Bringing ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel to US pumps
Increasing demands for diesel fuel combined with upcoming sulphur legislation are forcing US refiners to make significant and costly changes to their operations. The widespread need to add lubricity additives to current low sulphur fuels to meet the January 1 2005 ASTM fuel lubricity specification has also been a challenge for many as they work to install injection facilities in multiple terminals. This feature examines the challenges of introducing low sulphur diesel fuel to US pumps.

Moving into Asia
Tightening emissions legislation is clearly the driver for improved emissions control technologies which in turn drive the development of advanced lubricant and additive systems to ensure hardware protection. Insight reports on a paper written by Brian Crichton, Global Industry Liaison Manager Infineum International, and D J Shee, Regional Asia Pacific Market Manager, Infineum Singapore Pte Ltd, for the 11th Annual Fuels and Lubricants Asia Conference held in Beijing, China.

FC-W an OEM view
The new FC-W (four cycle-water) standard released by National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) in August 2004 is designed to protect four-stroke outboard and inboard-outboard engines. George L’Heureux, Small Engines Technical Adviser, Infineum USA LP, asked Frank Kelley, Fuels and Lubricant Specialist from Mercury Marine and a member of the NMMA Oil Certification Committee, to explain why the specification was needed and to give his thoughts on how Mercury plans to use this new standard.

Meinrad Signer on evolutions in the CEC and heavy-duty engines
Throughout his 33 year career in the engineering industry Meinrad Signer has seen many changes in engine technology and fuel and lubricant specifications. Now as Deputy General Manager of Iveco Motorenforschung, CEC Chairman, and Co-Pilot of the ACEA truck emissions group Signer is uniquely positioned to comment on both the priorities for the CEC and the latest heavy-duty ACEA specifications. Here he discusses his views on what the future may have in store with Ian Field of Infineum Industry Liaison.

PC-10 and the implications for the oil marketer and OEM
At the December ILMA & ICIS LOR 4th Annual Base Oils Conference held in Florida USA, Pat Fetterman, Industry Liaison Advisor, Infineum US LP, delivered two papers on PC-10. The first, developed by Greg Shank, Senior Staff Engineer responsible for lubricants, filtration, coolant and fuel technology with the Mack Division of Volvo Powertrain, looked at the OEM needs for both the content and timing of PC-10, while the second, his own paper, outlined the effects of PC-10 on the oil marketer.

The conference was attended by over 100 senior management personnel from a wide array of oil and additive suppliers. The Mack and Infineum papers outlined in this feature on the effects of PC-10 on the OEM and oil marketer were received with interest.

Tracking global diesel quality
Infineum’s Worldwide Winter Diesel Fuel Quality Survey which presents data on the quality of winter diesel from around the world and examines global fuel trends has been published. The 2004 issue is more comprehensive than any of its 16 predecessors, presenting data from over 300 samples collected in 42 countries. John Maddox of Infineum Fuels Technology reveals some of the key findings from this new Infineum publication.