LUBRICANT TECHNOLOGY NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE
Castrol has a history of being at the forefront of engine lubricant technology.
At Castrol, we continue to work closely with customers and OEMs to help the transport industry meet the demands of both the operator and legislation.
We understand the emerging requirements for commercial vehicles and their engines and have a full range of lubricants to meet their needs. We have developed our unique Clean Performance Technology and Low Friction Technology to provide superior performance and deliver excellent engine cleanliness, outstanding durability and wear protection and importantly help to reduce emissions.
What is Euro 4 and Euro 5 and how will it affect your business?
Euro 4 and Euro 5 are European legislation to reduce pollution caused by exhaust emissions from on-road truck and bus diesel engines. These new laws are part of a long-term programme that progressively lowers nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions as well as other pollutants.
Euro 4 came into effect for new vehicles in 2006 so it is likely you will have more of these vehicles in your fleet going forward
Euro 5 is compulsory for all new vehicles sold in Europe from October 2009 and demands a reduction in NOx emissions of over 40% compared to the previous Euro 4 legislation.
This legislation will affect how new engines are designed and how you operate and service them.
What have commercial vehicle manufacturers done to reduce emissions?
Over the years the manufacturers have taken fundamental engine designs to the limits in the pursuit of performance, reliability, economy and lower emissions. In order to improve emissions even further, three supplemental emission-control strategies have been developed and manufacturers use one or more of these to meet both the Euro 4 and Euro 5 limits.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)
Reduces harmful NOx gases
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) works by mixing some of the exhaust gases with the intake air to reduce combustion temperatures. It is high temperatures that form NOx and so this design lowers NOx formation during combustion.
Effect on engines
Lower combustion temperatures can lead to increased soot formation; this soot is collected by the oil and circulated around the engine. High soot levels have the potential to increase oil viscosity and promote wear.
How Castrol can help
Castrol’s heavy duty engine oils are formulated to combat the effects of soot and other contamination, protecting from wear, keeping engines cleaner and operating more efficiently for longer.
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
Reduces harmful NOx gases
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) works on the exhaust gases after they have left the engine. A fluid called AdBlue® is sprayed into the exhaust gases; a catalyst built into the device promotes the reaction of AdBlue® with the NOx, converting it into water vapour and nitrogen
Effect on engines
Because the NOx is dealt with outside of the engine, the engine can be tuned to run at its most efficient. This typically means the engine runs hotter, which keeps soot levels down – the increased NOx created is neutralised by the SCR. The hotter running conditions place more stress on the lubricant which can lead to increased thermal breakdown and ultimately increased engine wear.
How Castrol can help
Castrol’s leading edge lubricants have been tested under the most extreme operating conditions and are proven to continue to protect the engine at hotter operating temperatures throughout the oil drain interval.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
Traps particulate matter (PM)
Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) are ceramic filters fitted in the exhaust which trap 90% of particles in the exhaust gases. The particles are a mixture of soot and ash
- soot is carbon-based and is formed during combustion of the fuel
- ash is metal-based and forms when engine oil is burnt
Effect on engines
DPF-equipped engines include a DPF-regeneration cycle in their operation – at this point fuel is injected into the exhaust phase which causes it to burn in the exhaust and DPF. This burns off the soot particles from the DPF but the metallic ash particles can not be removed. Over time the ash particles accumulate and will eventually block the DPF, requiring its replacement.
How Castrol can help
Ash is formed by elements within the lubricating oil – oils that are designed to work with DPFs are called “low SAPS”, which stands for low sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulphur. Castrol has developed Clean Performance Technology™ which it uses in a range of low SAPS products specifically designed to minimise ash formation whilst providing superior engine protection and performance.
Castrol’s products for Euro 4 and Euro 5
It is vital for heavy duty Euro 5 engines that you use an approved product. Castrol’s dedicated commercial engine oils have been created using specially selected base oils and additives to ensure compatibility with modern engines and emission control systems. Furthermore, Castrol’s low SAPS range of products is not only suitable for Euro 5 and Euro 4 engines but, in many cases, can be used for older vehicles too.
Castrol Elixion Low SAPS 5W-30
Fuel efficiency for latest European diesel engines
Castrol Elixion Low SAPS is the latest in lubricant technology. It contains unique Low Friction Technology developed by Castrol’s liquid engineers to improve the fuel economy of your vehicle.
Using Clean Performance Technology™, Castrol Elixion Low SAPS will also ensure your engine and emissions systems stay in peak condition and are fully protected at all times, even at extended oil drain intervals.
Castrol Enduron Low SAPS 10W-40
Extended oil drain and protection for latest European diesel engines
Castrol Enduron Low SAPS uses Clean Performance Technology™ to protect engines and emission control systems and allows vehicles to operate at maximum oil drain intervals.
Its primary application is for the latest low-emission Euro 5 and Euro 4 trucks and buses, especially those requiring a ‘low SAPS’ lubricant.
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