is about 1600 HV (Azimi (24)).
Figure 5c, which illustrates that the homogeneous matrix was The dispersion of the hard phases with small size strength-
embedded in a mass of rod-like or strip-like phases. ened the austenite matrix effectively.
In order to identify the phase structure, the XRD pattern of
the ferrous-based coating in comparing with spraying powder Tribological performances of the ferrous-based coating
was acquired. The XRD patterns of both the ferrous-based against different coatings
coating and the powders are shown in Figure 6. As seen in Figure 7 reveals the friction coefficients of the as-fabricated
Figure 6, the main phase of the powder was austenite (Cr- ferrous-based coating against different coating counterparts
Ni-Fe-C). Weak signals of Cr7C3 and CrC were detected. The in engine oil. The ferrous-based coating exhibited low friction
intensity of austenite peak decreased and the intensity of the coefficients sliding against all four selected coating counter-
Cr7C3 peak increased. The weak signal of CrC was still de- parts, which could be attributed to the boundary lubricating
tected, which indicates that a significant hard Cr7C3 phase effect of engine oil under the ball-on-flat friction contact con-
would generate inside the ferrous-based coating. The rod-like dition. However, differences between the friction coefficients
or strip-like phases dispersed in the homogeneous matrix of also existed. The order of the friction coefficients was as fol-
the ferrous-based coating could be assigned the hard Cr7C3 lows: ferrous-based coating against TiN > ferrous-based coat-
phases; that is, a mass of rod-like or strip-like Cr7C3 phases ing against CrN > ferrous-based coating against Cr > ferrous-
dispersed in the homogeneous austenite matrix arose from the based coating against DLC. The highest friction coefficient of
precipitation of Cr and C during the cooling process following approximately 0.15 was found when the ferrous-based coating
the coating solidification, which would play an important role slid against TiN in engine oil. The friction coefficients of the
in the mechanical property of the as-fabricated ferrous-based ferrous-based coating sliding against CrN and Cr were 0.11
coating (Wang, et al. (23)). and 0.10, respectively. When coupled with the DLC coating,
the ferrous- based coating exhibited the lowest friction coef-
ficient of about 0.09 under the same condition. That is, the
ferrous-based coating showed the best low friction behavior
when sliding against the DLC coating.
Figure 8 on Page 52 reveals the specific wear rates of the
as-fabricated ferrous-based coating against different coating
counterparts in engine oil. Though the wear rates were dif-
ferent, the order of wear rate was the same as that for fric-
tion coefficient: ferrous-based coating against TiN > ferrous-
based coating against CrN > ferrous-based coating against
Figure 6 | XRD pattern of the ferrous-based coating compared to Figure 7 | Friction coefficients of the ferrous-based coating sliding
spraying powder. against different coatings. ÎÎÎÎÎ
Figure 8 | Specific wear rates of the ferrous-based coating sliding Figure 9 | Wear track profiles of the ferrous-based coating sliding
against different coatings. against different coatings.
Cr > ferrous-based coating against DLC. The highest specific reflects the wear properties of the ferrous-based coating.
wear rate of approximately 7.8 = 10-15 m3N-1m-1 was found When sliding against TiN coating, the ferrous-based coating
when the ferrous-based coating slid against TiN. The specific generated the widest and deepest wear track. Though the wear
wear rates of the ferrous-based coating sliding against CrN track of the ferrous-based coating sliding against CrN coating
and Cr were 8.9 = 10-17 m3N-1m-1 and 7.5 = 10-17 m3N-1m-1, was narrower than that sliding against Cr coating, the wear
respectively, which were two orders of magnitude lower than track of the ferrous-based coating sliding against the CrN
that sliding against TiN. When coupled with the DLC coating, coating was deeper than that sliding against Cr coating. The
the ferrous- based coating exhibited the lowest specific wear smallest width and depth of the ferrous-based coating was
rate of about 2.1 = 10-18 m3N-1m-1, which was three orders of observed if the coupled coating was DLC. The valleys of the
magnitude lower than that sliding against TiN. It was clear wear track profiles that reflected wear grooves on the wear
that the ferrous-based coating showed the best antiwear per- surfaces might be related to the abrasive wear regime on the
formance when sliding against the DLC coating in engine oil. friction contact interface.
Figure 9 shows wear track profiles of the ferrous-based The wear surface morphologies under an optical micro-
coating sliding against different coating counterparts, which scope are shown in Figure 10. It is clear that the ferrous-based
coating exhibited mild wear with a few wear
grooves when sliding against Cr coating as
seen in Figure 10a. As seen in Figure 10b,
the wear surface of the ferrous-based coat-
ing against CrN coating reveals more wear
grooves, demonstrating more severe wear
than that for ferrous-based coating against Cr
coating. If the coating counterpart changed to
TiN, as seen in Figure 10c, a wide wear track
with plenty of deep grooves was observed,
which showed the highest wear rate under
this condition. When the coating counterpart
was DLC, the mildest wear of ferrous-based
coating with almost no wear grooves was de-
tected, as shown in Figure 10d. An abrasive
wear regime was proposed according to the
wear grooves. The TiN coating counterpart
promoted the most severe abrasive effect on
bright
UNISOL STRONG
®
Count on UNISOL® Liquid Dyes when you want to easily and economically color your
Unique
petroleum products. UNISOL® Liquid Dyes are strong and bright and are a highly effective way to
differentiate any fuel or lubricant. Whether you select a standard color or choose a specialized
shade UNISOL® Liquid Dyes offer powerful coloring capabilities.
54 Meteors can give off various colors when they burn, which is associated with their composition.
friction shear of these coatings to the ferrous-based coating > against Cr coating > against DLC coating, the wear losses
was in the order TiN > CrN > Cr > DLC. Thirdly, the different of the corresponding coating counterparts were TiN > Cr >
mechanical properties of these coating counterparts might be CrN > DLC. This was attributed to the lower hardness of the
another factor. According to the Hertz theory for a ball-on-flat Cr coating compared to the CrN coating. The high mechani-
contact regime (Liu, et al. (22)), the contact area radius (a) and cal properties of CrN fabricated by the PVD technique would
the maximum contact stress (m0) would be determined by the provide antiwear performance, though the friction coefficient
following equations: for the ferrous-based coating sliding against the CrN coating
was slightly higher than that for the ferrous-based coating
1 1 ¡ n1 2 1 ¡ n2 2
D C (1) sliding against the Cr coating.
