|
 Cleaner
& greener
Professor Hugh Spikes of Imperial College presents his view of the
challenges posed to tribology by environmental concerns, and the way
that these challenges are being met.
Facing the challenges of the future in crankcase lubricants
The boundaries of tribology continue to be stretched by the need for
improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. While the familiar objective
of providing sufficient lubrication must still be achieved, many further
business and environmental objectives - derived from increasingly
rapid developments in engine design and customer requirements - must
also be considered by tribologists working in this field. Insight
takes a look moves towards lower viscosity oils, the use of special
basestocks, reduced phosphorus levels, extended drain intervals and
the use of novel materials, and their consequences for the additives
industry.
 Maintaining
engine performance with appropriate additive technology
The use of additive technology to enhance the quality of automotive
diesel fuel is a well-established practice. Recent concerns over air
pollution have lead to increasingly tighter emissions legislation.
Selecting an additive package that maintains engine performance with
minimum emissions, and provides adequate lubricity with low sulphur
fuels, is more important than ever. Insight looks at how tribologists
have applied their knowledge to overcome initial problems with low
sulphur diesel, and how tribology is applied to make sure that any
additives used do not result in other field problems. The HFRR test
for diesel lubricity is also described briefly.
 Oiling
the wheels of industry - the vital roles of maintenance & lubricant
selection in manufacturing
Manufacturing industry is a tough place to be. Continuous improvement
in workforce safety and environmental management remains the top priority
for manufacturing industry. Second to this is the drive to be the
lowest cost producer, which demands that assets, such as machine tools,
consistently operate at maximum efficiency and production rate. To
meet exacting production targets and enable the business to remain
competitive, machines must be highly reliable, durable, cost-effective
to maintain and capable of performing operations to exacting standards
of quality and consistency, but how? Insight considers the vital role
of planned maintenance, the importance of selecting the right lubricant
and industry's challenge to additive formulators.
 Mike
McMillan on ILSAC GF-4
It may seem premature to be talking about ILSAC GF-4, the next category
of gasoline engine oil, when GF-3 quality products are only just
coming to the marketplace. However, despite the advantages offered
with GF-3 oils, Mike McMillan of General Motors is clear that something
even more advanced will be required to meet the LEV-II emissions
standards, set to be introduced in the US in January 2004. Can the
specification deliver the necessary emissions and fuel economy improvements,
without compromising overall oil performance? Moreover, with such
an aggressive timetable for delivery, can it possibly arrive on
time? Insight finds out more.
Asia Pacific - Working towards a cleaner future at the 2nd China/Asia
Clean Fuels Conference 2001
Delegates from over 100 companies worldwide attended the 2nd China/Asia
Clean Fuels Conference in Beijing, Peoples Republic of China, at the
beginning of March. The conference brought together vital information
on the government policies and intent to meet stringent environmental
requirements, in terms of fuel specifications and refinery configurations.
Noted speakers from government and industry were invited to make presentations,
bringing the audience up to date on governmental thinking as well
as providing them with the latest information on new technologies
and products from the various sectors supporting the petroleum and
automotive industries. Insight reports highlights from the two-day
event.
 The
Americas - Presenting the facts from Infineum Trends 2001
Now in its 39th year, the annual Trends presentations continue to
provide Infineum's customers with an important overview of the automotive,
fuels and lubricant industries. By providing a report of the present
and a look to the future, Trends aim to help customers develop ideas
and actions for their business. This year's presentations covered
a range of concepts - from new engines and vehicles, to specifications
and processes still in development - highlighting the rapid pace
of change that remains within the industry. Insight summarises the
presentations, outlining key trends in areas such as vehicle sales,
powertrain and transmission development, engine oil drain intervals
and quality specifications, challenges on the heavy-duty side and
changes in the small engine industry.
 CIMAC
2001 - Fifty years on
Held in Hamburg, the 23rd CIMAC Congress confirmed its position as
the leading platform for the marine propulsion and power generation
industries. Some 156 papers were presented - a 6% increase over 1998
and a 60% increase over 1995. Papers covered diverse topics, including
various aspects of the design and operation of large diesel and gas
engines for marine, power and rail applications, as well as gas turbines.
Insight reports on key presentations relating to crosshead two-stroke
engines, medium-speed diesel engines and the new generation of gas
engines.
 The
new CEC - A personal view from David Covey
David Covey is Worldwide Industry Liaison Manager for Infineum International.
Covey presents a personal view of the new CEC, commencing in Europe
on 1 July 2001. National Body governance and funding will give way
to direct funding and governance by the industry associations (ATC,
ATIEL, ACEA and CONCAWE). He comments on reasons for the new CEC
and the fresh approaches to funding and test development procedures
that have been put in place. Covey will be on to the new Board,
as one of the representatives from ATC.
|
