Techniques For Testing Viscosity Improvers

Viscosity improvers are essential additives in lubricants, improving their ability to perform across a wide temperature range. These additives ensure that oil maintains optimal thickness under high temperatures while preventing it from becoming too thick in colder conditions. Testing their effectiveness is important to guarantee consistent performance in various applications.

Employing accurate testing techniques allows manufacturers to ensure the quality of their products and optimize engine or machinery efficiency. Partnering with reliable suppliers is a key step in maintaining quality and performance of viscosity improver.

Kinematic viscosity testing:

Kinematic viscosity testing is a standard method to measure a lubricant’s flow resistance under gravity. By using a viscometer, technicians observe how long the lubricant takes to flow through a calibrated tube at specific temperatures. Comparing the results before and after adding viscosity improvers indicates the additive’s effectiveness in stabilising flow properties.

Shear stability tests:

Shear stability tests assess how well viscosity improvers retain their effectiveness under mechanical stress. These tests simulate conditions where lubricants are subjected to high pressure and shear forces, such as within an engine. A lubricant’s viscosity is measured before and after the test to determine the additive’s resistance to molecular breakdown.

Low-temperature pumpability testing:

In cold climates, lubricants must flow easily to ensure proper engine startup. Testing for low-temperature pumpability evaluates the performance of viscosity improvers in maintaining oil fluidity. A Cold Cranking Simulator (CCS) is often used to simulate engine start conditions in sub-zero temperatures, helping to identify additives that perform well in such environments.

High-temperature high-shear (HTHS) testing:

HTHS testing replicates the conditions of high temperatures and mechanical stress, providing insight into how viscosity improvers behave under severe operating environments. This method helps ensure that lubricants maintain adequate film thickness to prevent wear and overheating in key components.

Oxidation stability testing:

Oxidation can lead to thickening of lubricants, affecting their performance. Oxidation stability tests determine how well viscosity improvers prevent degradation over time. This ensures the lubricant remains effective throughout its service life.

Selecting the right testing techniques for viscosity improvers is vital to maintaining lubricant quality. Ensuring reliable results often depends on sourcing high-quality additives from trusted suppliers, allowing manufacturers to meet the demands of various applications effectively.