E E1 E2
It is clear that the friction coefficient of the ferrous-based
13
3 WR coating sliding against TiN was much higher than that sliding
aD (2)
4 E against other coatings. Both friction contact surfaces suffered
1 more severe wear than the other tribopairs. Though the friction
WE2 3
s 0 D 0:58 : (3) coefficient and wear rate of the ferrous-based coating coupled
R2
with the Cr coating exhibited a slightly lower friction coef-
For this study, the flat was an aluminum alloy with a fer- ficient, the wear of the Cr coating was more severe than that
rous- based coating, and the balls were GCr15 with coatings. of the CrN coating. The friction coefficient and wear of both
In order to simplify the calculation, the ferrous-based coating friction contact surfaces for the ferrous-based coating–to–DLC
was assumed as the flat made of the cast iron, and the coupled coating tribopair were much lower than those of other tribo-
coatings on the GCr15 balls were assumed as homogeneous pairs. Accordingly, the ferrous-based coating to CrN coating or
balls made of the corresponding coating materials. The elastic DLC coating could exhibit good tribological performance in
modulus E1 and Poisson ratio v1 of typical cast iron are 150 engine oil. The best coating counterpart for the ferrous-based
GPa and 0.3, respectively. After importing the parameters of coating in engine oil circumstance was the DLC coating.
different coatings shown in Table 2 and the normal load W,
which was 15 N, a series of Hertz contact values was obtained CONCLUSION
as shown in Table 3. The calculated Hertz contact values might A plasma-sprayed ferrous-based coating was fabricated by
include great errors due to the simplification, but the order using a ferrous-based powder with significant Cr content.
from high to low can be determined. It was found that the The as-fabricated ferrous-based coating possessed high hard-
order of maximum contact stress under the same normal load ness due to the formation of a Cr7C3 phase dispersed inside
was ferrous-based coating against TiN coating > ferrous-based the coating matrix. When coupled with typical piston ring
coating against CrN coating > ferrous-based coating against coatings including Cr, CrN, TiN, and DLC, the ferrous-based
Cr coating > ferrous-based coating against DLC coating. Then coating exhibited good tribological performance with differ-
the damage to different coating counterparts with the ferrous- ences in engine oil. The friction coefficients were low, which
based coating under the same condition would be TiN coating > could be attributed to the boundary lubricating effect of en-
CrN coating > Cr coating > DLC coating. Three factors includ- gine oil. The different friction coefficients and wear rates for
ing surface roughness, self-lubricating effects, and mechanical the ferrous-based coating sliding against these four coating
properties of coupled coatings worked synergistically, leading counterparts showed the same order, which was ferrous-based
to the differences in the friction coefficient and wear rate of the coating against TiN coating > ferrous-based coating against
as-prepared ferrous-based coating sliding against different coat- CrN coating > ferrous-based coating against Cr coating > fer-
ing counterparts, which was TiN coating > against CrN coating rous-based coating against DLC coating. However, the wear
> against Cr coating > against DLC coating. loss of the coupled coatings was TiN > Cr > Cr > DLC. The
However, the wear losses of the coupled coating counter- tribological differences in the ferrous-based coating against
parts revealed little difference compared to the wear rates of different coatings were closely related to the surface rough-
the ferrous-based coating. Though the wear law of ferrous- ness, self-lubricating effects, and mechanical properties of the
based coating was against TiN coating > against CrN coating coupled coatings. In contrast, the plasma-sprayed ferrous-
based coating exhibited good tribological performance in
engine oil when coupled with CrN or DLC coating. The best
Table 3 | Contact area radiuses and maximum contact stresses of the
coating counterpart for the ferrous-based coating in an engine
ferrous-based coating against different coating counterparts.
is DLC the coating.
Coating Contact Area Maximum Contact
Counterpart Radius (mm) Stress (GPa) FUNDING
The authors gratefully acknowledge financial support from the
Cr 0.068 1.54
CrN 0.067 1.58 National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.
TiN 0.064 1.71 51202261 and 51475449) and the National Basic Research
DLC 0.073 1.31
Program of China (973 Program, Grant No. 2013CB632302).
(10) Gangopadhyay, A., Zdrodowski, R. J., and Simko, S. J. (2014), (26) Mistrya, K. K., Morina, A., Erdemir, A., and Neville, A. (2013),
“Interactions of Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings with Fully For- “Extreme Pressure Lubricant Additives Interacting on the Sur-
mulated Engine Oils,” Tribology Transactions, 57, pp 503–514. face of Steel- and Tungsten Carbide–Doped Diamond-Like Car-
bon,” Tribology Transactions, 56, pp 623–629.
(11) Wang, Y. and Tung, S. C. (1999), “Scuffing and Wear Behavior
(27) Gangopadhyay, A., Sinha, K., Uy, D., Mcwatt, D. G., Zdrodows-
of Aluminum Piston Skirt Coatings against Aluminum Cylinder
ki, R. J., and Simko, S. J. (2010), “Friction, Wear, and Surface
Bore,” Wear, 225, pp 1100–1108.
Film Formation Characteristics of Diamond-Like Carbon Thin
(12) Bozyazı, E., Ürgen, M., and Çakır, A.F. (2004), “Comparison of Coating in Valvetrain Application,” Tribology Transactions, 54,
Reciprocating Wear Behaviour of Electrolytic Hard Chrome and pp 104–114.
Arc-PVD CrN Coatings,” Wear, 256, pp 832–839. (28) Vera, E. E., Vite, M., Lewis, R., Gallardo, E. A., and Laguna-
(13) Sohi, M.H., Kashi, A. A., and Hadavi, S.M.M. (2003), “Compara- Camacho, J. R. (2011), “A Study of the Wear Performance of
tive Tribological Study of Hard and Crack-Free Electrodeposited TiN, CrN and WC/C Coatings on Different Steel Substrates,”
Chromium Coatings,” Journal of Materials Processing Technol- Wear, 271, pp 2116–2124.
ogy, 138, pp 219–222. (29) Eriksson, J. and Olsson, M. (2011), “Tribological Testing of
(14) Walter, K. C., Scheuer, J. T., McIntyre, P. C., Kodali, P., Yu, N., Commercial CrN, (Ti,Al)N and CrC/C PVD Coatings—Evalua-
and Nastasi, M. (1996), “Increased Wear Resistance of Electro- tion of Galling and Wear Characteristics against Different High
deposited Chromium through Applications of Plasma Source Strength Steels,” Surface and Coating Technology, 205, pp 4045–
Ion Implantation Techniques,” Surface and Coating Technology, 4051.
85, pp 1–6. (30) Xiao, Y., Shin, W., Luo, J., and Liao, Y. (2014), “The Tribological
(15) Lee, S. L., Windover, D., Audino, M., Matson, D. W., and Mc- Performance of TiN, WC/C and DLC Coatings Measured by the
Clanahan, E. D. (2002), “High-Rate Sputter Deposited Tantalum Four-Ball Test,” Ceramics International, 40, pp 6919–6925.
Coating on Steel for Wear and Erosion Mitigation,” Surface and (31) ZuKöcker, G. M., Gross, T., and Santner, E. (1994), “Influence
Coating Technology, 149, pp 62–69. of the Testing Parameters on the Tribological Behaviour of Self-
Mated PVD-Coatings,” Wear, 17, pp 95–10.
(16) Shi, P. Z., Wang, J., Tian, C. X., Li, Z. G., Zhang, G. D., Fu, D.
J., and Yang, B. (2013), “Structure, Mechanical and Tribological (32) Wang, Q., Zhou, F., Wang, X., Chen, K., Wang, M., Qian, T., and
Properties of CrN Thick Coatings Deposited by Circular Com- Li, Y. (2011), “Comparison of Tribological Properties of CrN,
bined Tubular Arc Ion Plating,” Surface and Coating Technology, TiCN and TiAlN Coatings Sliding against SiC Balls in Water,”
228, pp 534–537. Applied Surface Science, 257, pp 7813–7820.
ergonnsa.com | 601-933-3000
ergoninternational.com | + 32 2 351 23 75
NEWSMAKERS
Making lithium
complex grease?
