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	During the micro-oxidation test and evaluation, lubricant samples are subjected to specified temperatures under a blanket of air at a set flow rate to oxidize the lubricant and cause deposit formation.

Diesel engine manufacturers have long been concerned with lubricant quality and engine deposits. To achieve higher performance, lower fuel consumption, and lower emissions, new engines require high-performance lubricants.

To meet these needs, scientists and engineers are designing faster and more economical lubricant evaluation methods. The micro-oxidation test at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is a laboratory bench test used to predict lubricant deposit-forming tendencies. The micro-oxidation test is performed at a fraction of the cost and time required to run a full-scale engine test, and it provides data that correlate with full-scale engine test results for locomotive, marine, and railroad lubricants.

Coupons or specimens (approximately 1" in diameter) made of the same steel alloy used in diesel engine pistons, are weighed to determine the net weight increase of the coupon/specimen and the amount of deposit formed by the oil.

Lubricant samples are subjected to specified temperatures under a blanket of air at a set flow rate to oxidize the lubricant and cause deposit formation. Based on the weight of the accumulated deposits, SwRI analysis can predict the lubricants' induction time — the point at which oil forms deposits.

For more information about our micro-oxidation test capabilities, or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Gerry Estrada at gestrada@swri.org or (210) 522-3006.

mot.swri.org

| Petroleum Products Research Department | Fuels and Lubricants Research Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 11 technical divisions.

December 28, 2012