The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) is the foremost provider of non-commercial technical education to the lubrication field. Our goal is the dissemination of knowledge to further the science of tribology and lubrication engineering. STLE offers several outlets for keeping up with the latest developments impacting the industry:
STLE Membership
As a member of the leading technical organization for tribology and lubrication professionals, you have access to the resources you need to succeed, as well as leadership opportunities and a community of industry experts to further your career. Learn more about the membership benefits and types (individual, student and corporate) and how you can leverage the full advantages of your STLE membership at www.stle.org. For more information about STLE member programs and services, email membership@stle.org
TLT Magazine
STLE’s official monthly magazine delivers world-class technical content to aid in the technical education and professional development of those in the industry. Access the digital edition at https://bit.ly/DigitalTLT or visit the TLT Archives at www. stle.org/TLTArchives
.
Professional Development and Certification
In the STLE Learning Management System (LMS), experts in the field provide education on a wide range of topics including sustainability, lubrication fundamentals, tribology applications and more. The LMS also houses our certifications and allows you to take an exam that can help advance your career. Access webinars, short courses and other virtual content through this user-friendly platform at www.pathlms.com/stle
Conferences
Atlanta
May 18-22, 2025
STLE hosts its premier event, the STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition, every year. Join us in Atlanta, May 18-22, 2025, for more technical content, education courses and networking opportunities. Other conferences and virtual events occur annually as well. For the latest information, visit www.stle.org/eventsoverview.
To send questions, issues, comments, suggestions or feedback to STLE, email community@stle.org. Follow
Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers 840 Busse Highway, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068 (USA) P: (847) 825-5536 | F: (847) 825-1456 | www.stle.org | information@stle.org
3-5, 8
The Market Report
Ardova opens a new lubricant blending plant
Vivo Energy Uganda unveils a lubes campaign
Chevron expands marine lubricants supply to Port Elizabeth, South Africa
ICIS holds its African conference in South Africa
Vivo Energy Tanzania unveils a lubes campaign
Lubrizol extends distribution partnership with Oil Store
What’s New: Products and Innovations
FUCHS becomes the first supplier of OCP inspired immersion coolant
Perstorp launches an immersion cooling fluid 13, 16,18
In Other Worlds
Castrol partners with Slicker Recycling to re-refine used oil
ATIEL and UEIL Carbon footprint methodology receives certification
PETRONAS partners with Goodyear tires Italy for lubes distribution
Honda revamps its lubricants line
SKF acquires a lubrication systems company
Repsol collaborates with Tekniker to develop additives using nanotechnology
for Lubricants Professionals
Dr. James Wakiru
Lubezine Magazine | Editor-in-Chief
Unlocking Africa’s growth potential
Welcome to the 51st edition of Lubezine Magazine, marking the final issue for 2024.
This year has been a pivotal one for the lubricants industry, with notable events in Kenya. Highlights include Azelis debuting the L&MWF segment in East Africa and IMCD hosting a lubricants additives conference in Nairobi. Additionally, for Lubezine Magazine, 2024 marks the milestone of publishing our 50th edition.
Our cover feature takes you back in history to understand lubricants’ central role in World War II. Steven Lumley, the Technical manager for WearCheck, explains the development of lubricants during the war, from mineral lubricants to advanced synthetic lubricants. This fascinating read emphasizes the importance of lubricants in machines, boosting efficiency and reliability with limited downtime. During the war, highly refined mineral oils were initially used in early jet engines. However, these oils struggled to withstand the high operating temperatures, resulting in severe oxidation and viscosity problems. This limitation highlighted the need for more advanced chemistry to improve performance and
reliability in such demanding conditions. Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) and ester-based synthetic oils soon emerged as solutions, offering better thermal stability and resistance to oxidation.
Still in Africa, ICIS recently held its 9th African Base Oils and Lubricants Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, on November 7-8, 2024. This event brought together different industry players and professionals within Africa and beyond, with a broad representation of major companies in the industry. One key insight from the conference is that, while many parts of the world are experiencing a decline in lubricants demand, Africa still holds significant growth potential. Africa’s lubricant market growth is driven by economic development, rising vehicle ownership, and a shift towards higher-viscosity and high-quality lubricants, particularly in industrial and heavy-duty applications. Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa dominate Africa’s lubricant demand while emerging markets like Algeria, Morocco, Kenya, and Angola offer new growth potential driven by industrial expansion and infrastructure development.
In the ‘10 Questions for Lubricant
Boston Moonsamy
Tara Ayodeji
TotalEnergies South Africa IPAC ENOC WearCheck Kline Energy Infineum Insight
Photography: Media Agencies Lubezine Library
Professionals’ segment, we feature one of the most seasoned experts in South Africa’s lubricants industry: Boston Moonsamy, the Managing Director of Azelis South Africa. Boston has over 34 years of experience in the Southern African lubricants industry. Boston notes that the mining industry is one of the largest consumers of petroleum products in Southern Africa and that the power generation sector is projected to be the fastest-growing end-user industry, driven by the rising demand for energy and the increasing installation of wind turbines. This is just a snippet of what this edition has in store. We invite you to indulge in and interact with the insightful articles we have sourced for you.
As the year ends, we want to thank all our stakeholders who have supported us throughout 2024—our in-house team, advertisers, article contributors, interviewees for the professional interview segment, and, most importantly, you, our readers. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025. .
Only Media Ltd, United House 39-41 North Road, London N7 9DP, UK
Subscriptions: Lubezine is free to qualified subscribers who are involved in the lubricants industry as manufacturer’s end-users, marketers and suppliers to the oil industry. Lubezine is a quarterly publication of Lubes Africa Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced or transmitted in any form including photocopy or any storage and retrieval system without prior written permission from the publishers. ISSN 2664 3235 (Print) ISSN 2708-843X (Online)
THEMARKETREPORT
NEWS • BRIEFING • NEW PRODUCTS • TECHNOLOGY
LUBES DIARY: 29th ICIS World Base Oils and Lubricants Conference | FAQS: What to know about hydraulic lubricants
Ardova opens a new lubricant blending plant
Ardova Plc, an indigenous integrated energy company in Nigeria, has unveiled a Lubricant Oil Blending Plant (LOBP). With a production capacity of 150 million litres per annum and a storage capacity of 14 million litres, the new facility is designed to meet the evolving demands of the Nigerian market.
Ardova Plc’s Executive Chairman, AbdulWasiu Sowami said, “three years ago, we realised that to accomplish our goal of adequately meeting the Nigerian market lubricant demand, we needed to transform our lubricant plant to state of the art Lubricant Blending Oil Plant that will represent our commitment to innovation and excellence and our vision is to lead the lubricants market.”
With the capacity to produce 20% of Nigeria’s total lubricant demand, Ardova is positioned to drive growth and innovation in the downstream oil and gas sector. “This plant is a testament to our commitment to meet market demands and
BRANDSINBRIEF
FUCHS
Becoming the first supplier of OCP inspired immersion coolant P.9
CASTROL
grow alongside our partners,” added Sowami.
“Our LOBP is equipped to ensure robust inventory management, significantly reducing the risk of stockouts. This facility is future-proof, allowing us to produce more, store more and ensure our distributors have seamless access to our products,” added Moshood Olajide, Managing
LUBRIZOL
Partnering with Slicker Recycling to re-refine used oil P.13
CHEVRON
Receiving Volvo specification approval for an additive package P.11
Expanding marine lubricants supply to Port Elizabeth, South Africa P.4
VIVO ENERGY
Unveiling a lubes campaign in Uganda and Tanzania P.4, 8
Director of Ardova Plc.
To reward and empower its distributors, Ardova introduced a reward scheme for topperforming partners, alongside other incentives. The company has also enhanced logistics with a dedicated fleet of lubricant trucks and improved payment systems for seamless transactions. Products now feature unique IDs for tracking
Extending distribution partnership with Oil Store P.8
Announcing additive production expansion in India P.18
BRB
launching a new gear oil additive booster P.10
PETRONAS
Launching a co-branded HDEO with IVECO P.11
and market protection. Olajide emphasized the company’s commitment to collaboration, saying, “Our distributors are not just partners; they are the backbone of our business. We are working to ensure their profitability through financial and nonfinancial incentives, marketing support, and consistent product availability.” .
Partnering with Goodyear tires Italy for lubes distribution P.16
ARDOVA
Opening a new lubricant blending plant P.3
ICIS
Holding its African conference in South Africa P.5
ATIEL AND UEIL
Receiving a certification of the carbon footprint methodology P.13
HONDA
Revamping its lubricants line P.16
SKF
Acquiring a lubrication systems company P.18
L-R: GEGM, Asset & Project Management, Engr. Ibrahim Bamgbopa; GM, Network Expansion & Optimization, Sade Taiwo; DMD, Abiola Babatunde-Ojo; MD, Moshood Olajide; GEC, AbdulWasiu Sowami, during the Ardova Plc (AP) Distributors’ Forum held at the AP Terminal, Ijora-Lagos. SOURCE | ARDOVA PLC
THEMARKETREPORT
Vivo Energy Uganda unveils a lubes campaign Chevron expands marine lubricants supply to Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Vivo Energy Uganda, the company that distributes and markets Shellbranded fuels and lubricants in Uganda launched the ‘Simbula ne Rimula R3X’ lubricant campaign that is aimed at heavy-duty diesel vehicles, such as taxis, lorries, trucks, and buses with older engines. The campaign promotes the new Shell Rimula R3X 20W-50 API CH-4 lubricant, designed to meet the evolving needs of these vehicles by providing enhanced protection against heat, wear, and deposits, thereby extending engine life.