Reduce cycle time, eliminate a raw
material and skip a step in your
process. Elco’s new additives will
make a lithium complex grease
for you. No longer is there a need
for the extra reaction step or the
additional raw material. Simply
add Elco® 7401 or Elco® 7403 to
obtain the extreme pressure,
antiwear and corrosion protection
you need while complexing your
lithium soap at the same time.
How you use the saved time and
money is up to you.
The specialty additive company! The Elco Corporation | 216-749-2605 | sales@elcocorp.com or www.elcocorp.com
SEA-LAND CHEMICAL WINS Top Workplace, organizations must ment that fosters collaboration, en-
NORTHEAST OHIO AREA 2016 meet our strict standards for organiza- courages responsibility and supports
TOP WORKPLACES AWARD tional health. Who better to ask about the longevity of our employees.”
Sea-Land Chemical Co., based in West- work life than the employees, who live
lake, Ohio, has been awarded a 2016 in the culture every day? Time and IDEMITSU LAUNCHES NEW NORTH
Top Workplace honor by the Plain time again, our research has proven AMERICAN R&D FACILITY
Dealer. that what’s most important to them is a Jeffersonville, Ind.-based, Idemitsu Lu-
The Top Workplaces lists are based strong belief in where the organization bricants America (ILA) announces the
solely on the results of an employ- is headed, how it’s going to get there opening of a new facility that will focus
ee feedback survey administered by and the feeling that everyone is in it on providing custom lubricant solu-
WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a research together. Without this sense of con- tions to a variety of customers through-
firm that specializes in organizational nection, an organization doesn’t have a out North, Central and South America.
health and workplace improvement. shot at being named a Top Workplace.” Located in Wixom, Mich., this mod-
Several aspects of workplace culture This is the second year in a row that ern R&D Center features state-of-the-
were measured, including alignment, Sea-Land Chemical Co. has won the art equipment that allows for cutting-
execution and connection. Top Workplaces award. edge product development. With over
“The Top Workplaces Award is not a “This award is a testament to the 13,000 square feet of laboratory space
popularity contest,” says Doug Claffey, culture we have created at Sea-Land for product formulation and testing,
CEO of WorkplaceDynamics. “Often- Chemical Co.,” says STLE-member Joe this new technology center will con-
times, people assume it’s all about fancy Clayton, president. “We have worked centrate on product development for
perks and benefits. However, to be a for many years to create an environ- specific customer applications. The
60 A meteor shower is usually the result of debris from a broken comet. They are the size of pebbles and no larger than a baseball.
Wixom facility is one of the company’s Following on the U.S. Environmen- tinue to proliferate, AMP has become
latest global centers dedicated to auto- tal Protection Agency’s (EPA) exemp- an even more powerful tool for envi-
motive lubricants and industrial fluids. tion of AMP in 2014, Environment ronmentally conscious customers to
“Our new Wixom facility proudly Canada finalized an order to remove formulate more sustainable products,”
brings Idemitsu’s industry-leading AMP from the List of Toxic Substances says Mark Henning, president and chief
technology even closer to customers in Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environ- executive officer of ANGUS Chemical
and partners throughout the Ameri- mental Protection Act, 1999, due to the Co. “AMP’s Canada VOC-exemption
cas,” says STLE member Ryo Yamada, compound’s negligible effect on the for- marks a huge win not only for our
vice president of research and devel- mation of ground-level ozone. customers in Canada, who now have
opment and director of R&D Center “As global VOC regulations con- broader formulating flexibility, but also
at ILA. R&D work in the new facility
will focus on developing innovative,
leading-edge products and custom
formulations to serve existing close
partnerships with automotive OEMs
in North, South and Central America,
as well as the needs of general custom-
ers. It also will offer technical services
to a full range of businesses, including
automotive companies and industrial
manufacturers.
“This is the only facility in North
America that combines such a unique
blend of Japanese and American techni-
cal knowledge and leadership, as well
as more than 100 years of insight, in-
novation and integrity,” adds Yamada.
“At Idemitsu, our focus is on creat-
ing groundbreaking, environmentally
friendly products. We strive to create
solutions for energy challenges that
support our global communities, re-
Monson is now part of Azelis Americas
duce emissions and increase both man- New company strengthens its commitment to specialty
ufacturing and vehicle performance.” JOLTPJHSZHUK[LJOUPJHSZLY]PJLVќLYPUNHIYVHKLYUL[^VYR
ILA employees gather for a group of support and value to its U.S. and Canadian partners.
photo in front of their new R&D Cen-
ter in Wixom, Mich. With over 13,000 Monson Companies is now part of Azelis AmericasHNSVIHS[LHTVMS\IYPJHU[Z
square feet of lab space for product HUKTL[HS^VYRPUNL_WLY[Z4VUZVU^PSSUV^ILHISL[VVќLYP[ZJ\Z[VTLYZHU
L]LUIYVHKLYSPULVMWYLTP\TWYVK\J[ZZHSLZZ\WWVY[HUKZLY]PJLZ[OYV\NO
formulation and testing, the new tech
P[ZL_WHUKLKWVY[MVSPVVMZ\WWSPLYZ6\Y3\IYPJHU[Z
4L[HS^VYRPUN;LJOUPJHS
center will concentrate on product de- Center will continue to support our sales team, customers and suppliers with
velopment for specific customer appli- \UTH[JOLKMVYT\SH[PVUHUK[LJOUPJHSHZZPZ[HUJL3L]LYHNL[OLM\SSYHUNLVM
cations. [LJOUPJHSYLZV\YJLZZHSLZZ[HќHUKX\HSP[`WYVK\J[ZVUS`4VUZVUKLSP]LYZI`
contacting customer sales and service at 1-800-235-0957, or via email to
ANGUS AMP™ MULTIFUNCTIONAL csr@monsonco.com for your local Monson sales representative.
ADDITIVE GRANTED VOC-EXEMPT
STATUS 4VUZVU*VTWHUPLZ154 Pioneer DriveLeominster, MA 01453 1-800-235-0957
Buffalo Grove, Ill.-based, ANGUS Chemi- w^^TVUZVUJVJVTwww.azelisamericas.com
TLT T R I B O LO G Y &
LU B R I C AT I O N
T E C H N O LO G Y
Want to be recognized in TLT?
TLT is interested in hearing from our readers. Let us know what’s happening in
your company. If you have news about a new employee or if someone in your
company has been recognized with an award or any other interesting items, let
us know. Please send us your news releases and photos for publication in News-
makers to TLT Magazine, Attn: Rachel Fowler, 840 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL
60068, rfowler@stle.org.
64 The International Space Station has shielding to protect it from meteors up to an inch wide.
AltaLUB™ 5300 is always the answer.
