ASTM International has published RohMaxs ROBO, a bench test designed to replace the more expensive Sequence IIIGA engine test in the new ILSAC GF-5 engine oil performance standard. The IIIGA test detects oil thickening at cold temperatures where it is more noticeable. The ROBO (Romaszewski Oil Bench Oxidation Test) bench test aims to produce comparable oil aging characteristics to those obtained with Sequence IIIGA matrix reference oils. Bernard Kinker, a consultant, is a former RohMax employe...

Dow Chemical plans to close its ethylene oxide and glycol production facility at Wilton, U.K., by the end of January 2010, citing economic impacts from the global recession. The site employs 55 people. The company said it will determine the number of jobs affected by the closure following an employee consultation period. A comprehensive review of potential options was conducted, which included seeking a buyer for the site and engagement with industry leaders, regional and government groups to ...

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Competition, internal market changes and the global recession are influencing the direction of Chinas 5.5 million ton lubricant market, an expert said. Higher-end engine oils (API SG and above) will account for 80 percent of the consumer market by 2013, up from 60 percent today, while consolidation will continue, driving most local independents from the market. Flora Liu, a manager with consultancy Kline & Co. based in Shanghai, provided an overview of Chinas...

The U.S. Department of Energy on Thursday announced a $745,000 grant to Dow Corning to develop a lifetime lubricant for gearboxes to increase the efficiency and durability of wind turbine drive trains. Dow Corning spokesman Jarrod Erpelding said the Midland, Mich.-based company applied for the grant to support its research and development in the field. We have ongoing research into what we can do to make wind turbines more durable, more reliable, because theres a tremendous amount of maintenanc...

The markets retain an air of despondency. Owners are attempting to hold onto present freight rates, but the overhang of tonnage is making itself felt. Even areas such as the U.S. Gulf, which has been tight for some time for prompt loading, is beginning to wane with more ships appearing on the horizon. Europe too sees an influx of vessels coming back from India and Asia. Asia remains overtonnaged, but if the trend of sending ships back to the West continues, this may eventually be the one area i...