The ‘Simbula ne Rimula R3X’ campaign aims to encourage trials of this new lubricant while rewarding over 7,000 commercial drivers with prizes worth over 200 million Uganda shillings. To participate, drivers must buy a 5-litre pack of Shell Rimula R3X 20W-50, get a unique code under the seal
cap, and send their site code, number plate, and unique code to 6688. As part of the promotion, participants can win two brand-new canter trucks and other gifts. The promotion will run for two months.
Rebecca Nassiwa, Lubricants Brand Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda, emphasised the company’s dedication to quality and innovation, stating. “Our commitment to delivering the best products is evident in our latest offering. With Shell Rimula R3X, we are confident that our customers will benefit from triple action protection, ensuring their engines last longer and perform efficiently to help them stay on the road and earn more.”
Francis Kayoki, Lubricants Manager at Vivo Energy Uganda, highlighted the importance of adapting to the new standards.
“With the updated Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) recommendations, it’s
crucial to assist our customers in transitioning to a lubricant that not only meets these standards but also enhances vehicle performance. Shell Rimula R3X is the perfect solution, offering superior protection and fuel efficiency, ensuring engines remain strong for longer. Its 20W-50 grade is ideal for older engines, such as those in taxis, Elf, and Sino trucks, and comes at an affordable price.”
Joanita Menya, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Uganda, spoke about the broader impact of the product, stating: “Rimula R3X is more than just a lubricant, it is a critical partner in ensuring that businesses run smoothly for our key customers: commercial drivers of taxis, trucks, and buses. With this launch, we are excited to give our customers the opportunity to experience the benefits of Rimula R3X while rewarding them with exciting prizes.” .
Chevron Marine Lubricants has extended its global supply of lubricants to include Port Elizabeth, South Africa. This expansion represents a strategically important addition to Chevron’s distribution network in the Southern Africa region. The expansion has been made possible through close collaboration with local partners. Prior to 2023, records indicate an average of 1050 visiting vessels at Port Elizabeth over a 36-month period. However, since October 2023, vehicle carrier passings have risen substantially at this port.
Chevron’s current range of marine engine lubricants, including the Taro Ultra range, will be available to ships calling at Port Elizabeth.
“This marks a significant milestone in the development of our distribution network in southern waters,” says Ayten Yavuz, Global Marine Lubricants General Manager at Chevron. “Port Elizabeth is a major port of call, and having Chevron lubricants available will certainly increase the service reliability for visiting vessels. We have worked closely with our local partners to make this strategic expansion possible, and I wish to thank them for their excellent cooperation.”
Chevron offers its range of products to fleets in 700 ports globally. The products include lubricants, greases and coolants. In south Africa apart from Port Elizabeth, Chevron Marine Lubricants is already present at Cape Town, Durban, and Richards Bay ports. In Africa, the company also supplies marine lubricants to several ports in Egypt. .
SOUTH AFRICA
Vivo Energy Uganda team. SOURCE | VIVO ENERGY UGANDA
ICIS holds its African conference in South Africa
The Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS) recently held its 9th ICIS African Base Oils and Lubricants Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, on 7-8 November 2024. The event brought together major lubricants, base oils, and additives industry players and seasoned professionals, and Lubezine Magazine was one of the media partners. The conference provided a platform for networking and learning about the African lubricants market and the outlook for the future.
The event attracted more than 130 delegates, representing over 21 countries, with companies such as Penthol, Kemipex, Afton, ADNOC, Engen, Unichem, Adipro, Afribase, Abrilube, Azelis, Zestcor, Lubrizol, ExxonMobil, Motiva, Chemlube, Aramco, Chevron, Shell, and Paramount in attendance. The conference brought together over 70 companies comprising the different players in the lubes
industry.
The conference featured keynote sessions, where industry professionals like Siva Konar, the Market Segment Manager of Middle East & Africa (MEA) for Azelis, Steven Lumley, the Technical Manager for WearCheck Africa, John Fitton, IMCD EMEA Technical Director, Tara Ayodeji, Business Development Manager, Kline Energy Practice and Siddharth Sachdeva the Director at Siddharth Grease & Lubes India among others made presentations on different topical issues in the lubricants industry.
Africa continues to experience immense growth in lubricant demand. The presentations focused on topics capturing the current state of Africa’s lubes market in terms of volumes, market segments, and future projections for the market.
Siva Konar, the Market Segment Manager of Middle East & Africa (MEA) for Azelis, presented on Unlocking Africa’s
Potential. His presentation delved deep into the growth potential for Africa’s lubes market. Demand is expected to grow by nearly 1 million tons by 2050, and it will be driven by population growth, increasing economically active population, the continued growth of multigrades, infrastructure development, air quality improvement initiatives, e.g., UN PCFV, and legislative changes such as minimum quality standards, duty remissions, and import controls.
The demand for base oils was discussed at the conference, and Rayan Baksahwain of Luburef presented on “Base Oils Market – Overview and Trends”. He highlighted that Africa has the highest growth rate in the world, with a 3.5% CAGR and a current base oil demand of approximately 2 MMT per annum. He further talked about the gradual decrease in the use of Group I base oils, which will consequently reduce the imports while at the same time,
demand for Group II is growing, and so are the imports.
Michael Connolly, the Head of Refining and Base Oils Analytics at ICIS, presented on “Africa as part of the Global Landscape”. He noted that while many parts of the world are seeing a rapid decline in oil demand, Africa has growth potential but could see strong competition from players where markets are declining. Looking at the prices in the industry, the projections are that with an oversupply of products likely to be around for the next few years, we are likely to see a more cost + feedstockbased pricing mechanism rather than the very high prices of 2021-23.
Based on the sample of presentations captured in this article from the conference, Africa continues to be the next stop for companies looking to expand their footprint and grow their lubricants business due to its immense opportunities. .
SOUTH AFRICA
Some of the lubricants professionals at the African base oils and lubes conference in South Africa. SOURCE | ICIS
THELUBESDIARY
January 22-23
Nextlub Congress 2025 KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo Leipzig, Germany https://www.nextlub.com/
February 12-14
29th ICIS World Base Oils and Lubricants Conference London, UK events.icis.com/website/9160/ home-12/
OilDoc Conference & Exhibition 2025 Rosenheim, Germany conference.oildoc.com/ JANUARY
February 17-19
Argus Global Base Oils Conference 2025 London, UK www.argusmedia.com/global-baseoils-conference
March 18-20
Lubricant Expo North America 2025
Detroit, Michigan
https://lubricantexpona.com/
April 8-9
UNITI Mineral Oil Technology Congress 2025 Stuttgart, Germany www.umtf.de/
STLE Annual Meeting & Exhibition Atlanta, Georgia, USA www.stle.org
Beautiful view of the port and the colorful buildings in Copenhagen, Denmark
PHOTO | FREEPIK - WIRESTOCK
What to know about hydraulic lubricants
What criteria is typically used to select a hydraulic lubricant for use?
The choice of a hydraulic lubricant should take into account the following parameters:
• OEM requirements
• Appropriate viscosity
• Is a high VI required?
• Anti-wear properties (FZG level should be indicated)
• In service fluid behavioral needs: shear stability, foaming properties, demulsibility.
What additional properties could be important for hydraulic oil in specific environments?
For some specific applications, the hydraulic oil must have certain additional properties.
• Low flammability. In order to limit the risk of fire, certain applications (steelworks, mines, etc.) require the use of fire resistant fluids.
• Suitability for incidental food contact. For the food and pharmaceutical industrial oils “suitable for incidental food contact” may be required.
• Biodegradability. For applications in which the oil may be in contact with the environment, biodegradable lubricants can be proposed, in order to limit the impact on the environment.
What
are
the
important characteristics for hydraulic lubricants in service?
• Viscosity Index (VI)
• The influence of air and water on the hydraulic oil properties
Shear stability: Addition of a viscosity index improver (VII) enables a widening of the functioning temperature ranges of hydraulic fluids by altering the viscosity at higher temperatures. However, there is a variety of VIIs which have different shear stabilities. VIIs are polymers (long carbon chains) which may be cut into smaller chains
when subjected to shear. When this occurs to significant levels, the viscosity index is reduced and the operating viscosity may no longer be suitable for the operation. The use of VIIs with good shear stability is required for optimal performance in use.