1
A
L
2
T
A
3
L
U
1
B
5
2
3
0
3
0
Across Down
1. performance lubricity additive 1. the best lubricant when precision is key
2. complex TOFA based ester 2. provides better lubrication for longer
3. hydrolytically stable lubricant 3. excellent performance in semi-synthetic,
synthetic, soluble oil and neat oil formulations
WKHEHVWFRXQWHUW\SHDGGLWLYHVPDGHLQ&KLQD
6XQJDWHOXEH7337
6XQJDWHOXEH3$1$6XQJDWH1R[/$QWLR[LGDQW
6XQJDWHFRU/7&$6&$$
=LQF1DSKWKHQDWH1DSKWKHQLFDFLG
NEW PRODUCTS
NYCO
Paris, France
+33 (0) 1 45 61 50 00
www.nyco.fr/en/
68 Asteroids are small solar system bodies that orbit the sun. Made of rock and metal, they also can contain organic compounds.
SPECTROIL 100 SERIES OF ELEMENTAL SPECTROMETERS
Engineered to expedite machine condition monitoring and quality control evaluations, Spec-
tro Scientific expands the SpectrOil 100 Series elemental spectrometers. They provide
quick, laboratory-precise measurement of elemental concentrations in a variety of fluid
types. The ease of operation makes them ideal for use in laboratories, on-site inspection and
maintenance environments, where rapid test results create value. The SpectrOil 100 Series
eliminates the delay and expense of off-site laboratory analyses and minimal training is
needed to operate the system. The analysis process involves no sample preparation or use
of solvents or gases, reducing cost per sample, and the spectrometers’ 30-second analysis
time provides immediate, simultaneous multi-element results. The spectrometers consist
of two basic models: the SpectrOil 110, which provides a basic engine wear package, and
the SpectrOil 120, which includes standard and extended range packages with the following
options: wear metals, coolants, fuels and custom application packages. SpectrOil 100 Series
spectrometers detect and quantify the presence of elements that indicate machine wear or
fluid contamination, while also monitoring depletion of additives that protect critical assets,
according to ASTM D6595 (oil).
Spectro Scientific
Chelmsford, Mass.
(978) 486-0123
www.spectrosci.com
Send us your new product news with color photos to: TLT Magazine, Attn: Rachel Fowler, 840 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068, rfowler@stle.org
LUBRICATING OIL COMPONENTS •ADDITIVE PACKAGES • FOOD GRADE ADDITIVES Get quality additives, plus the full
service you need to fine-tune your
Performance SOLTEX…
WHERE EVEN
formulations, optimize logistics and
enhance your bottom line. Find the
Chemical SMALL
GET BIG
ORDERS help you deserve at Soltex – where
our support team performs as well
• Technical Service
• On-Staff Chemists
• Formulation Assistance
• Logistics Expertise
orderentry@soltexinc.com | soltexinc.com
Global approvals/EHSA issues. Compatibility with the rest of the Getting them incorporated into our
formula. system—it takes a lot of time, effort
(1.) Awareness about the additives. and red tape.
(2.) Concern that the additives in oil Reliability of supply.
may negatively affect refrigerants. Lack of adequate support data such
(3.) Time and resources for testing. REACH and other worldwide as performance comparison with
(4.) The need and efforts to convince registration compliance. other additives, base oil qualification
a customer about the benefits of the and compatibility data when two
new additive. Compatibility and performance. formulations are topped up into
each other.
Availability. Contamination.
Health and safety. Collecting good,
Environmental approvals. Approval from equipment OEM. reliable field data on new products.
Over the past decade, what are the two most significant changes that have impacted the
way lubricants are formulated?
Regulatory restrictions and Environmental issues, new vehicle Environmental impact on finished
competition. manufacturing technology. product formulation due to use of
low SAP formulations, OEM designs
In refrigeration and air-conditioning Developing engine oil specifications and performance levels.
industries, it was new ozone-friendly and the need to rationalize plant
refrigerants; their development inventory. Development of new specs. Use of
started per Montreal Protocol in distributors for additives.
1987. Energy losses.
Viscosities, environmental
Group II base oils. They need to be lower in viscosity regulations.
for the requisite fuel efficiency needs
Base oils and green formulations. but robust at the same time to GHS! Types of metals being used.
ensure durability.
OEM trends and emissions. The government requiring better
Use of PAG fluids as lubricants and fuel mileage in all classes of vehicles
The need for better environmental hydraulic fluids. and moving toward “lighter” SAE
performance and the need for energy grades for gasoline and diesel
efficiency. Fuel economy, global usability. engines.
When developing
p g a finished llubricant, is it preferred to:
Fully formulated packages. Product
information off the Internet. Use a fully formulated additive packagee 51%
Base oil availability and environ- S
Start fr
from individual
i idual components
pon s 38%
mental regulations.
Top treat an existing additive package 11%
Performance standards and regula- Based on responses sent to 13,000 TLT readers.
tory clearances.
Higher temps, loads, other OEM Less component knowledge, higher Technical advancements.
demands, global registration performance base oil pool.
requirements. Improvements in base stocks and
Base oil quality. antioxidation additives that allow
Cost and availability. higher temperature operations.
Formularies are complex;
First for us formulations have gone environmental regulations are SCR/DPF usage. Thinner oil films
in the direction of buying packages more restrictive. (lower viscosity and higher
more than formulating from durability demands).
individual additive components. Need for improved efficiency and
This is driven by the cost and longer drain intervals from finished Efficiency and noise.
number of approval programs in the oils.
industry today. Second would be the Synthetic base oil additivation for
base oil quality change to higher Price. special cases (EP, AW, oxidative
quality base oils. resistance, etc.).
Equipment-specific lubricants.
Lower viscosity lubricants, hybrid (1.) People are going for cleaner
electric vehicle lubricants. Increased performance expectations lubricants. (2.) The environmental
and regulatory complexity. norms have become more stringent.
Emission controls using better fuel
mileage as the catalyst. Micropitting Biocide restrictions. Because I can Synthetic formulations and molecu-
additives in EP gear oils. only use the less-effective biocides, lar degradation.
I have to engineer products using
GHS and the availability of bio-hard and bio-resistant chemicals, Lower viscosity and emission.
information on the Internet. which are all more expensive.
Synthetics have increased operating
Wider selection of emulsifiers and Changes that improved the thermal ranges and saved money. More
base fluids. oxidative properties of lubricants. research has been done to the
Improvements in degradation and application of lubricants and their
Synthetics. hydrolysis. impact.
Restricted use of proven chemistry. Regulation and availability of green The two most significant changes
raw materials. that have had an impact on formu-
(1.) Move to lower viscosities to lating a new product would be: (1.)
enhance fuel economy. (2.) Increase Lack of resources internally. Cus- everyone being overly sensitive
of OEM specs based on expensive tomers willing to try new products about the NOACK volatility num-
proprietary tests that are not shared without field-proven experience. bers. It was as if the only way for
with the industry. These stifle one major company to beat another’s
innovation because the underlying Environmental impact. product was to find anything that
science requirements cannot be used was better. Volatility was what they
to form the basis for improved Application demand, equipment found so it became a big competi-
additives design, resulting in design. tion. (2.) The TBN numbers for
empirical approaches that are very extended change intervals. Too
inefficient. Engine efficiency, emissions. much can actually be too much. ÎÎÎÎÎ
72 Some scientists suggest that asteroids could have brought the necessary chemicals to start life on Earth.
ÎÎÎÎÎ
SOUNDING BOARD
CHOOSE SYNTHETIC ESTERS Chemistry development and major demand from customers for
the extension of useful life of the equipment.
