The Anglo-Dutch major has pioneered two new lubricants for trucks and buses
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Shell pioneer new lubes Image: Shell China |
Shell Lubricants has recently launched Shell Rimula R5 NG and Shell Rimula R3 NG, two products that are designed to meet tough operating standards in natural gas engines.
The oils will service trucks and buses that are running on natural gas in the world's fastest growing market for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel.
The two new products are designed for vehicles that run entirely on either LNG or CNG, and make up part of Shell's comprehensive NG engine oils that spans heavy duty trucks and buses to taxis. Shell claims the lubes have longer oil drain intervals, reduced copper corrosion, deposit control and improved oxidation stability.
The Anglo-Dutch major has invested heavily into R&D in the Chinese market and has placed a strong focus on engine oils for new energy vehicles, whilst still serving its core offering.
As natural gas engines contain different combustion and after-treatment systems to traditional diesel engines, and operate at higher temperatures than hydrocarbons, they are susceptible to sludge and carbon deposits. By focusing on thermal stability, Shell has engineered a range that improves detergency, increases efficiency and extends engine life for LNG engines above and beyond other HDDOs.
China is slated to expand its natural gas vehicle population from 1.6m in 2012 to 5m in 2020, according to research from Standard Chartered. Increasingly stringent standards are causing many fleet operators are are already making the switch to natural gas.