Lubricant viscosity is a critical part of engine operation, helping engines run properly, effectively and efficiently. And as engine manufacturers continue to seek unprecedented fuel economy gains, they’ve taken advantage of lower viscosity lubricants for the benefits they can have on overall fuel efficiency.
As the industry continues down this path, it’s critical that there are global standards in place to help maintain consistency and reliability among low viscosity lubricants—for OEMs down to the end users. And that’s why the work performed by the SAE J300 Engine Oil Viscosity Classification (EOVC) task force is so important.
The Importance of SAE J300
Classification of lubricant viscosities is formally defined by the SAE J300 standard. The standard is established and maintained by the Engine Oil Viscosity Task Force, a group comprising several important industry stakeholders, including representatives from OEMs, oil marketers, instrument manufacturers and additive companies.
The J300 standard helps design engineers and OEMs select and identify the right viscosity grade for appropriate use in a given application. It distinguishes oils based on different viscosity grades, established in rheological terms only.
Most importantly, SAE J300 offers a crucial, global framework for how all market stakeholders identify viscosity. SAE allows oil marketers to legitimize their product via standardization, by formulating the lubricant to meet rigid, agreed upon classifications for viscosity. It offers OEMs and end users the confidence that a service fill lubricant meets their recommended criteria. Other performance requirements, including (for example) oxidation control, engine cleanliness and durability, are defined by other industry standards organizations such as API and ACEA as well as specific OEMs.
For these reasons, preserving the J300 standard as a common yardstick to define viscosity grades around the world is of utmost importance. It’s the task force’s job to ensure that the J300 standard reflects current and future needs of engine builders and is based upon sound, well-established viscosity measurement methods.
The most recent update to the standard came in January 2015, which established two new lower viscosity grades: SAE 12 and SAE 8.
The Pursuit of Efficiency
Lubrizol has been deeply involved in the preservation and application of the J300 standard for many years. The process for ensuring the ongoing adaptability and universal applicability of the J300 standard is a rigorous one, and the EOVC task force must continue to remain vigilant as the needs of the engine lubricating oil industry evolve.
Lubrizol recognizes the importance of maintaining the J300 standard. In addition to industry advocacy efforts including involvement in SAE J300, Lubrizol has been a significant player in the design, development and testing of efficient and balanced lubricant formulations for use in lower viscosity lubricants. Through these efforts, Lubrizol has developed a foundation of knowledge in the area of lower viscosity fluids, and is committed to providing additives and formulation expertise to realize the full fuel economy potential of lower viscosity oils while preserving engine durability.
Michael J. Covitch is senior fellow, viscosity modifiers for The Lubrizol Corporation. He is the former chairman of the SAE Engine Oil Viscosity Classification Task Force, the body responsible for maintaining the SAE J300 standard. Prior to becoming chairman, Covitch served on the task force from 1994-2011. He holds a Ph.D. in polymer science from Case Western Reserve University.