SUPP
OR
ENVIRTS A CLEA Group III base oils and GTL base oil availability.
ONM N
ENT
As an additive supplier to the MWFs industry, I think the
availability of fewer registered biocides has had a significant
impact on raw material selection.
T H E S M A RT C H O I C E .
www.lexolube.com
+1 215 271 0800
Editor’s Note: Sounding Board is based on an email survey of 13,000 TLT readers. Views
expressed are those of the respondents and do not reflect the opinions of the Society of
Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. STLE does not vouch for the technical accuracy of
opinions expressed in Sounding Board, nor does inclusion of a comment represent an
endorsement of the technology by STLE.
APPROVED BY LEXO. PAID FOR BY INOLEX, INC.
BUYERS Company
Acme-Hardesty Co.
Additives International
Page
79
24
Afton Chemical Corp. IFC
BASF 41
Cannon Instrument Co. 33
Chemtura 75
Chevron Oronite Co., LLC 25
Daubert Chemical 44
Dover Chemical Corp. 39
Ergon, Inc. 57
Evonik Oil Additives 9
ExxonMobil Basestocks 3
F&L Asia Ltd. 85
Hangzhou Sungate 67
Huntsman Petrochemical Corp. 5
Ingevity 65
INOLEX, Inc. 74
J.A.M. Distributing Co. 19
King Industries, Inc. 7
TLT readers:
of Pelichem Associates
Petro-Lubricant Testing Laboratories
81
63
• Authorize purchases Pilot Chemical OBC
Polnox Corp. 18
• Evaluate products
Shanghai Starry Chemical Co. 73
• Recommend vendors. Soltex, Inc. 69
STLE 2017 Call for Papers 77
For information on how to customize
a multimedia marketing program that STLE 2016 Tribology Frontiers Conference 35
fits your budget, contact: The Dow Chemical Co. 51
STLE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition is the industry’s most respected venue
for technical information, professional development and international
networking opportunities. Each year STLE’s conference showcases some
500 technical presentations, application-based case studies, best practice
reports and discussion panels on technical or market trends.
• Biotribology • Nanotribology
• Condition Monitoring • Nonferrous Metals
• Engine & Drive Train • Power Generation
• Environmentally Friendly Fluids • Rolling Element Bearings
• Fluid Film Bearings • Seals
• Gears • Surface Engineering
• Grease • Synthetic and Hydraulic Lubricants
• Lubrication Fundamentals • Tribotesting
• Materials Tribology (includes • Wear
Ceramics and Composites) • Wind Turbine Tribology
• Metalworking Fluids
Abstract Submission
If you are interested in presenting at STLE’s 2017 Annual Meeting & Exhibition, submit a 100-150-word abstract at
www.stle.org. Abstracts are due Oct. 1, 2016. Notification of acceptance will be sent in December 2016. While you do
not need to prepare a full manuscript to be included on the meeting technical program, you are invited and encouraged
to submit a manuscript for review and possible publication in STLE’s peer-reviewed journal, Tribology Transactions.
Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, 840 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068, info@stle.org, www.stle.org.
RESOURCES
TECHNICAL BOOKS
STLE LOCAL SECTION
STATISTICAL TESTING STRATEGIES IN THE HEALTH SCIENCES MEETING CALENDAR
Authors: Albert Vexler, Alan D. Hutson and Xiwei Chen Events listed here are local section
programs. For further details and a
Publisher: CRC Press
full listing of other upcoming section
Statistical Testing Strategies in the Health Sci- events in your area, visit www.stle.org.
ences provides a compendium of statistical ap- Meeting announcements can be sent to
proaches for decision making, ranging from TLT Magazine, Attn: Rachel Fowler,
graphical methods and classical procedures rfowler@stle.org.
through computationally intensive bootstrap
strategies to advanced empirical likelihood SEPTEMBER 2016
techniques. It bridges the gap between theo-
STLE Northern California Section:
retical statistical methods and practical proce-
Topic and Speaker TBD, Sept. 28.
dures applied to the planning and analysis of
Time and location TBD. Contact:
health-related experiments. The book is orga-
stle.norcal@gmail.com.
nized primarily based on the type of questions
to be answered by inference procedures or ac-
cording to the general type of mathematical derivation. It establishes the
theoretical framework for each method with a substantial amount of chap- STLE CERTIFICATION EXAMS
ter notes included for additional reference. It then focuses on the practical STLE is offering numerous certifica-
application for each concept, providing real-world examples that can be tion exams in September. Here is the
easily implemented using corresponding statistical software code in R and information on each exam:
SAS. The book also explains the basic elements and methods for construct- • Sept. 15 from 9 a.m.-noon at ALS
ing correct and powerful statistical decision-making processes to be adapt- Tribology, 935 Sunshine Rd., Kan-
ed for complex statistical applications. sas City, Kans.
With techniques spanning robust statistical methods to more compu-
tationally intensive approaches, this book shows how to apply correct and • Sept. 16 from 9 a.m.-noon at Wear-
efficient testing mechanisms to various problems encountered in medical Check Canada Inc., 1175 Appleby
and epidemiological studies, including clinical trials. Available at www. Line, Building C8, Burlington, On-
crcpress.com. List Price: $119.95 (USD). tario, Canada.
• Sept. 23 from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
at Homewood Suites by Hilton
Houston-Kingwood Parc-Airport
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN CHEMICAL SCIENCES: Area, 23320 US-59, Kingwood,
EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL APPROACH Texas.
Editors: Tanmoy Chakraborty and Lalita Ledwani For the online registration form,
Publisher: CRC Press go to www.stle.org; click on the pro-
fessional development tab at the top.
Research Methodology in Chemical Sciences Then go to certification, then registra-
provides an eclectic survey of contemporary tion. Online registration closes two
problems in experimental, theoretical and ap- weeks prior to the exam date. Onsite
plied chemistry. This book covers recent registration may be available on a first
trends in research with the different domain come, first serve basis. For more infor-
of the chemical sciences. The chapters, written mation and for other methods of reg-
by knowledgeable researchers, provide differ- istering, you may contact STLE head-
ent insights to the modern-day research in the quarters by emailing certification@stle.
domain of spectroscopy, plasma modification org or call (847) 825-5536.
and theoretical and computational analysis of
chemical problems. It covers descriptions of THE NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL
experimental techniques, discussions on theo- LUBRICANTS CONGRESS
retical modeling and much more. Available at ICIS and ELGI announce that the in-
www.crcpress.com. List Price: $179.95 (USD). augural North American Industrial Lubri-
78 Asteroids are similar to comets but do not have a visible coma. They also are known as planetoids or minor planets.
cants Congress will be taking place in PAPERS INVITED FOR ASTM cess in metallic and non-metallic
Chicago, Sept. 13-14, 2016. Covering SYMPOSIUM ON TRIBOMETRY systems
both technical and commercial topics, AND TRIBOCHEMISTRY
• Friction-induced phase transfor-
the event will tackle some of the big- Papers are now able to be submitted
mations and their role in wear
gest challenges impacting the demand, for the ASTM Symposium on the Tribom-
formulation and performance of the in- etry and Tribochemistry. The event is • Wear-resistant material develop-
dustrial lubricants sector today. June 28-29, 2017, at the Sheraton Bos- ment and testing
ton Hotel in Boston. • Friction and wear-process modeling.