Fluid behavior when subjected to air and water:
Air and water acts as pollutants for hydraulic fluids. Their presence increases the fluid’s compressibility, which leads to reduced precision in the transmission of the force and/or movement. In addition, they may cause breakdowns in the oil film and reduce the duty life of the operating oil. The properties enabling separation of the oil with these pollutants are crucial. Foaming and Air release properties are important indicators of interaction with air. Demulsibility indicates the degree of interaction with water.
What is the right viscosity for a hydraulic lubricant?
Viscosity of hydraulic oil is one of the most critical properties. The right viscosity: Hydraulic equipment functions in a
defined viscosity range. It is therefore important to supply a hydraulic oil of the right viscosity in order to guarantee optimum functioning of the installation.
Insufficient viscosity leads to breakdowns in the oil film, and therefore, wearing on the moving parts. Consequently, losses are increased. On the other hand, an excessive viscosity has a negative impact on efficiency, heat exchanges and may lead to cavitations phenomena in pumps.Note: the impact of pressure on viscosity should not be forgotten (viscosity increases with experienced pressure).
High viscosity index - for applications over a wide temperature range:
For the application in various climatic conditions, it is important to guarantee an appropriate viscosity over the whole temperature range, hence the importance of the viscosity index for these applications.
The higher the viscosity index, the lower the variation in viscosity in relation to temperature. A high viscosity index enables proper functioning over a much wider temperature range. .
These questions were provided by TotalEnergies Marketing South Africa.
SOURCE | SHUTTERSTOCK / EZIU
THEMARKETREPORT
Vivo Energy Tanzania unveils a lubes campaign
Vivo Energy Tanzania, the company responsible for marketing and distributing Shell-branded lubricants and Engen fuels, launched the ‘Shell Tumerudi Kivingine’ campaign. This campaign aims to reintroduce Shell lubricants to the Tanzanian market, maximizing brand visibility and increasing sales.
Speaking at the launch, Mohamed Bougriba, Managing Director of Vivo Energy Tanzania, emphasized the significance of the campaign, stating, “we
are excited to reintroduce Shell lubricants to Tanzanians in a way that reflects the global brand’s quality, reliability, and innovation. As the world’s leading lubricant supplier, trusted by millions across over 100 countries, Shell delivers marketleading products that are designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers. With this campaign, ‘Shell Tumerudi Kivingine,’ we are positioning our products across all Engen service stations in the country, ensuring that Tanzanians have
access to the best lubricant technology available in the world.”
In her remarks, Aileen Meena, Marketing and Communications Manager at Vivo Energy Tanzania, highlighted the importance of the Tanzanian market. “The demand for high-quality lubricants has never been more critical. Recognizing this opportunity, we are launching the ‘Shell Tumerudi Kivingine’ campaign to ensure all Tanzanians—from large industries to individual
Lubrizol extends distribution partnership with Oil Store
The Lubrizol Corporation has named Oil Store as a Channel Partner for industrial refrigeration applications and heat transfer fluid product brands in the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, expanding upon an already existing channel partner relationship in the U.K.
Lubrizol offers a variety of premium fluid engineering brands, including CPI® industrial refrigeration products, Paratherm® heat transfer fluids, and Emkarate RL®, Icematic® and Solest® refrigeration solutions.
“Delivering reliably for our customers is critically important to us, and that’s why we look
for partners who share our commitment to excellence,” O’Neil Pinto, Vice President, Lubrizol Fluid Engineering, said. “We look forward to new growth and support for our customers from this strategic collaboration with Oil Store.”
“This achievement follows an exceptional period of
motorists and car owners—are aware of the advanced benefits of Shell lubricants. Over the next three months, from October to December, we aim to drive visibility and sales of Shell lubricants, positioning the brand as the go-to solution for all lubricant needs.”
Vivo Energy Tanzania started operations in 2019 as a licensee to the Engen brand for diesel and petrol and the Shell brand for lubricants. It has 41 Engen branded service stations. .
collaboration, and we are excited to continue driving success together,” said Daniel Tait, managing director of Oil Store. “I’d like to personally thank our team for their hard work, and we look forward to serving our new territories with the same dedication and quality that have defined our U.K. operations.” .
TANZANIA
AFRICA
Vivo Energy Tanzania team. SOURCE | VIVO ENERGY TANZANIA
WHAT’S NEW
FUCHS becomes the first supplier of OCP inspired immersion coolant
FUCHS was recently recognized by the Open Compute Project (OCP) as the first supplier to offer an OCP Inspired™ single-phase immersion coolant. OCP, a collaborative community focused on redesigning hardware technology to support growing demands on compute infrastructure, grants the OCP Inspired™ designation to products that comply with an approved OCP specification and have demonstrated four or more of the OCP tenets — efficiency, openness, impact, scale and sustainability.
OCP Inspired™ coolants must meet the technical standards for immersion fluids estab -
lished in “Immersion Requirements Rev. 2.1.” Fluid properties such as volume resistivity, flashpoint, auto-ignition point, and acidity, amongst others, must fall within OCP-required levels.
RENOLIN FECC 5 SYNTH is a high-quality fluid formulated to offer superior cooling performance for single-phase immersion cooling, highvoltage parts, servers, switchgears, capacitors, and general
electrical components.
“FUCHS is pleased to receive this recognition from OCP and play a role in supporting sustainable innovation in the data center industry,” said Brian Kinkade, Market Development Manager at FUCHS Lubricants Co. “These products were developed with the unique needs of the data center in mind. With our globally available RENOLIN FECC product line, other data center products, and our Smart Services team, FUCHS is a comprehensive solutions provider ready to take the data center industry to next level of sustainable cooling.” .
Nynas Circular transformer oil: NYTRO RR 900X has received the ISCC Plus certification. This product was manufactured by Nynas in collaboration with Stena Recycling who supply Nynas with used oil from transformers. Stena collects discarded transformer oil via a European network, pre-treats it, and then delivers it to Nynas, where the oil is used as a raw material for the production of re-refined transformer oil.
The ISCC Plus certification requirements enable producers, recyclers, and users of the product to trace a raw material entire lifecycle, an important parameter in the transition to a more sustainable world.
“Traceability is a key factor in ISCC Plus certification. The standard guarantees that raw material can be
ADDITIVES
SOURCE | NYNAS
traced throughout the entire value chain, which we have now achieved with our solution for Nynas. We ensure that there is documentation for the recycled raw material at every stage, guaranteeing that Nynas’ product consists of 100%
recycled raw material. The collaboration between Stena and Nynas offers a fully circular solution. It’s recycling at its best,” said Jan-Erik Andersson, Head of Business Area Hazardous Waste at Stena Recycling. Two of Stena Recycling’s
BRB launches a new gear oil additive booster
BRB Lube Oil Additives & Chemicals launched Petrolad® 133LS (limited slip) globally, a wholly new product in its Petrolad® brand family. Limited slip additive controls the friction between the contact-
ing parts inside the differential to eliminate NVH (noise, vibration and harshness).
Petrolad® 133LS was designed to work in synergy with the main additive package in an automotive gear oil, whereby the enhanced
finished lubricant is then able to meet selected axle performance requirements of limited slip differentials, particularly friction reduction. The booster offers a competitive treat rate and provides great compatibility with
hazardous waste facilities in Sweden are ISCC Plus certified, and it is through these that the raw material for Nynas is quality-assured. The raw material fraction is also certified.
“Having the entire value chain ISCC Plus certified allows us to demonstrate that our circular transformer oil, NYTRO RR 900X, meets the quality and raw material standards,” said Marika Rangstedt, Sustainability Manager at Nynas.
“Offering a fully circular transformer oil significantly enhances resource efficiency in the electrical industry. As the industry is expected to grow significantly with increased electrification of society and industry, it is important to recover and reuse materials from old transformers as much as possible,” added Annika Girod, Marketing Director at Nynas. .
the company’s Petrolad® 33X gear oil additive series as well as with other leading gear oil additive packages. Petrolad® 133LS is suitable for use in various mineral and (semi-)synthetic formulations.
“BRB Lube Oil Additives & Chemicals supports our customers in staying at the forefront of innovation and ahead of their competitors,” said Roger Dohmen, Vice President of BRB Lube Oil Additives & Chemicals. “With this launch we expand our gear additive product portfolio, delivering a wider range of innovative solutions to our customers while also unlocking new business opportunities for potential customers.” .
PETRONAS and IVECO launch a co-branded
PETRONAS Lubricants
International (PLI) has partnered with IVECO and launched a co-branded 0W-16
SAE grade engine oil: Urania Next 0W-16, specifically designed for heavy-duty vehicles.
Designed specifically for IVECO’s S-Way, T-Way, and X-Way models equipped with the XCursor 13 engine, Urania Next 0W-16 offers good fuel efficiency due to its low-viscosity formulation, which reduces friction and lowers fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. It is manufactured using Ultra Low Ash technology which enables oil drain intervals of 150,000kms.
