Fluid Degradation by Oxidation

The picture with oxidised fruits to this article paints the picture of oxidation. Oxidation gradually brakes down engine oil. Oil sludge is the most severe case of oil oxidation.

Oxidation is the most predominant reaction and mode of degradation for in-service lubricants. It accounts for significant equipment and lubricant reliability problems. It is the major contributor for oil viscosity increase, varnish formation, sludge and sediment formation, additive depletion, base oil breakdown, filter plugging, loss in foam properties, loss of demulsibility properties, acid number increase, rust and corrosion. Therefore, understanding and controlling oxidation should be a major concern to both the lubricant chemist and lubricant user. 

Engine with a severe oil sludge.

ANTIOXIDANTS PROTECT LUBRICANTS

The formulation of virtually every lubricant contains antioxidants. These antioxidants are designed to be sacrificial, meaning they oxidize before any other component of the lubricant thereby protecting it. This oxidative protection is the only thing saving the lubricant from premature failure.

You might wonder why oil formulators don’t care about this and add as much as protection as needed. Well, the economics and business models play their role in lubricant formulation. Although modern complex additive technology will bring significant benefits, their cost will force lubricant formulators in compromises. Unfortunately for equipment owner this means less value for their money and impeding problems down the road.

Same engine after BG Dynamic Engine Restoration Service.

PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT

At BG products Inc. we are focused in the “market niche”, the high-end of lubricant and additive technology. Yearly we invest a lot of resources to research and develop products that will add value for equipment owner. Our laboratory operations are certified with rare ISO 170025 certification, which means that our operations are regarded transparent, internationally approved and testing reliable.

For decades we have invested to develop lubricants and lubricant additives that provide substantial benefits in added oxidation protection for any in-service lubricants or our very own lubricant product line. Not only do we promise, but we gladly show our own test results in better oxidation protection with an industry standardised testing methods.

Those professional operations that choose to operate with BG Products Inc. will be assured that they use the highest quality products to protect their and their customers equipment.

Our primary focus is to prevent premature fluid breakdown. In passenger vehicles we call that service BG Performance Service.

Sometimes prevention is too late and you may need to provide a repair-type of cleaning and then start prevention methods. This service is called BG Dynamic Engine Restoration.

If you want to learn more about our products and services you can contact us here.

BG Products Inc.

BG Products, Inc., the leading manufacturer and supplier of automotive fuel and oil conditioners, specialty chemicals, greases, tools and equipment, is ISO 9001, 14001, 17025 and 45001 certified.

As an ISO Certified company, BG Products, Inc. is obligated to provide transparent and factual information. All products are tested and proven to provide added benefits to equipment owners.

If you want to learn more about our products and services you can contact us here.