A new TBN kit will help with marine oil tests
Ship operators can now test residual Total Base Number (TBN) levels in their vessels thanks to an upgraded DIGI kit launched by Parker Kittiwake, which gives a rapid indication of total base number (TBN) depletion in cylinder lubricants with a BN range up to 100.
With many ship operators now using high BN lubes, they face a major challenge in meeting OEM guidelines to prevent cold corrosion caused by continuous exposure to acidic combustion products.
The company, recently formed from the acquisition of Kittiwake Developments by Parker Hannifin Corporation, developed the kit to provide an on-board lube reading within two minutes. It meets OEM's testing recommendations and can be used in conjunction with laboratory testing to verify accuracy.
Parker Kittiwake's Dr. Steve Dye stated "...maintaining a correct alkaline reserve is critical in preventing unnecessary harm to expensive components within the engine, such as cylinder liners."