“This partnership is a pivotal moment in the evolution of heavy-duty transportation,” said Ravi Tallamraju, Group Chief Technology Officer at PETRONAS Lubricants International. “PETRONAS Lubricants International is dedicated to optimising vehicle performance, and Urania Next 0W-16 exemplifies our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for the industry’s evolving demands. By collaborat-
ing closely with IVECO to advance the synergy between engines and lubricants, we can accelerate innovation and drive progress in the sector.”
Urania Next 0W-16 is Euro7 ready and compatible with after-treatment systems, ensuring compliance with the latest environmental regulations.
“As leaders in the transport industry, this partnership demonstrates how organisations can collaborate to create innovations that are both energy-efficient and high-performing. IVECO’s commitment to enhance the business productivity of its customers is evident in its collaboration with PETRONAS
Perstorp launches an immersion cooling fluid
Perstorp, a wholly owned subsidiary of PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG), introduces Synmerse™ DC, a high-performing cooling solution based on a readily biodegradable synthetic fluid. This product offers enhanced operational safety, cooling efficiency, and reduced fluid maintenance for immersion cooling solutions in data centers.
Perstorp’s Synmerse™ DC has been developed with future sourcing options in mind, allowing
for a shift to renewable-based, or recycled, traceable mass-balanced raw materials.
Key features of Synmerse™ DC include:
• Good thermal management and heat transfer efficiency, leading to reduced power consumption needed for cooling.
• An extended fluid lifetime and low maintenance requirements, decreasing downtime.
• 100% PFAS-free product based on a readily biodegradable
synthetic fluid.
• Material compatibility with typical components in servers.
• Good operational safety, thanks to the fluid’s high flash and fire point.
• The product is not classified as hazardous according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
Valentina Serra-Holm, VPEngineered Fluids at Perstorp, comments: “With our extensive
Lubricants International. Our heavy-duty trucks equipped with new XCursor 13 engine working seamlessly at its peak efficiency with Urania Next 0W-16 IVECO co-branded, represent a significant step forward in fuel efficiency and engine technology,” stated Marco Baffoni, Head of Customer Service, IVECO. .
experience in the Engineered Fluids sector, we have an established record of innovating solutions that provides our customers with a competitive edge, enabling them to be at the forefront of their industry. This has enabled us to develop a solution that not only meets today’s requirements but is also designed to address the future needs of cooling systems in data centers.” .
SOURCE | PETRONAS
Information about:
Fuels and Biofuels
Lubricants
Additives
Base Oils
+ Get-together
Informationen über:
Kraft- und Biokraftstoffe
Schmierstoffe
Additive
Grundöle
+ Get-together –Abendevent
08.–09.
Simultanübersetzung Simultaneous translation
IN OTHER WORLDS
By Miriam Wangari
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Castrol partners with Slicker Recycling to re-refine used oil
Castrol has forged a new partnership with Slicker Recycling, a UK-based used oil recycling company, for used oil collection and re-refining back into base oils.
The initiative, currently running as a pilot, provides Castrol’s automotive and industrial customers with a digital end-toend lubricant system using tank telemetry technology, which offers a simplified end-to-end lubricant management system,
SUSTAINABILITY
meaning customers don’t have to call Slicker Recycling, and only full loads will be collected. This allows for a more efficient service and maximizes the opportunity to collect much more used lubricating oil, which will then be put back into circulation.
The used oil is collected and transported to Slicker Recycling’s base oil re-refinery in Denmark which it operates with German partner, Avista AG.
Mark Olpin, executive chairman of Slicker Recycling said: “We’re extremely proud to partner with such a respected global brand like Castrol and support them in driving circularity. It’s a hugely exciting scheme which we believe is a first in the UK. The learnings will help inform how we collect and process used oil in a more sustainable way.”
Vesna Di Tomasso, CEO Castrol Europe added: “We know
our customers are focused on sustainability and are looking for ways to reduce waste and become more circular. This pilot will help us test a more circular lubricant lifecycle with our customers.”
Slicker Recycling employs over 200 people and it handles over 75 million litres of used lubricating oil every year. .
ATIEL and UEIL Carbon footprint methodology receives certification
The Technical Association of the European Lubricants Industry (ATIEL) and the Union of the European Lubricants Industry (UEIL) have announced that their Methodology for ‘Product Carbon Footprint Calculations for Lubricants, Greases and Other Specialities, has received a certification from TÜV Rheinland Energy GmbH. This marks a significant milestone in the global effort to standardise carbon footprint calculations for lubricants, fluids, and greases, reinforcing the methodology’s credibility and trustworthiness across the industry.
First published in September 2023 and developed in collaboration with external advisors and Carbon Minds, the ATIEL and UEIL methodology provides a harmonised approach to calculating Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) across the lubricants, greases and specialities sectors. Now, with TÜV Rheinland’s certification, companies can further validate their PCF calculations through third-party
certification, driving consistency and transparency across value chains.
“This certification by TÜV Rhein-
land is a groundbreaking achievement for the European and global lubricants industry. It underlines the importance of our joint efforts
in shaping a sustainable future for our sector. This recent development now allows stakeholders to obtain third-party certification of their PCFs in accordance with the ATIEL and UEIL methodology, strengthening trust and collaboration across the sector,” Mattia Adani, UEIL President, emphasized.
ATIEL President, Marco Digioia highlighted, “we are proud to see the joint methodology officially certified. This certification affirms our commitment to environmental responsibility and solidifies the role of all partners involved in advancing sustainability in the lubricants industry. We remain dedicated to setting higher standards for carbon footprint calculations, ensuring a greener future for all.” The certification is expected to pave the way for further harmonisation efforts across the global lubricants, fluids and grease industry, enhancing the credibility of PCF assessments and driving positive environmental impacts throughout the value chain. .
PETRONAS partners with Goodyear tires Italy for lubes distribution
PETRONAS Lubricants
International (PLI), announced its collaboration with Goodyear Italia, a leading tyre manufacturer, to supply fluids and lubricants to the SuperService dealer network, recommended by the tyre manufacturer.
With this agreement, the SuperService network, a benchmark in the field of tire maintenance and innovation, which has over 330 points of sale throughout Italy. The PETRONAS products that will be available are PETRONAS Syntium ranges for light vehicles, Urania Green for heavy vehicles and PETRONAS Tutela OM for transmissions and coolants, intended for both light and heavy vehicles.
“We are happy to collaborate with a prestigious partner like
REBRANDING
Goodyear Tires,” said Ciro Lupo, Business Head for Italy & Africa.
“This partnership allows us to offer our high-quality lubricants to a widespread distribution network throughout the country, strengthening our presence on the Italian market and contributing to the growth and innovation of the sector”.
“We have chosen PETRONAS Lubricants International as a partner for the SuperService network, because it is a company that shares with us the multi-service approach by providing high-quality products that improve the use of all types of vehicles,” added Marco Prosdocim, Retail Director Goodyear Tires Italy.
Furthermore, PLI will also ensure the professional updating of the tire dealers of
Honda revamps its lubricants line
Honda Motor Europe has announced that, from Spring 2025 onwards, it is bringing together its genuine Honda oil and lubricant ranges under the ‘Pro Honda’ product line.
Pro Honda oils and lubricants have been developed specifically for Honda engines and transmissions, optimising performance by reducing friction, which guarantees the engine runs smoothly and improves fuel efficiency. The fluids also provide optimal protection against corrosion and sludge deposits, helping keep the engine clean on the inside. All of this improves the general protection of the motor, ultimately extending its lifespan.
the SuperService network, so that they can offer an excellent service to all customers. The repairers will also be able to follow a basic course on lubricants, acquiring an in-depth knowledge of the products
SOURCE | HONDA
and their applications, and visit the PETRONAS Lubricants Italy plants in Villastellone (TO) and the Global R&T Center in Santena (TO), to discover how the oil is produced. .
The composition of the products remains unchanged, but there will be new, contemporary packaging for the oils and lubricants.
“One of the most striking aspects of the new packaging is the choice of white bottles. This colour symbolises purity and quality, two key values in Japanese culture, and immediately sets it apart from other engine oils. This fresh, distinctive packaging reinforces Honda’s reputation as a brand that stands out for its quality and attention to detail. The distinctive red label is a convenient visual guide for Honda enthusiasts, allowing them to effortlessly find the right products for their needs,” said Honda in a statement. .
From L-R: Ciro Lupo, Business Head Italy & Africa, PLI Marco Prosdocimi, Retail Director, Goodyear Tires Italy Ugo Abete, Senior Manager, Italy Market, PLI Tonia Di Cienzo, Retail Marketing Manager, Goodyear Tires Italy during PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) signing a partnership with Goodyear Tires Italy. SOURCE | PETRONAS
Optimizing Grease Performance for Sustainability and the Growing EV Market
Although the rate of transition from the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) to Electric Vehicles (EV) is difficult to quantify, EV will inevitably become more prominent in the market. This transition will have a sizeable impact on the future of lubrication, yet greases will nevertheless remain vital. In fact, with the plethora of electrical motors and circuits inherent to EV – paired with the increasing focus on sustainability that comes with this transition –choosing the right grease will be critical. While Extreme Pressure (EP) and Antiwear (AW) protection will remain a focus, the delivery of superb corrosion protection, particularly yellow metal protection, will become increasingly paramount.