New topics for 2016 include: The symposium is sponsored by
• Base stock market drivers ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Interested authors must submit a
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubri- 250-300 word preliminary abstract
• Defining the characteristics of the cants. Papers are invited on a variety online no later than Jan. 7, 2017. Visit
additives marketplace of topics, including but not limited to: www.astm.org/D02CFP for abstract sub-
• Managing regulatory complexities mittal, additional paper topics and any
• Tribometry for tribochemistry further information.
• Evaluating the use of biocides and
• Surface chemistry and mechanisms Additional technical information
chlorine in metalworking fluids
in tribological systems is available from the guest editor
• Performance optimization through STLE-member Dr. Mathias Woydt,
innovative formulation • Use and interpretation of surface BAM Federal Institute for Materials
chemistry analysis Research and Testing, Div. Tribol-
• Challenges for water-based and
high-temperature operations. • Analysis of friction and its signal at ogy and Wear Protection, Germany,
the molecular level mathias.woydt@bam.de, and STLE Life
For more information and to regis- • Analysis of tribochemical processes
Member Dr. George E. Totten, FASM
ter, visit www.elgi.org/joomla152/index. during industrial equipment use
Department of Mechanical and Ma-
php?option=com_content&view=article&i terials Engineering, Portland, GETot-
d=179&Itemid=143. • Friction-induced tribochemical pro- ten@gmail.com.
80 Asteroids vary greatly in size; some feature diameters as small as 10 m (33 feet) while others stretch out over hundreds of kilometers.
LUBRICANT INDUSTRY
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Pelichem has 39 years of recruitment experience, and is dedicated to serving clients globally in lubricant and additive
industries. The U.S. economy continues its steady growth while averaging 230,000 private sector job gains monthly in 2015
and 172,000 private sector job gains monthly for the first six months of 2016. Listed below are some current career
opportunities with client companies.
Large international additive supplier is searching for a proven Small agricultural / industrial lubricants division of a global
technical leader with strong business acumen, strategic energy company is looking to hire a relationship builder with
thinking skills, and international project management account management experience to manage a vast dealer
experience to direct a team of managers and professionals in network throughout Canada. Will be responsible for OEM
development of new products and capabilities to meet needs lubricant training for service technicians, parts managers,
of customers and OEM's. Will lead efforts to define and and sales personnel. French language skills are preferred.
implement R&D strategy for the lubricant and fuel additives This company is the sole OEM approved lubricant supplier
business. Will work closely with global business managers for first fill and service fill for heavy equipment with a long-
and regional marketing managers to define a strategic established worldwide customer. This is not a sales role.
technology plan that supports and achieves business goals.
*SENIOR GREASE CHEMIST*
*SPECIALTY PRODUCTS SALES ENGINEER* (Midwest Region)
(Midwest Region)
Mid-sized private label grease manufacturer that has
Global distributor of fuels, lubricants, and base oils with a quadrupled in size over the past 10 years needs a grease
solid industry reputation for over 75 years needs a sales chemist to lead development and commercialization of new
professional to manage a large region from the Midwest down technology, products and processes. Will develop the
to Atlanta. This home-based position will cover IL/IN/MI/OH/ formulary, manufacturing instructions, and quality control
WI/MN/MO/TN/KY/GA. Will be responsible for business specifications, as well as make product recommendations
development and profitability growth by utilizing a consultative and troubleshoot product applications. This company offers
approach to selling high-performance synthetic base stocks to a line of calcium sulfonate grease precursors as well as
lubricant blenders and compounders. Successful track record finished greases.
is required in sales of base oils, lubricants, additives, or
related specialty chemicals. *TERRITORY SALES & ACCOUNT MANAGERS*
(Midwest & Southeast Regions)
*MARKET MANAGER - WIRE-DRAWING*
(Location Flexible) Many high priority opportunities exist for sales professionals
to sell products such as cutting / grinding fluids, metal
International supplier of specialty metalworking lubricants is forming lubricants, wire-drawing compounds, rust
searching for a marketing professional to support a staff of 10 preventives, hydraulic fluids, gear oils, metal cleaners, metal
sales engineers for its ferrous wire-drawing product line. Will pre-paint treatments, and paint spray booth chemicals.
analyze sales data, develop sales strategies, make product
recommendations, and conduct training for sales reps, Please call or send resume at your earliest convenience if
distributors, and end users. you are considering a new position. Your response will be
handled promptly and with the utmost confidentiality.
*REGIONAL SALES MANAGER*
(MO/KS/TN/OK Region) Ken Pelczarski
Pelichem Associates
International manufacturer needs a proven sales leader to 928 Warren Avenue
manage 2-3 territory representatives in sales of lubricants for Downers Grove, IL 60515
specialty metalworking and maintenance applications. Will 630-960-1940 (office)
analyze regional sales data, track activity toward sales goals, 630-207-5676 (cell)
develop strategies to increase sales, and develop / manage 630-960-1942 (fax)
customer database. pelichem@aol.com
www.pelichemsearch.com
CAREER COACH
Ken Pelczarski
Should you
accept
that job offer?
Review these HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO ACCEPT A JOB OFFER for an
outstanding opportunity when you are happy with your current em-
ployer? What about when you are unemployed, under-employed or
13 questions unhappy with your employer? Should you accept a job offer that is
not ideal but is better than your current job? What about a job offer
when deciding that puts you back to work, but you wonder if better job offers will
come along?
on a job Being presented a job offer places you at a pivotal point in your
career. Your decision can have profound ramifications. If a new op-
portunity is carefully evaluated and determined to be a good step for
proposal. your career, it can put you on the right path for advancement. On
the other hand, you may be eager to find a new position, accept a job
offer without careful evaluation and find yourself wishing you had
stayed in your previous job situation. Although decisions on job of-
fers can be difficult, asking the following 13 questions will increase
your chances of following the best career path.
