The American Petrolatum Institute (API) has released new specifications for diesel engine oil. API has added two engine specifications rather than two, the CK-4 and FA-4 were designed to provide not only improved emissions, but also increasing fuel efficiency. API has stated that in its 70 years of setting oil performance for oil standards, the introduction of the two new diesel engine oil standards was a 'significant milestone' for current and future engines.
The new diesel categories come into effect on December 1, and are designed to improve API's existing standards. Kevin Ferrick, senior manager for engine oil licensing, API said that they implement standards through a variety of means, including advocacy that they come to through statistics and research.
These new service categories, which become effective on December 1, 2016, improve upon existing API standards by providing enhanced protection against oil oxidation and protection against engine wear, particulate filter blocking, piston deposits, and degradation of low- and high-temperature properties.
"We make sure that the oils we licence actually meet API standards," said Ferrick. "Diesel exchange fuels are easier to maintain for us because its all the same, it's a little more complicated for engine oil because there are so many different brands."
With many diesel fuels on the market, Ferrick stressed that because there are so many brands of diesel oil out on the market, it is important to be aware of what brand you're choosing. The donuts' logo on the back of the packaging highlights the specific oil that is inside. According to Shell, the industry has begun to realize that they can alter fuel efficiency through oil — rather than changing the entire make-up of an engine.
Developments in the Engine Field
The API's engine oil licencing and certification system (EOLCS) is how API ensures that oil, fuels and exhaust are up to standards. The motor oil guide shows which products that API certifies. When determining which fuels go out of certification, Ferrick said that they officially declare a fuel category obsolete when they can no longer prove the certification with a test.
CK-4 and FA-4 were both were approved by API in December 2015, when standards where re-evaluated.
Ferrick explained, "The real need for new categories are improvements on the current standards."
The new categories resulted from several years of collaboration. In 2017 there are a number of different of new technologies that will be featured in engines. The new engines are moving toward meeting lower emissions for greenhouse gasses due to government requirements. Fuel economy is becoming a forefront in many customer's minds, fuel economy correlates with cost-savings. According to Ferrick, to move toward engines with smaller emissions, engines would need to be small and more fuel efficient to ensure oil performance.
"The new engines that are coming to meet requirements are being designed to operate as efficiently as possible. The oil is there to provide that and prevent wear on parts. It makes sure that the oil doesn't adversely effect the strain on parts," said Ferrick. "We have to understand that this fluid is an intricate part of the engine."
New Engines
The new engine requirements lean more towards the developments in the heavy-duty oil market. The main benefit echoed by both API and Shell is that engines with the newly formulated oil have the potential to increase engine life. API has re-designed their testing standards to properly test both the CJ-4 and the FA-4.
"We are still faced with the newest standards," said Ferrick.
While these changes are large strides, engine technology will keep evolving. Ferrick said that fuel economy retirements will get more stringent. "The one thing that is fairly accepted in the industry is that you get better fuel economy if you use a lower viscosity oil."
According to Shell, it has played a leading role in developing in both the newest low and high viscosity oils that will continue to meat specifications — all while not compromising oil life or engine wear.