To this end, the lubricant industry is making significant efforts to develop tests and materials better suited for EV circuits and devices. For instance, the SAE J3200 report covers key tests and protocols for assessing thermal and electrical properties such as conductivity, oxidation and corrosion. The wire corrosion test (WCT) and the Conductivity Deposit Test (CDT) are two examples that are becoming increasingly important for electrified drivetrains. OEMs and lubricant suppliers are utilizing these tests to verify the performance of lubricants and greases.
The WCT measures and utilizes sensitive wire resistance to determine the amount of copper lost from the wire as the test proceeds. This is a vast improvement over older techniques that rely on a visual assessment of a copper specimen. The CDT detects the formation of conductive bridges between tightly spaced conductors while voltage is applied. This is a common situation in electrical systems, as circuits are in close proximity to each other and are in turn in contact with either the lubricating fluid or in the vapor phase. Assessing how fluids and greases protect electrical components in these situations is critical. Savant Group recently displayed these instruments at their STLE exhibition.
Using high-performance components and packages that are
With the increasing penetration of EVs in the market, this transition will have a sizeable impact on the future of lubrication, but a key area that will remain vital regardless is that of grease.
designed specifically for the EV space delivers optimized protection for these applications. IPAC 2629C and IPAC 2633 are prime examples. These high-end yellow metal corrosion inhibitors provide protection for copper and alloys of copper, and they do so at elevated temperatures while offering additional EP protection. While IPAC 2633 is an excellent all-around choice for protecting yellow metal, IPAC 2629C is suitable for applications where more active sulfur may be present. This is key because sulfur will likely continue to be an essential element in providing EP protection, and deleterious effects can be especially mitigated with IPAC 2629C. This class of components is critical in the driveline segment, and will become more important as more drivetrains are electrified. IPAC technology in manufacturing these components extends around the globe with production sites currently in the Americas and Asia. IPAC continues to expand its reach in producing chemistries such as these.
In addition to components for greases, IPAC also offers stateof-the-art packages across a wide range of performance areas, including scuffing, corrosion and friction. One of these packages is IPAC 2412. This tiered treat rate additive can be used as low as 4% for NLGI GC/LB compliance for many greases without harm to the dropping point or other vital grease structure deliverables.
Using IPAC 2412 in greases provides strong performance without introducing heavy metals such as antimony. It helps the grease maker simplify logistics and inventory by stocking one additive. In addition, IPAC 2412 offers the opportunity to meet the new HPM requirements with the addition of HL in many cases.
IPAC is dedicated to developing the next generation of additives and fluids for the EV market in a sustainable manner. We believe that greases and corrosion inhibitors will be key technologies going forward, and supporting these changes with the latest technology and advancements will ensure longer equipment life. The chemistry IPAC delivers to the market is designed to improve efficiency, provide longer fluid life and reduce degradation of fluids and greases to protect equipment for longer service.
Visit IPAC today at www.ipac-inc.com.
SOURCE | IPAC
BUSINESS GROWTH
SKF acquires a lubrication systems company
SKF has completed the acquisition of John Sample Group’s (JSG) Lubrication and Flow Management businesses. JSG is a well-established lubrication system and full-service solutions provider founded in 1921.
JSG had approximately SEK 550 million of net sales in their latest fiscal year and 85 employees, with operations in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and Singapore. The company will be integrated into SKF’s existing lubrication management business. The acquisition further strengthens SKF’s offering in an identified growth segment, as well as its business operations in the expansive India and SouthEast Asia (ISEA) region. The
ADDITIVES
acquisition provides access to JSG’s wide customer base, sales and distribution network, as
Repsol collaborates with Tekniker to develop additives using nanotechnology
Repsol has collaborated with Tekniker, a leading research center to run a joint project focused on the application of nanotechnology in developing additives. Tekniker, has extensive experience and resources in the field of nanotechnology, has been an essential partner in this project. Its team of researchers has worked on the synthesis of a zinc oxide nanoadditive functionalized with oleic acid, exploring different processes to optimize its stability and effectiveness.
The results are promising. By incorporating this nanoadditive
into a conventional lubricating oil, friction has been reduced by 14%, while maintaining protection levels against wear and tear. Although there is still some way to go for these advances to reach the market, this project represents an important milestone in the development of more efficient and sustainable solutions. “Collaboration with research centers such as Tekniker allows us to drive these advances, combining our knowledge and experience to obtain get the best results,” said Repsol. .
well as engineering and services capabilities.
“We’re glad to welcome our
new colleagues from JSG to SKF. This acquisition strengthens our regional capabilities in SouthEast-Asia and Oceania, with a particular focus on customers in engineered solutions, heavy industries and mobile equipment,” says Philipp Herlein, Managing Director, SKF Lubrication Management.
Founded in 1921, JSG is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and serves a wide range of industries, including mining, construction and off-highway, pulp and paper, food and beverages, and transportation, across the product verticals Lubrication Systems and Instrumentation & Flow. .
Oiling the War Machine: The Evolution of Lubricants in World War II
Written by Steve Lumley, the Technical Manager for WearCheck Africa
The second world war brought about unprecedented demands on machinery, from tanks and aircraft to naval fleets and transport vehicles. At the heart of these mechanical marvels was a less visible, yet equally critical component: lubricants. The development and application of lubricants during World War II (WWII) played a pivotal role in the success of military operations, ensuring that engines ran smoothly, machinery operated efficiently, and breakdowns were minimized, even in the most challenging environments.
Perhaps more than any other modern conflict, WWII highlighted the crucial role of petroleum in achieving and maintaining military superiority on the battlefields, across the oceans, and in the air.
War machines - fighter planes, bombers, tanks, battleships and submarines all run on oil and so each nation’s wartime strategy was heavily influenced by its availabili-
When WWII began, all chemistry was focused on supporting the war effort and the development of lubricant additives became crucial for improving the durability of tactical aircraft and vehicles.
ty, quality and efforts to secure more of it. Ultimately, controlling oil supplies meant controlling the war. Here’s the story of how advancements in lubricant technology shaped the world’s bloodiest conflict.
Even though research into petroleum al-
ternatives had started long before Nazi Germany invaded Poland in 1939, the first real-world trial for these synthetic lubricants took place during WWII when both German and U.S. forces began using synthetic base oils in their aircraft engines.
On the Allied front, synthetic oils were being made from polyalkylene glycol derivatives in America by the Union Carbide and Chemical Corporation – a major American chemical company that supplied the allied war effort with essential materials and technology for the production of weapons, munitions, and other military equipment.
Their synthetic oil, Ucon EB-550, was trialled in Alaska to gauge its cold-weather performance in piston engines that powered aircraft like the P-47 Thunderbolt, P-38 Lightning, and the deadliest American fighter plane during WWII – The legendary and oh so cool, P51 Mustang.
Despite its advantages in cold-weather starting, it was not approved by mil-
itary air services because it couldn’t keep lead compounds (from tetraethyl lead in the fuel) in suspension, causing engine deposits and valve sticking. Additionally, it was believed to offer less anti-corrosion protection by cleaning away old lacquer deposits which were believed to offer some protection against fuel and moisture corrosion.
Now, to the other side.
“To fight, we must have oil for our machine”. ~Adolf Hitler
In 1925, a mega merger between several of Germany’s leading chemical companies resulted in the birth of the largest chemical conglomerate in the world, I.G. Farben. The brainchild of Carl Bosch, the distinguished German chemist who co-developed the Haber-Bosch process, the merger aimed to support Germany’s industrial rebirth by increasing operational efficiency and rationalising production. Boasting no fewer than three Nobel Prize winners, I.G. Farben became home to an innovative think tank of scientists in the chemical and pharmaceutical fields.
IG Farben believed and argued that leveraging hydrogenation technology to produce large quantities of synthetic fuels and oils from coal, could reduce Germany’s dependence on foreign oil and alleviate pressures on foreign exchange and so just two years after its inception IG Farben entered the realm of synthetic petroleum production, establishing its first processing plant at Leuna in eastern Germany.
Eager to make the Third Reich less reliant on oil imports, Hitler signed an agreement with IG Farben to subsidise synthetic oil and fuel production on a large scale in 1933, the year the Nazis came to power. In
1936, anticipating war by 1940, Hitler increased these subsidies, leading to the establishment of 14 more hydrogenation plants. By then, IG Farben had become thoroughly Nazified, purging all Jewish officials from its upper ranks, including its founder and chairman Carl Bosch.
When Germany invaded Poland on the 1st of September 1939, these plants were producing over 72,000 barrels of synthetic oil per day. With its monopoly on critical wartime products and extensive global business interests, I.G. Farben became one of the most powerful companies in the world during WW II and an integral part of the Third Reich’s power structure, earning it the notorious moniker “Hell’s Cartel.” IG Farben’s aggressive development of synthetic fuels and lubricants was essential in allowing the Reich to continue waging war long after the Allied blockade cut off crude oil imports to Germany.
