Insight Issue 42 

Highlights of Insight 42 include:

Greening technology – OEMs update Infineum Trends 2009 audience

The latest trends in green engineering were given a high profile at this year’s Infineum Trends presentations, which have taken place in over 20 venues across the US. Insight presents a selection of the contributions from US OEMs, who shared some of their latest environmental technology developments.  

Tailor-made fluids – the changing transmission fluid market in North America

Calls for improved fuel economy from both consumers and governments are causing OEMs to consider every aspect of the vehicle for potential improvements – with new transmission designs high on the priority list. The pace at which these more fuel efficient transmission designs are displacing conventional 4-speed planetary models is accelerating, which is in turn transforming the North American automatic transmission fluid (ATF) market.

Regulations limit marine fuel options

The 2005 amendments to the MARPOL Annexe VI regulation effectively created two distinct requirements for fuel sulphur in Europe. Insight presents the findings of a paper delivered at the Marine Propulsion Conference in London by John Smythe, of Infineum’s Large Engine Lubricants Deployment & Development Team, which examines the effects that such environmental initiatives are having on vessel operators.

Regulatory ripples – changing complex and far reaching

The new European REACH regulation is a key area of focus for much of the chemicals industry right now. But, it is just one of the myriad of regulations that product stewardship teams must monitor, influence and assess to ensure that all the potential business impacts are anticipated, communicated and then appropriately implemented. Insight takes a look at how Infineum manages this highly complex and constantly changing landscape. 

ILSAC GF-5 update

The latest update on the progress of the ILSAC GF-5 standard and a close look at timing issues, the Sequence VID test and the potential impact of GM’s new Global Engine Oil Specification (GEOS A).  

Keep it flowing – biodiesel quality, no room for compromise

In today’s heavily regulated environment, where fuels are subject to high quality standards, biofuels are not expected to cause adverse impacts on the supply chain and vehicle operability.  But in Europe and the US a number of field incidents have been reported in which the use of biodiesel fuels have done just that.  Insight takes a look at industry efforts to better understand and resolve this complex issue.