A newly proposed ASTM International standard (WK52873 Test Method for Evaluation of Diesel Engine Oils in the Volvo T-13 Diesel Engine) will evaluate diesel engine oils for oxidation performance characteristics. This will help ensure that industry guidelines are used and trucks and other vehicles are receiving the proper oil for T-13 engines.
Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants developed this standard with support from ASTM Internationals Test Monitoring Center (TMC).
The Volvo T-13 test method covers an engine test procedure for evaluating diesel engine oils for oxidation performance characteristics, utilizing a turbocharged 500 horsepower, Volvo eight cylinder engine equipped with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and running on ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. The test is run at 1,500 RPM for 360 hours, maintaining the oil gallery temperature at 130 degrees C since oxidation is induced by high temperatures.
We welcome industry stakeholders who want to use and improve this important test method, says ASTM member Hap Thompson, president of Global PPL Standards Associates in Saint Johns, Florida. In particular, the TMC is providing reference oils as well as engineering and statistical services to laboratories that desire to produce test results that are statistically similar to those produced by laboratories previously calibrated by the TMC.
The primary users of this standard will be company and independent lubricant laboratories, oil blenders, and lubricant manufacturers that want to compete in the marketplace and follow industry guidelines. Regulatory agencies will also use the standard to ensure their fleets are receiving the proper oil for their equipment.