Sulphated ash content serves as a crucial indicator of the amount of metallic detergents and other inorganic components present in engine oil formulations. These components, such as calcium or magnesium sulfonates and phenates, are essential for maintaining engine cleanliness and wear protection but leave behind a residue of metallic sulphates upon combustion. Furthermore, antiwear compounds like zinc and phosphorus contribute to the sulphated ash content.
The importance of managing sulphated ash content is twofold: it is vital for reducing emissions and ensuring the compatibility of lubricants with vehicle pollution control devices. The assessment of sulphated ash involves incinerating the oil sample and measuring the residual ash, with the results expressed as a weight percentage of the original sample. Modern engine oils typically feature sulphated ash contents ranging from 0.5% to 1.3%.
While a higher sulphated ash content can enhance detergency and wear protection, it may adversely affect pollution control devices such as catalytic converters and particulate filters. Consequently, both the American Petroleum Institute (API) and Europe’s Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles (ACEA) have set limits on sulphated ash content to safeguard these components. These standards reflect the automotive industry’s commitment to balancing additive performance with environmental stewardship and fuel efficiency.
Formulating engine oils that comply with these standards requires a delicate balance, ensuring optimal protection and performance while meeting stringent environmental regulations. This challenge necessitates a deep understanding of additive chemistry and its impact on both engine operation and emissions control systems.
Valorem Chemicals collaborates with leading supply partners, including International Petroleum Products and Additives Company, Inc., to navigate the complexities of low sulphated ash requirements. Our role is to provide access to cutting-edge additive technology and technical expertise, empowering lubricant formulators to create products that align with key industry and OEM standards.
Our commitment is to support the lubricant industry in developing engine oils that not only meet the high-performance standards expected by today’s manufacturers but also contribute to the global effort to reduce environmental impact. By working together with our partners and leveraging our collective expertise, we enable the creation of advanced lubricant formulations that achieve the necessary balance between engine protection, emissions reduction, and fuel efficiency. Valorem Chemicals is proud to play a role in this process to ensure that our customers meet the evolving demands of both the automotive industry and environmental regulators.