Valvoline last month expanded its UltraMax line with two products formulated for heavy-duty equipment. UltraMax Heavy Duty Engine Oil is a fully synthetic SAE 10W-40 formulation that the company says exceeds the highest performance requirements of all major U.S. and European engine makers and industry specifications. Its designed to provide excellent high-temperature film thickness and low-temperature pumpability for extended wear protection under severe loading conditions. UltraMax Diesel Fuel Injector Cleaner is ultra-low sulfur diesel compliant, and cleans harmful deposits from the entire fuel injection system. It is also effective when using B10 biodiesel fuel. Web: www.valvolinehd.com

Oronite Earns Dexos1 Nod

Chevron Oronite announced it has obtained Dexos1 approval for its OLOA 55501 additive package for passenger car motor oils, which also meets or exceeds ILSAC GF-5 and API SN Resource Conserving requirements. The company says that having the Dexos1 approval from General Motors provides simplicity and logistical cost savings that come from using a single product to meet both GF-5 and Dexos1 specifications. OLOA 55501 also provides a competitive treat rate and expanded base oil coverage. GM Dexos-approved oils are recommended for use in GM 2011 model cars and later. Web: www.oronitegoes.com

No-mess Pouring

An ergonomic grip for easy handling, anti-glug neck and 30 percent larger spout are key features of the new quart bottle launched by Citgo Lubricants. The new packagings labels use bold colors that stand out from the white bottles, and incorporate Quick Response codes on the front of the bottle to provide an interactive experience for consumers. When scanned by a smart phone, the QR code directs people to the Citgo website, where they can find more information about the company and its products. Theres also a view stripe that shows the amount of oil remaining in the bottle. Web: www.citgolubes.com

Portable Kit Checks Grease Condition

The SKF Grease Test Kit provides a portable, user-friendly way to assess bearing grease condition directly in the field. The kit enables users to take samples and evaluate grease consistency, oil bleeding characteristics, and contamination without special training or the use of harmful chemicals. The kit is equipped with instructions, methodology, sampling and testing tools, and guidelines to interpret test results. Only a 0.5-gram sample is required to perform all three tests, and the process can be conducted as frequently as necessary. Tools supplied in the kit include sampling syringe, sampling tube, permanent marker, sampling containers, disposable spatulas, and gloves. Web: www.skfusa.com

Monitor Controls Marine Emissions

Key marine industry maintenance and operational concerns can arise when ships switch between heavy fuel oil and marine distillate as they enter and exit emissions control areas. The Smart Sense Viscosity System from Rivertrace Engineering monitors both oil viscosity and temperature, to prevent engine wear and higher emissions that can result from feeding through fuel of the wrong viscosity. The density of bunker fuel varies globally; therefore, relying on temperature measurements alone does not guarantee that oil injected into the engine will provide maximum combustion efficiency. The Smart Sense viscosity probe is an electromagnetic vibrating rod operating at resonance frequency, which the company says is a simpler, more robust and reliable alternative to conventional viscometers. Web: www. rivertrace.com

Synthetic Keeps Helicopters Flying

Anew gear and bearing oil from ExxonMobil Lubricants aims to extend the life and reliability of civilian and military helicopter transmissions. For transmissions operating at high temperatures, Mobil AGL Synthetic Aviation Gear Lubricant offers measurably better wear protection than Type I (MIL-L-7808) and Type II (MIL-L-23699) turbine oils, the company says. It also provides excellent wear resistance that is beneficial to helicopters operating under unusual stresses. Mobil AGL is formulated with synthesized hydrocarbon base fluids with a naturally high viscosity index and a proprietary additive system. Other benefits include extreme temperature thermal/oxidation resistance, no wax content, a low traction coefficient, and high load-carrying capability. Web: www. exxonmobil.com/lubes

