Shell launches engine oils for LNG vehicles in China

Shell Lubricants said it has launched two new products in China for trucks and buses running on natural gas.

The Shell Rimula R5 NG and Shell Rimula R3 NG represent “the latest in lubricant technology designed to meet the very specific operating conditions in natural gas engines,” Shell said in a statement on Wednesday.

China is the world’s fastest growing market for vehicles running on LNG or CNG fuel.

According to the statement, Shell now has a full range of natural gas engine oils to cater to this growing fleet of vehicles, ranging from heavy duty trucks and buses to smaller vehicles such as taxis.

Research suggests that China will increase its natural gas vehicle population from 1.6 million in 2012 to 5 million by 2020.

Many truck and bus fleet operators have started converting their vehicles to use natural gas fuels, spurred on by the Chinese government’s implementation of the National IV standards of Vehicle Emission Pollution Control and Supervision.

Natural gas engines require dedicated engine oils because they have different combustion systems and after-treatment system requirements compared to diesel engines. Natural gas burns hotter than other hydrocarbon fuels, which puts the engine oil through more severe thermal stress, oxidation and nitration.

This may cause the formation of oil sludge and carbon deposits inside the engine. Using natural gas as a fuel may also result in inadequate lubrication of the engine valves, as its cleaner and drier properties produce few carbon particles in the combustion chamber.

“Shell Rimula’s new range of natural gas engine oils lubricate and clean the engine by promoting thermal stability and detergency control, resulting in a well-oiled engine performing at its best,” the statement said.

Shell believes while LNG fuel for transport is currently at an early stage, it could become a material segment, especially for shipping and heavy-duty road transport. LNG fuel has the potential to provide economic and environmental benefits, as it is cost-competitive, and can reduce sulphur emissions, particulates and nitrogen oxides compared to diesel and heavy fuel oil.