One example of this aggressive development was the work of Dr. Hermann Zorn, a lubricant researcher at I.G. Farben. During the early days of I.G., Dr. Zorn began developing lubricants with all the favourable qualities of petroleum-based oils but without the tendency to gel or gum in high-temperature applications like aero-engines. This led to the evaluation of numerous synthetic base oil chemistries derived from coal and biobased sources using Fischer-Tropsch
synthesis and Bergius hydrogenation processes. By the mid-1940s, Dr. Zorn’s efforts had produced over 3,500 blends of esters, including diesters and polyolesters, for the German war machine.
These synthetic base oils were used to formulate aviation engine lubricants known as “Hochtemperaturöl” (high-temperature oil), capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of high-performance engines. This oil was used in iconic aircraft such as the Messerschmitt Bf 109, the backbone of the Luftwaffe; the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, also known as the Würger (German for Butcher Bird); and the devastating Junkers Ju 87 (Stuka). Notorious for its Jericho trumpet siren, which created a terrifying sound during dives, the Stuka was also the aircraft of choice for Colonel Hans-Ulrich Rudel— the most decorated German combat pilot of WWII. Rudel flew over 2,000 missions and destroyed more than 500 Soviet tanks with his cannon-equipped Stuka, earning him the nickname “The Eagle of the Eastern Front.”
Remarkably, it wasn’t until May 1944 that Allied bombers began targeting Germany’s synthetic oil industry, with concentrated attacks on production facilities like I.G. Farben’s major processing plant at Leuna.
A willing collaborator with the Nazi SS, I.G. Farben operated several synthetic fuel and rubber plants adjacent to concentration camps, including Auschwitz, Monowitz, Buchenwald, and Mauthausen. Here, concentration camp inmates and prisoners of war were subjected to forced labor to support the company’s industrial operations.
Originally intended as a pesticide, Zyklon B was repurposed as a lethal gas used to exterminate over one million people in the Auschwitz gas chambers during the Holocaust. Produced by Degesch, a subsidiary of I.G. Farben, Zyklon B became a symbol of the atrocities committed during the war.
For better or worse, the scientists at I.G. Farben were pivotal in the development of synthetic fuels, lubricants, and additives.
Based on interrogation records and declassified documents obtained by The Naval Technical Mission in Europe—an organization established to exploit German science and technology for the benefit of the Allies—several innovative base oils, additives, and processes were developed by I.G. Farben. The spoils of war included additives like oxidation and corrosion inhibitors, extreme pressure and anti-wear additives, pour point depressants, and viscosity
index improvers. Additionally, there were two-phase and water-soluble lubricants, as well as new synthesis processes involving olefins, ethylene polymers, low pour-point and high VI esters, and the condensation of aromatics and paraffins.
After the war, I.G. Farben was dismantled by the Allies, and several of its top executives were prosecuted during the Nuremberg Trials for their roles in war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Air superiority is the ultimate expression of military power – Winston Churchill
As the chaos of WWII ensued technological advancements surged to meet the demands of modern warfare, with revolutionary changes in aerial technology and the rapid development of jet engines. At the onset of the war, many air forces still operated outdated biplanes. By its end, the skies were ablaze with jet-powered fighters and bombers soaring like homesick angels.
The quantum leap into the jet age occurred on July 18, 1942, with the first successful flight of the Messerschmitt Me 262. Building upon the propulsion technology demonstrated by the experimental Heinkel He 178—the first prototype aircraft to fly under jet propulsion—the Me 262 became the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. Powered by two Junkers Jumo 004 turbojet engines, the Me 262, nicknamed Schwalbe (Swallow), represented a significant advancement in aviation technology.
The pioneers behind this leap were Sir Frank Whittle and Dr Hans Joachim Pabst von Ohain. Both independently developed the first practical jet engines in the 1930s laying the groundwork for modern jet pro -
pulsion and aviation. While Whittle is credited with conceiving the first functional jet engine, having registered a patent in 1931, Ohain’s design took to the skies first in the Heinkel He 178, just days before the outbreak of war.
Whittle’s design would be developed under license to Rolls Royce, General Electric and de Havilland to power the Gloster Meteor, Bell P-59, Lockheed P80 and de Havilland Vampire.
While the Me 262 became a ray of hope for the German Luftwaffe, its impact on the war was limited by engine and production issues, fuel shortages, and Allied bombing campaigns. However, with a top speed of approximately 870 Km/h the Me 262, was a hard act to follow and so allies resorted to destroying them on the ground before they had a chance to take off.
War machines - fighter planes, bombers, tanks, battleships and submarines all run on oil and so each nation’s wartime strategy was heavily influenced by its availability, quality and efforts to secure more of it. Ultimately, controlling oil supplies meant controlling the war.
Initially, highly refined mineral oils were used in early jet engines, like the Me 262. However, these oils could not withstand the punishing high operating temperatures, leading to severe oxidation and viscosity issues. More capable chemistry was needed. Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) and ester-based synthetic oils soon emerged as solutions, offering better thermal stability and resistance to oxidation. By the end of WWII, these synthetic oils had largely replaced mineral-based lubricants due to their superior performance in extreme conditions.
After the war many Me 262s were captured and studied by Allied countries, with their technology applied to new jet engines and so in a way the legacy of the Me 262 endures in the jets that rule our skies today.
As for the architects of the Jet Age, Ohain was brought to the US through Operation Paperclip, a government program to recruit German scientists after WWII. He became the chief scientist at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Sometime later, Whittle also moved to the US, taking a position as a research professor at the US Naval Academy. Fascinated by each other’s work, Whittle and Ohain became good friends.
When WWII began, all chemistry was focused on supporting the war effort and the development of lubricant additives became crucial for improving the durability of tactical aircraft and vehicles.
We saw the development of Zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP), as an anti-corrosion and anti-oxidant additive as well as Molybdenum disulfide as a solid lubricant to reduce friction.
Detergent additives, initially used in the automotive industry, migrated to aviation in the 1940s although this was deemed problematic by the U.S. Air Force as these metal-containing additives (metallic salts of barium and calcium) led to ash deposits in combustion chambers and under high oil consumption conditions caused pre-ignition and engine failure.
If there is one thing that history has shown us, is that the greatest discoveries are those that are unexpected, and those that are not always understood by the inventor themselves. This is one such story in history.
In 1936, amid escalating tensions, a small Philadelphia-based company, Rohm and Haas, founded by a German chemist Dr. Otto Röhm discovered that it’s parent company in Germany, Rohm AG, had created a revolutionary new light-weight shatter-resistant plastic, later known as Plexiglas®. Eager to learn more, the Philadelphia subsidiary dispatched a young chemist, Dr. Donald
Several innovative base oils, additives, and processes were developed during the war. The spoils of war included additives like oxidation and corrosion inhibitors, extreme pressure and anti-wear additives, pour point depressants, and viscosity index improvers.
Frederick, to Germany.
Dr. Frederick was shown the new plastic but the chemists at Rohm AG were not allowed to divulge details about the intended application of this Plexiglas® precursor –polymethyl methacrylate, (PMMA) as Rohm AG were supplying the Reich with the stuff for use in the cockpits of fighter planes and bombers.
Unaware of its imminent impact on revolutionising warfare, Dr Frederick returned to Philadelphia and started preparing samples of his own which the company began selling. Being curious creatures by nature, chemists like to experiment, and so one day, Dr. Frederick replaced the methyl group with some long carbon chains and discovered that not only was this new concoction miscible with engine oil but that the mixture remained fluid at very low temperatures. Interesting as this was this discovery was without any apparent commercial value and so a patent was filed without any ex-
pectation that the company would derive any financial benefit.
At the onset of WWII, the United States government implemented a policy to scrutinize all filed patents for potential contributions to the war effort. Among these, the Rohm and Haas patent stood out, identified as potentially valuable for combat vehicles operating in extreme low-temperature conditions—an environment likely to be encountered in battles between the Germans and the Russians.
The U.S. military shared the Rohm and Haas patent with the Russians, who added the polymer to the engine oils of their T-34 and T-60 tanks. This proved strategic during Operation Barbarossa and the siege of Stalingrad when temperatures dropped below -20⁰C. German equipment malfunctioned as their lubricants became too viscous, forcing Panzer regiments to light fires under engines to start their vehicles. This crucial difference in engine oil fluidity significantly contributed to the defeat of Nazi forces.
It is fair to say that WW II marked a significant leap forward in lubricant technology. The increased complexity and power of military machines demanded lubricants that could withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and prolonged use. The war effort spurred innovation, leading to the development of specialised lubricants that were not only critical to the war effort but also laid the groundwork for the post-war expansion of the automotive and industrial sectors.
The role of lubricants in WWII is a testament to the intersection of science, engineering, and military strategy. As silent enablers, these substances ensured the reliability and effectiveness of the machinery that powered the Allied and Nazi forces, ultimately contributing to the outcome of the world’s bloodiest conflicts. .