4 6
and higher level projects in the new Is the company competitive in its What is the corporate culture?
job. If you are unemployed, do not au- field and moving in a positive di- This point should not be over-
tomatically lower your sights. You still rection? How is the company looked even if your skill set is
want to be sure (1.) you are utilizing situated in the marketplace? How is it an excellent fit for the job. Many tal-
your skill set, (2.) you are holding sig- ranked among competition? Look at ented individuals have parted ways with
nificant responsibility, (3.) the position the company’s history of growth and employers during the first year of em-
will benefit your career and (4.) you profitability over the past 5-10 years. ployment strictly because of lack of cul-
foresee a good chance of staying with Learn what strengths give the company tural fit. Increasing the odds of long-
the company for at least a few years. its competitive edge. What is the busi- term employment begins with an honest
ness plan for the next 3-5 years and exchange in the interview process re-
2
Will you experience personal and beyond that will ensure its continued garding (1.) your management style,
professional growth? Does the (2.) the kind of work environment in
new employer offer better which you thrive, (3.) the company’s top
prospects for growth than your current management style, (4.) your potential
employer as it relates to your career superior’s management style and (5.) the
goals? It would be great if the plan is to Does the new employer employer’s work environment. Will
groom you for a promotion in the first offer better prospects for managers be encouraging and nurturing
one to two years. This is not usually the or will they be pressuring and intimidat-
case, however, and you will need to play growth than your current ing? Look closely at the company’s level
the percentages for future growth based employer as it relates to of integrity, micromanagement, bottom-
on several factors. Closely evaluate (1.) line emphasis, customer focus and
internal promotion policy, (2.) where
your career goals? transparency/open communications.
individuals have moved from this type
7
of role, (3.) feasibility of the growth Is there a good chance you will
path the employer is describing and (4.) stay with this employer for at
how fast the company is growing—as it growth? Work through your connec- least 3-5 years? It is an obvious
grows, you likely will grow. Regarding tions to gain a consensus of opinion on goal to not have too many jobs of 1-2
personal growth, does the employer en- the employer’s reputation since its im- years duration on your resume. Picture
courage and support new learning, in- age in the industry is a big factor in yourself in the new job a couple of years
cluding participation in STLE education determining stability and growth for from now and evaluate if you would still
programs and activities? the coming years. be challenged and satisfied if you remain
in the same role as when you joined the
3 5
Will you have a high level of daily What is the level of job security company. If you tell yourself you would
job satisfaction? This can be with this employer? No position be anxious to leave the company under
difficult to predict, but there is 100% secure, although you these circumstances, it may be better to
are questions to ask and observations will certainly want to evaluate the level reject this job offer.
to make that will help determine your of employee turnover to help deter-
8
probable level of satisfaction. When mine relative security. If turnover rate If you leave this employer within
you interviewed, did you observe high is greater than industry average, try to a few years, will this position
morale, teamwork, open communica- uncover the reasons. The position may have benefited your overall ca-
tions, friendly and positive interactions be with (1.) a new venture, (2.) a start- reer? When accepting a new position,
and an environment conducive to your up, (3.) a turnaround situation or (4.) your main goal is usually to have a
work style that would result in maxi- another scenario of elevated risk. You long-term future with that employer.
mum productivity? Does this position may still want to consider this oppor- However, it is a good idea to have a fall-
have the purpose and meaning you are tunity if there are potentially high re- back plan. Evaluate how this job will
searching for at this point in your ca- wards to go along with greater risk, benefit your career in case you leave
reer? Speak to as many employees as especially if you have not made many this employer in the short term after
possible, including non-management, job changes in recent years, and you not accomplishing your goals or mov-
It is believed by many scientists and researchers that an asteroid impact caused the extinction of the dinosaurs around 65 million years ago. 83
ing up as expected. Perhaps this job may want to turn down a job offer of a In order to accept a job offer requiring
will provide you with leadership expe- 10% salary increase if you are currently relocation, the opportunity usually
rience, round out your background underpaid in the 10th percentile among needs to be one of the very best you can
with new products or markets or give peers, and the offer will not bring you find in the industry, especially if you
you the chance to succeed in a difficult near the 50th percentile. Realistic bo- are selling a home and moving a family.
situation. Anyway, the question to ask nus potential also should be figured
13
is if you have put yourself in a better into the equation. What is your gut feeling? Af-
position to achieve your primary career ter acquiring extensive in-
11
goals if you accept this job offer and What are the company benefits formation and completing
then decide to leave this employer 2-3 and perks? Although some due diligence on the job offer, it still
years from now. benefits can be negotiated, might not be a clear-cut decision. There
critical items such as health insurance is nothing wrong with relying on a gut
9
Is the new position as good an and 401K plans are typically written in feeling since your feelings are based on
opportunity as you would expect stone. Conduct a straightforward eval- a lot of information. You may want to
to find? Whether or not to ac- uation to determine if you are losing play it safe, turn down the job offer, stay
cept a job offer is often a difficult deci- anything significant in benefits or pay- with your current job and wait for some-
sion because the opportunity may only ing out more for these benefits when thing better to come along. On the oth-
be marginally better than your current compared to your current job. If ben- er hand, you may want to accept the job
situation. If you are happily employed, efits are comparable, they are not a big offer and look at the position as a fresh
you can afford to wait for something new challenge and opportunity, espe-
more attractive. However, it may be a cially if you have been job searching for
tough decision if you are unemployed, a while and if the opportunity satisfies
dissatisfied with your current employer one or more of your primary goals.
or if you are offered the first position
Keep your focus on
for which you interview while wonder- the big picture and There is no scientific formula for
ing if this is the best opportunity you evaluating a job offer. Although seem-
will find. The question to ask yourself
look at what is most ingly small details need to be covered
is if you are likely to find a significant- important to you. in the decision-making process, keep
ly better opportunity in the short term. your focus on the big picture and look
The key to answering this question is at what is most important to you for
to examine the job market closely your future career path and goals for
through social media, job boards and factor in the decision to accept a job advancement.
trusted colleagues to determine the offer. If benefits fall short, be specific The previous list of questions
types of opportunities typically avail- with the employer about your evalua- should provide you with a handy refer-
able for your background. tion and they will often attempt to ence guide to use when reviewing a job
compensate for the difference in some offer. If you are currently employed,
10
Is the employer offering a form. Perks frequently are little extras these questions will help you deter-
fair and competitive salary? that are not a big factor, although a car mine if there is a significant reason to
Most professionals focus or stock options are valued perks that make a job change and if you would be
on working for a company that will can make a difference in your view of a accomplishing your main goals by ac-
treat them fairly on compensation from job offer. A car can easily provide value cepting the job offer. If you are unem-
the job offer stage through years of em- of $10,000 a year or more. ployed or underemployed, this guide
ployment. The concept of fairness is will help you determine if the opportu-
12
often as important as the exact salary What is the position location? nity is about as good as you will be able
figure being offered. You will need to Unfortunately many great to find in the marketplace.
determine if you are being offered com- opportunities require a
petitive market value for the position long commute or involve relocation,
and for your skills. If you are currently including to undesirable or high cost- Ken Pelczarski is owner and
earning in the 90th percentile among of-living areas. You and your family founder of Pelichem Associates,
peers, you may want to consider a job need to decide how attractive an op- a Chicago-based search firm
offer in the range of what you are cur- portunity has to be in order to consider established in 1985 and
rently earning as long as you believe relocation. Evaluate how the employer specializing in the lubricants
the company is attempting to be fair will be supporting your relocation fi- industry. You can reach Ken at
and the opportunity is exactly what nancially as well with contacts and ser- (630) 960-1940 or at
you are looking for. Alternatively, you vices necessary for a smooth transition. pelichem@aol.com.
