SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Brochures

Abstracts

Related Information

Contact Us

SwRI Information

Home

	The ROBO test evaluates the effect of pour point depressants on the low-temperature properties of used oils.

Before engine oils are made available in the global marketplace, they must pass a grueling set of specifications approved by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), representing U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers. The Romaszewski Oil Bench Oxidation (ROBO) test was developed to be a part of the newest specification, GF-5, which targets three areas of improvement:

• Emission system compatibility

• Fuel economy and fuel economy retention

• Robustness of engine oils for increased engine durability

The ROBO test evaluates the effect of pour point depressants on the low-temperature properties of used oils. It simulates the ILSAC Sequence IIIGA engine test, but oils are more quickly and inexpensively oxidized than with a traditional multi-hour fired engine test.

ROBO Test Procedure

In the ROBO test, a lubricant specimen is combined with a small amount of iron catalyst and placed into a one-liter reaction vessel. The sample is reacted with nitrogen dioxide and air for 40 hours at 170°C. After cooling, the oil is subjected to other pertinent testing.

	The ROBO apparatus is pictured above.
	The ROBO test was developed to measure the newest engine oil specification standard, the GF-5. Pictured above is the control unit for the ROBO apparatus.

Basic equipment for the ROBO apparatus includes:

• Analytical balance with 200-g capacity, capable of 0.1 g accuracy

• Fume hood rated for use with hazardous gases

• Electric stirrer capable of sustained operation at 200 ±5 rpm

• Air supply system

• Temperature control system

• Vacuum system

ROBO Apparatus Safety Features

The ROBO apparatus has a full range of safety-related features, including:

• IR-UV flame detector

• Hood draft sensor

• NO₂ sensors, in and outside the hood

• Audible and visual alarms

• Independent temperature control capabilities

The ROBO test provides a clear correlation to results normally obtained in full IIIGA engine tests for a fraction of the cost. The ROBO test is also now an approved ASTM test.

Quality Accomplishments

The Office of Automotive Engineering (OAE) at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is:

• Certified to ISO 9001:2008, "Quality Management Systems − Requirements"

• Accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005, "General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories"

• Certified to ISO 14001:2004, "Environmental Management Systems"

The Office of Automotive Engineering has also achieved Ford Tier I status for providing engineering services. The Engine, Emissions and Vehicle Research Division has received the Ford Q1 Quality Award.

In addition, the Petroleum Products Research Department is a Nuclear Procurement Issues Committee (NUPIC)-approved laboratory and the Fuels and Lubricants Research Division has maintained its status as an American Chemistry Council (ACC)-approved laboratory.

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

robo.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