QUESTIONS FOR LUBRICANTS PROFESSIONALS
Navigating South Africa’s lubes market
In this edition we feature Boston Moonsamy, the Managing Director of Azelis South Africa. Boston has over 34 years of experience in the Southern Africa lubricants industry. He talks to us about his journey in the industry, the operations of Azelis in Southern Africa and gives us insight about the lubricants market and its outlook.
Would you take us through your journey in the lubricants industry?
I completed my BSc in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Durban Westville, followed by an Honors Degree in Biochemistry in 1990. I began my career at Chevron Lubricants as a Research and Development Chemist (1991-1995), focusing on lubricant formulations. From 1996 to 2000, I managed Supply and Planning, overseeing procurement and production planning.
In 2001, I joined African Petroleum Additives and Chemicals, driving operational and commercial excellence. In 2005, I co-founded UMONGO PETROLEUM ADDITIVES, serving as CEO and focusing on business development and sales. We expanded into the base oil market in 2008 and introduced Chevron Group II base oils in 2014.
OMNIA HOLDINGS acquired a majority stake in UMONGO in 2017, and I continued as CEO. In 2022, Azelis acquired OMNIA’s shares, and I became Managing Director of UMONGO, now Azelis South Africa. Since April 2024, I have been MD of Azelis SSA, covering South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria.
With 34 years in the lubricants industry, my journey spans R&D, operational, and commercial excellence across SSA.
You are the Managing Director of Azelis South Africa; what does your work entail?
My core role involves developing and implementing a defined strategy to drive the vision and mission of Azelis across South Africa. This also includes the development of the business across SSA and the expansion of the Lubricants and Metalworking Fluids market segment business structure across Middle East and Africa.
Aligned to above, my responsibilities and accountabilities involve building and leading a cost-efficient customer and principal service organization based on principal and customer value propositions and driving/creating value for Azelis via performance accountability linked to financial parameters.
The roles and responsibilities include a daily leadership in terms of
fostering business ethics and our company values, driven by effective and open communication.
What market segments does Azelis supply to the South African market, and what new market segments do you plan to venture into?
The mining sector is one of the largest consumer of petroleum products in Southern Africa. High performance lubricants is key to maintaining productivity through equipment reliability and efficiency.
Azelis is a leading innovation service provider of specialty chemicals and food ingredients, active in the Life Sciences and Industrial Chemicals segments. The first encompasses Pharma & Healthcare, Personal Care, Food & Nutrition, Agricultural & Environmental Solutions, Animal Nutrition, Home Care & Industrial Cleaning, and Flavours & Fragrances. The latter encompasses CASE, Performance Chemicals, Advanced Materials & Additives, and Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids.
We are continuously looking to strengthen our offering in the markets we serve. We look forward to introducing products and product lines in line with our strategy with a focus on sustainability and bio-based products.
Boston Moonsamy, the Managing Director of Azelis South Africa
QUESTIONS FOR
What other markets do you supply to besides South Africa, and how have these products been received?
Azelis is present in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas. In Europe, Azelis is headquartered in Belgium and has a strong footprint across Europe. We supply a wide range of products to various industries, including personal care, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. The European market appreciates Azelis’ innovative solutions and extensive product portfolio.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Azelis serves markets in countries such as China, India, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Korea. The reception has been positive, with a focus on sustainability and innovative formulations tailored to local needs.
Azelis also operates in North and Latin America, providing innovative formulations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. The market response has been favourable, especially in the life sciences and industrial chemicals sectors, where Azelis’ expertise and customercentric approach are highly valued.
Azelis has a significant presence in Sub-Saharan Africa, including countries like Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The products have been well-received, particularly in the industrial and food sectors, due to our high quality and the technical support provided by Azelis.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is an important market for Azelis, where we supply specialty chemicals and food ingredients. The products are well-received due to our quality and the comprehensive support we offer to our customers.
Overall, our products and innovative solutions are well-received globally, thanks to our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer support. Our ability to adapt to local market needs and provide tailored solutions has been a key factor in our success.
Azelis is a product distributor. What kind of support do distributors require from their principals, be it in marketing or product accessibility, to ensure the success of both parties?
Principals can support distributors through co-branded marketing campaigns and providing promotional materials. Training programs to educate distributor teams about product features and benefits are essential, as are sharing market research and consumer insights to help tailor sales strategies.
Ensuring a steady supply of innovative products and implementing user-friendly ordering systems and providing technical support helps distributors manage stock levels and address customer queries efficiently.
Regular updates about new products and company news foster strong partnerships, while establishing feedback channels allows distributors to share insights on products and market conditions. Comprehensive support in these areas builds strong, mutually beneficial relationships, boosting sales and market presence for both parties.
South Africa is one of the largest lubricant consumers in Africa and has attracted major lubricant producers: How does Azelis position itself to ensure it grows its business?
Azelis has strategically positioned itself to grow its lubricant business in South Africa through several key initiatives:
• Acquisitions: By acquiring Umongo, Azelis has strengthened its presence in the industrial specialty chemicals market and broadened its product offerings.
• Technical Support and Innovation: Azelis offers advanced technical support and innovative solutions through its application laboratory, providing customized solutions to customers.
• Sustainability Commitments: Azelis focuses on sustainability by increasing workforce diversity and partnering with principals who have strong sustainability agendas, offering bio-based oils and solutions that reduce friction and energy losses.
• Lateral Value Chain: Continuous investments in innovation and digitalization strengthens Azelis’ lateral value chain, ensuring long-term value creation and better customer service.
Azelis leverages these strategies to enhance its market presence and drive growth in the South African lubricant industry. The company’s local presence, dedicated team, and strong relationships with customers enable it to provide tailored solutions and maintain its leading position. Azelis also focuses on upgrading lubricant quality and diversifying its portfolio to meet the needs of petrochemical customers. With support from global blue-chip principals, Azelis is well-positioned to increase its market share and continue its growth trajectory.
The mining industry is a big one in the Southern Africa region. What products does Azelis have for this market segment?
High performing proven lubricant & fuel additive technology for the latest/most modern machinery used in these harsh environments, together with complimentary specialty chemical products that helps keep productivity levels at an optimum level.
The mining sector is one of the largest consumer of petroleum products. High performance lubricants is key to maintaining productivity through equipment reliability and efficiency. Our partners in lubricant technology, continue to invest heavily in developing new products that are required by modern machinery. Via our lubricant marketers, we offer complete solutions for specialized equipment in mining and construction industry. Within our LMWF division, we have very strong technical capability to formulate and support growth.
You have been in South Africa’s oil industry for over 30 years. What changes have you witnessed in the industry, especially regarding lubricants?
Despite the lack of legislation governing lubricant quality, there has been a steady increase in the consumption of higher-performing
The South African lubricants market is expected to grow from an estimated 419.90 million litres in 2024 to 454.14 million litres by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%.
lubricants. The use of GRP I base oils is decreasing, and lesser-known international and regional players are competing for market share, creating opportunities for local manufacturers and marketers.
Technological advancements have significantly impacted the industry. New machines demand innovative lubricant specifications, and oil additive manufacturers have had to adapt quickly. For example, the power density of internal combustion engines has increased, placing more stress on lubricants. The American Petroleum Institute (API) introduced four new HDDEO specifications between the mid-1990s and 2006. Environmental regulations from the EPA in the US and AECC in the EU have driven changes in engine combustion technologies and the development of catalytic converters, necessitating new compatible products from additive manufacturers.
In the industrial sector, higher output turbines and compressors require higher performance lubricants. The marine industry has also seen significant changes due to IMO regulations on GHG emissions, pushing vessels to adapt to lower sulfur fuels and driving the need for new lubricants. As the IMO targets near-zero GHG emissions by 2030, both marine engine builders and additive companies face the challenge of developing new products to meet these stringent requirements
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What does the lubricant market outlook and future growth look like for South Africa?
The outlook for the lubricant market in South Africa is promising, with several key trends and growth drivers:
• Market Growth: The South African lubricants market is expected to grow from an estimated 419.90 million litres in 2024 to 454.14 million litres by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4%.
• Automotive Sector: consumer of lubricants, accounting for a significant share of the market. This sector is expected to continue its dominance due to the high volume of engine oils and gear oils used in vehicles.
• Power Generation: The power generation sector is projected to be the fastest-growing end-user industry, driven by the rising demand for energy and the increasing installation of wind turbines.
• Product Types: Engine oils are the most consumed product type due to their high usage and frequent replacement in vehicles. However, greases and hydraulic fluids are also expected to see significant growth, particularly in the construction, mining, and agriculture sectors.
• Sustainability and Innovation: sustainable and eco-friendly lubricants. Companies are investing in bio-based lubricants and other innovative solutions to meet environmental regulations and consumer demand. Overall, the South African lubricant market is set for steady growth, supported by advancements in technology, increasing industrial activities, and a strong focus on sustainability.