PAG Lubricants Survive

24 Hours of Le Mans Dow Chemical won bragging rights when a transmission fluid developed with Ucon Oil-Soluble Polyalkylene Glycol (OSP) base fluid successfully withstood the demands of the 24 Hours of Le Mans auto race. Ucon OSP was used as a co-base in two LMP1 and two LMP2 cars entered by Le Mans-based Oak Racing, thanks to the power boost it demonstrated in earlier trials. These fluids unique PAG technology provides low friction and excellent film-forming properties, deposit control, polarity and high viscosity index values. Theyre also compatible with mineral oils and synthetic hydrocarbon base oils, allowing lubricant manufacturers to formulate fully synthetic or semi-synthetic lubricants that can help reduce friction. Web: www.dowosp.com

Additive Extends Oil Change Interval

Specialty chemical distributor MidContinental Chemical Co. is offering a new ashless engine oil additive that boosts the total base number (TBN) of lubricants for diesel engines, which can allow oil drain intervals to be extended. TBN measures the oils ability to withstand acid buildup in an engine. The better an oil endures acid buildup, the longer its useful life, the company points out. These high TBN formulations are engineered to neutralize harmful acids and prolong the life of engine oils. The additive is a liquid, not a powder, for easier addition to the oil at the blender. The liquid form also gives it potential as an aftermarket product. Web: www.mcchemical.com

Fast, Easy Soot Measurements

The InfraCal Soot Meter from Wilks provides an approved testing method for measuring the soot level in diesel engine oils, based on ASTM D7686-2011. With the InfraCal Soot Meter, on-site measurement of soot concentration in diesel engine oils at levels as high as 12 to 15 percent takes less than 30 seconds. The compact, factory-calibrated pushbutton analyzer provides direct readout of percent soot without sample preparation, dilution or solvents or messy transmission cells to clean. The meter can represent a major time savings over thermogravimetric analysis and FT-IR methods that are impractical as field analysis methods, Wilks says. The device weighs less than 5 pounds and operates on 12-Volt DC power. Web: www.wilksir.com/soot-analyzer

Coolant for Heavy-duty Machining

JTM Products has introduced a micro-emulsion coolant for heavy-duty, severe machining. KoolRite 2290Max is formulated for use on tough aerospace metals requiring extremely smooth surface finishes such as aluminum alloys, titanium, tool steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, high Ni steel and exotic alloys. The coolant is said to provide excellent performance in high-removal machining where speeds and feeds are pushed to the limit, without the use of chlorine or sulfur additives. The fluids BioArmor technology makes it highly resistant to bacterial growth without the use of bactericides, and JTM says it yields extremely long sump life while eliminating the smell associated with most coolants to provide a clean, comfortable environment for operators. Web: www.koolrite.net

Evonik, Fuchs Field Winning Oil

Skeptical if low-vis oils can meet the performance needs of todays engines? Evoniks Viscoplex and Viscobase lubricant components were recently redeveloped and used in a high-performance SAE 0W-20 engine oil from Germanys Fuchs Europe Schmierstoffe. Together, they helped Red Motorsports Lotus Exige place first in its class in Mays 100-mile AvD race in Franciacorta, Italy. The reformulated products significantly reduced friction in the engine while helping cut fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions – a key concern now that the EU has set limits for CO2 emissions of new cars. Web: www.rohmax.com

Lube Protects Electrical Contacts

CRCs new HV Switchgear Lubricant is a one-step lubricant and corrosion inhibitor for metering distribution and substation class switchgear contacts. The non-flammable formulation penetrates to coat contacts and provides corrosion protection on switchgear mechanisms. The spray nozzle allows application from greater distance overhead with a hotline tool adapter. The lubricant will not harden, freeze, dry or melt due to temperature fluctuations, and is said to be safe for use with most rubbers and plastics so it will not degrade seals, gaskets or plastic insulators. Available in 16 oz. aerosol cans. Web: www.crcindustries.com/ei

Get More from Your Lab

Brookfield Engineering is offering two hands-on, one-day courses to equip users of Brookfield instruments with the knowledge to get the most out of their viscosity test methods. Practical Course on Viscosity Measurements, for operators from beginner to advanced, explains the the tools and concepts needed for the most precise viscosity measurements possible, while the Applied Course is for the intermediate to advanced user in R&D, analytical and process engineering functions. Web www. brookfieldengineering.com