$PNQMFYJUZJO*4'"
JOTFSWJDFțVJEBOBMZTJT
1BSU997***
IF YOU’VE BEEN FOLLOWING THE THREE PREVIOUS COLUMNS, here tester is leading you to the water. You have to decide to
are some takeaways: drink it.
• You are likely—despite good intentions—not supplying
Swallow the database pill. useful, accurate feedback to the evaluator, so that he or she
• If you are beginning an ISFA program for the first time (at can reinforce what’s right and fix what’s wrong with the
your current company), this is your first and best chance commentary supplied in specific instances. This is gold,
to get the database properly sanitized and prepped to make otherwise known as money on the table. Pick it up. Com-
your program the best it can be. If you’re going to use an municate with the evaluator. Again, if an IA is in use, this
intelligent agent (IA) in the process, it’s essential. is where the added benefits begin.
• Corollary: If you’ve been into your program for a number • Read the previous two bullets regularly. Apply them for best
of months or years, you can still improve things going results.
forward. Let’s say you have good intentions and understand the
necessity of cleaning up your database to set the table for
Be a part of the solution—participate in all respects. maximum uptime (ROI). Then let’s discuss the solution aspect
• As I’ve admonished before, ISFA programs do not run more thoroughly. It really is the last rivet in maximizing ROI
themselves. Neither is it your “tester’s responsibility” to from your program.
make it run for you. The tester (lab) is responsible for fur- I’ve been at oil analysis for more than 50 years. Everyone
nishing accurate data and, if also supplying commentary, a seems to know what oil analysis is all about, once mentioned,
highly competent, appropriate advisory. Nevertheless the but I wonder if it’s really understood, in terms of priorities.
86 There have been many ideas suggested as ways to avoid the unlikely but potentially devastating impact of an asteroid collision with
Many first-time ISFA users are attracted to the notion of never called into question because it’s never been questioned.
safely extended lube and filter changes. Good idea, but that Prior to computerization of the ISFA process—sample
would be reason No. 2 to investigate the lube. In recent times, log-in, testing, evaluation and reporting—there was no easy
more ISFA users have come to understand that it is the ma- means to track feedback. Now there’s no excuse not to, yet
chine, not the lube, which needs to be protected. Accordingly feedback remains an elusive piece of vital information. Actually,
the major metals—Fe, Al, Cu, Pb + Si (dirt indicator)—are the it’s neglected. Companies willing to track this information have
most important indicators of wear and frequent cause (e.g., significantly larger savings and uptime. They’ll know where
dirt). When liquid-cooled reciprocating engines, some recip- soft spots (opportunity fixes) reside in their operations.
rocating compressors and automatic transmissions are being In 1981 I used a simple spreadsheet technique to establish
monitored, coolant becomes another factor that frequently and verify that a large trucking company had high instanc-
causes major wear problems, and there are telltale metals, es of fuel leaks in the case of one diesel engine MFR/model
particularly potassium (K)* from many coolant additive pack- and seemingly excessive coolant leaks with a different MFR/
ages, that indicate coolant seepage at sensitive levels well in model. I based this strictly on what the test data seemed to
time to avert a catastrophe. Further with diesels, fuel dilution indicate—sample by sample, engine model by engine model.
is yet another contaminant, indicative of pump, fuel line or My lab had an IA that I had designed, and we were able to sift
injector issues. All these types of problems leave clues in the through and cull out problem types based on the IA’s evalu-
lube that are much more important as signals (root cause) ations, as there was no feedback with which to correlate. It
for machinery maintenance, as opposed to simply triggering was found that about half of the reports with these two types
changing the lube to remove the contaminants. They’ll con- of trauma were acted upon and the correlation was virtu-
tinue to return until the root cause is removed. If the cycle is ally 100%. What is sad is that half of the problems weren’t
not broken, short-term failure is a likely result. investigated, and numbers of failures did, in fact, occur upon
Revisiting an earlier anecdote, I was interviewed and mis- further investigation, likely from inattention to the indicated
quoted in Popular Science magazine in the 1960s as indicating problem (fuel or coolant).
that oil analysis was like blood testing, when in fact it was the In the case of the frequent fuel leaks, the MFR was spurred
interviewer’s own analogy gleaned from our conversation. My into some R&D and was able to pinpoint the problem and
contribution, not printed, was to state that, on the surface, correct it for that model going forward. Both MFR and the
medicinal blood analysis represented a parallel but also that user benefited. Seeing oil analysis exact change in a manu-
the state of oil analysis wasn’t nearly sophisticated enough to facturing process is one of the most exciting technical events
warrant direct comparison. It still isn’t, but it can exist in the I’d ever experienced in my career.
same conversation these days, perhaps. The very best improvement an IA can bring to the ISFA
The only reason I want to include oil analysis in the same party is a vetting process that’s thorough and doesn’t let problem
conversation as a medical blood test is to point out the major test results get through the cracks. But it still requires that the
difference between the two sciences. In the medical setting, user (1.) acts on advisories in timely fashion then (2.) reports
the doctor is the focal point of the diagnosis. His opinion is findings with sufficient accuracy so that the IA can validate
essential. In the oil analysis setting the report is the focal point and correct itself, with judicious domain expertise in the mix
and the commentary (diagnosis) is thrown in, inclusive with for final vetting. Then the advisory will take its proper place
the test. To my knowledge, an ISFA laboratory—supplying a as the deliverable it should always be.
comment inclusive with test data—has never charged a fee Ultimately, given accurate feedback, IAs will be able to
for that opinion. While the fee is built-in, the tests determine make diagnostic and prognostic statements with a confidence
the service price. Often report recipients have no idea who level stated in percentages. When this routinely happens we
evaluated the test data and provided an opinion. When one can talk about blood testing and machinery fluids analysis in
thinks about it, that’s rather amazing, because the evaluation the same paragraph.
is the ultimate deliverable of ISFA, isn’t it? The test data and
any available information about the machine’s operating con- *K is particularly dependable for detecting coolant leaks at onset because, un-
like sodium (Na) and boron (B), e.g., K rarely has an alternate chemistry that
ditions are stepping stones to reaching a conclusion. might possibly be in play. Na and B are frequently found in various lube additive
Secondly, irrespective of the quality or accuracy of main- chemistries. That is, they’re not confined at all to coolants. It’s not always a slam-
tenance advisories, it is often the case that no feedback is dunk to bang on these metals in the name of coolant.
offered from the maintenance team as to the efficacy of the
advisories rendered. This is partly due to inherent devalua-
tion of the commentary, based on the culture in which ISFA
has been steeped, in that most evaluation is not paid activity Jack Poley is managing partner of Condition Monitoring
from the user’s viewpoint. As a result, valuable information International (CMI), Miami, consultants in fluid analysis.
never makes it to the computerized maintenance management You can reach him at jpoley@conditionmonitoringintl.com.
system so that it can be used to vet both the comment and For more information about CMI, visit
the maintenance effort. As such, the ISFA program’s value is www.conditionmonitoringintl.com.
Earth. They include using nuclear explosions to break the asteroid into smaller pieces or other weapons to deflect it off course. 87
WORLDWIDE
R. David Whitby
Request samples or learn more about our broad product offering. www.pilotchemical.com | 1.800.70.PILOT