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The readership includes:
• End users of lubricants in industrial, transport, marine and aviation sectors
• Lubricants manufacturers and marketers
• Suppliers of base oils, additives and complimentary products e.g packaging
• Suppliers of lubrication equipments
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Unpacking ILSAC GF-7 Specification
Key drivers and changes in the new engine oil category
Increasingly stringent emissions and fuel economy legislation are driving changes to passenger car hardware system design and engine operating conditions. Eugene Ong, Infineum Product Manager, Passenger Car Program Manager, explains how these factors put a higher performance load on the lubricant and are the key drivers for the introduction of the new ILSAC GF-7 engine oil category.
Following a period of negotiation and compromise, the needs and targets set out by ILSAC for ILSAC GF-7 were finally approved with a first allowable use (FAU) date of 31 March 2025. This gives oil marketers the mandatory 12 month waiting period to get products developed, tested and into the market. So just why is ILSAC GF-7 needed, what is it designed to do, what are the key changes vs. ILSAC GF-6? Read on to find out.
Why do we need ILSAC GF-7?
OEMs have been working to produce cleaner, more fuel efficient internal combustion engine platforms to meet regulated fuel economy/CO2 emissions targets. At the same time car drivers expect improved vehicle performance and reliability. To meet these challenges, OEMs continue to introduce new hardware and vehicle control systems for example, engine downsizing with direct injection, increased turbocharging, friction reduction, along with advancements in aftertreatment and combustion technology.
All these changes rely on the ability of higher quality engine oils to deliver sufficient engine and aftertreatment protection and prevent operational issues, while contribut-
What is ILSAC GF-7 designed to do?
The key objectives of ILSAC GF-7 are to:
• Improve fuel economy to help OEMs comply with regulations
The chart below summarises the increase in performance needs from ILSAC GF-5 through to ILSAC GF-7.
The key objectives of ILSAC GF-7 are to: improve fuel economy to help OEMs comply with regulations, improve low speed preignition (LSPI) protection, improve cleanliness via strong piston deposit control, reduce timing chain wear, improve gasoline particulate filter (GPF) protection, improve cold temperature oil pumpability and include modern seals materials.
ing towards improving fuel economy - particularly through the use of lighter viscosity grades. This creates new lubricant performance challenges, and ILSAC GF-7 sets the standards to meet them.
Fuel economy drives change
In April 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) amended the Corporate Average Fuel Economy
(CAFE) and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks. A new Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) vehicles rule has been established that increases the stringency of CO2 emissions for model years (MY) 2021 through 2026.
To address this, Sequence VIE and VIF in
LSPI test with the same limit as the Sequence IX test.
ILSAC GF-7 also includes improvement to wear protection via a slight reduction to the maximum limit in the chain wear.
The key changes between ILSAC GF-6 and ILSAC GF-7 are summarised below:
ILSAC GF-7 call for an increased stringency of fuel savings properties over time. This helps provide an increased contribution to the current fuel efficient engines, supporting OEMs’ goals of meeting these new regulations as we push for further CO2 emission reduction by transitioning to a thinner viscosity grades such as SAE 0W-20 or SAE 0W-16.
In addition, keeping engines clean is a good way to improve combustion efficiency and thus reduce CO2 emissions. This is supported by the higher piston cleanliness ratings in the Sequence IIIH test.
Another OEM tactic to reduce fuel consumption, while maintaining torque and power, is to reduce engine displacement and make up the difference in power by turbocharging. However, these downsized and boosted engines can exhibit a destructive abnormal combustion event called LowSpeed Pre-ignition (LSPI). This phenomenon occurs prior to the spark being triggered and is often followed by heavy knock that can lead to severe engine damage.
Concerns had been expressed that the fresh oil LSPI test, introduced in ILSAC GF-6, may not maintain protection over the full oil drain interval. To improve LSPI protection, ILSAC GF-7 introduces an aged version of the
In addition to existing phosphorus and sulphur limitations, a new requirement restricts sulphated ash (SASH) to 0.9% mass. This is designed to support the introduction of aftertreatment devices, such as gasoline particulate filters (GPF), that will be needed to meet emissions regulations. Other changes include a new fresh oil MRV limit of 40,000 cP (33% change vs. ILSAC GF-6) plus elasto-
mer compatibility with new seal materials and the possible introduction of new gelation test, if available at first licensing.
Delivering both the improved fuel economy performance and hardware protection requires advanced componentry and a careful formulation balance.
Having initially designed two of our platforms to surpass all ILSAC GF-6 requirements, these proven products are now ILSAC GF-7 ready. Customers who have purchased these technologies are already enjoying these ILSAC GF-7 capable products on the road today - and have a seamless transition through this accelerated category.
Looking ahead – CO2 emissions reduction
The EPA reports that the transportation sector is the largest US source of GHG emissions, representing 29% of total GHG emissions. Within the transportation sector, light-duty vehicles are the largest contributor, at 58%. The organisation says that continued GHG emission reductions in the motor vehicle sector are needed to protect public health and welfare.
ILSAC GF-7 is, in our view, an interim transition to ILSAC GF-8. With this in mind, we will keep you up to date on developments, which are likely to be timed with the increasing severity of EPA CO2 emissions regulations for MY 2027 through 2032. .
Originally published on InfineumInsight.com 5 November 2024
LAST WORD
The Future of the African Lubricants Market
Written by: Tara Ayodeji, Business Development Manager, Kline Energy Practice
Of the 50 countries in Africa, the top 10 account for 67% of the continent’s total GDP. The continent is experiencing strong growth; between 2023 and 2028, CAGR is projected to stabilize at 4%, showing recovery and resilience following the COVID-19 pandemic, and higher than the projected global GDP growth of 2-3%. While economies, growth prospects and opportunities vary naturally by individual countries, the strong GDP growth bodes well for the lubricants market in Africa.
Regional dynamics are shaping various growth trends, with Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa dominating Africa’s lubricant demand. However, despite being the largest markets, their growth outlook is modest compared to smaller markets like Ethiopia and Cote D’Ivoire, which are expected to experience high growth rates. This disparity is shifting attention to emerging markets such as Tanzania, Uganda, Morocco, Angola, and others, where economic expansion, infrastructure developments, and industrial growth are expanding.
There are additional factors driving finished lubricant growth in Africa, including: Trade and policy initiatives – opening-up new markets and reducing trade barriers, for example, AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) aims to facilitate free movement of goods and services and promote intra-African trade. The hope is that this will enable supply chain optimization and increase cross-border trade.
Economic development – population growth is driving the expansion of the economy in various markets in Africa which will boost consumer disposable income. This economic growth and rising income will drive lubricant demand in automotive and industrial sectors, supported by urbanization and infrastructure expansion.
Rising vehicle ownership – income growth and a rising middle class is resulting in increasing vehicle ownership. South Africa plays a crucial role in the passenger vehicle market with major OEMs beginning to invest in the country due to favorable conditions. African countries are also imposing age limits on used car imports to promote a younger
fleet, with some countries banning used car imports entirely.
Higher viscosity & higher quality lubricants – there is growing demand for high viscosity lubricants, especially in heavy duty motor oils for heavy-duty vehicles. There has also been a rise in multigrades due to their adaptability.
Industrialization and infrastructure development – growth in Africa’s construction and manufacturing industries, as well as the increased demand for minerals in the mining sector, are driving demand for lubricants.
Technological advancements – the need for more affordable transport solutions, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and e-mobility are reshaping lubricant demand across the continent.
AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) aims to facilitate free movement of goods and services and promote intra-African trade. The hope is that this will enable supply chain optimization and increase cross-border trade.
Due to its limited domestic production capabilities, Africa imports much of its high-quality base stocks (Group II, III, and III+) from Europe and the Middle East. Africa’s lubricant market still relies heavily on Group I base stocks, but a gradual shift from Group I to higher-quality Group II and III base stocks is expected, driven by industrial growth, regulatory changes, and evolving automotive needs.
Group II and III base stocks are expected to gain traction slowly, driven by OEM recommendations and increasing awareness of their performance and durability benefits. Additionally, countries like Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda are implementing and planning regulations to support the adoption of higher-quality base stocks, particularly in sectors demanding fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Africa is a dynamic and interesting market generally, but especially in terms of the future potential for the lubricant market. Not only are there key differences between regions, but also between countries. The continent offers numerous opportunities, but it also presents unique risks and challenges. It is essential for lubricant companies to be aware of where they can add value and where they need to mitigate challenges. To fully realize the potential across Africa, industry stakeholders must collaborate, innovate and strategize.
29th ICIS World Base Oils and Lubricants Conference
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London, UK
Conference: 12-14 February 2025
Training: 11-12 February 2025
New for 2025!
Unified conference space
Content stages, networking, and exhibition area within one space, perfect for networking
Three integrated stages designed to deliver deeper insight on topics from automotive to sustainability Diverse content formats
Build connections in style in the historic Tower of London, with a private tour of the Crown Jewels and Tower Network in a historic royal palace
Participate in hands-on workshops led by industry experts. These sessions address current challenges and trends, offering practical insights. Innovative workshops
