Industry issues: PC-10 moving on again
It seemed that no sooner had the industry finished debating the issues surrounding the introduction of API PC-9/CI-4 it would move on to defining the requirements for a new PC-10 category. However, an update to the CI-4 lubricant category which was requested by the US Engine Manufacturers Association last June has diverted attention away from PC-10 for the past six months. Now that agreement has been reached on the way forward with this new category the committees are returning to their PC-10 development work. Rick Finn, Global Product Manager Infineum USA LP, explains the new set of challenges that PC-10 is likely to bring for lubricant manufacturers, additive companies, and heavy duty diesel OEMs.

Industry issues: Continuing the low SAPS debate - heavy duty diesel lubricant formulations
In issue 19 Insight published the first part of a low SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus and Sulphur) feature which focused on gasoline engines. Now we examine the issues surrounding the heavy duty diesel engine where emissions regulations have been focused on the control of NOx and particulate matter. In the run up to the next generation of emissions regulations that will require the installation of exhaust aftertreatment systems much work on low SAPS is expected to emerge.

Face to face: Judith Hackitt on the impact of REACH on the chemicals industry
Ripples of concern spread across the European chemicals industry following the proposal by the European Commission to introduce the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) regulation. Judith Hackitt, Director General of the UK’s Chemical Industry Association, discusses its potential impact on the chemical community. John Kemp, Corporate HSE Manager Infineum UK Limited adds his thoughts on the impact of REACH on petroleum additives.

Industry issues: 2030 vision - assessing the future of vehicles and our environment
We all expect to see cars on our roads and be able to obtain fuel to keep them moving. Most of us are aware that when you put the two together they cause pollution and that existing fuel supplies are not limitless. But despite these factors there is a growing reliance in the developed world on personal mobility. To asses how we can continue to move freely without sacrificing other essential human or ecological values, members of the petroleum and automotive industries have joined together in a project to assess the future of all aspects of sustainable mobility. Insight reports on an update given by Shell’s Mark Gainsborough, joint chair of the transport vehicle fuels work stream, on the progress of the Sustainable Mobility Project.

Industry issues: Plant power - the global introduction of biodiesel
The European Union, US and Asia are committed to significantly reduce future greenhouse gas emissions. One of the measures under consideration in all three regions to help meet emissions targets and augment supplies of petrol and diesel fuel is the promotion of the use of biofuels and other renewable fuels. Insight takes a closer look at the global activities around the introduction of biodiesel.

Industry issues: Shifting up a gear - developments in friction material technology
Consumer demand for better fuel economy, smoother driving and more power at the wheels has prompted significant changes in the design of automatic transmissions. Meeting these demands requires increased levels of energy to be transmitted through the torque converter and shifting clutches, whilst the size of the clutches is typically being reduced. The resulting increases in applied pressures and engagement energies in these transmissions necessitate the use of friction materials that can withstand the high thermal and mechanical stresses generated in the engaging components. Carbon fibre based friction materials offer an attractive alternative to current cellulose based materials due to their superior mechanical strength and excellent thermal stability. Insight examines some of the properties of these new carbon fibre based friction materials including their structure, lubrication requirements and potential applications, and compares them to more conventional friction material technology.