API starts accepting applications for low-viscosity products

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has begun taking applications for motor oils that meet API specifications for SAE 0W-8 and SAE 0W-12 viscosity grades under its Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS).

This step follows the decision by the API Lubricants Group on September 19, 2023, to incorporate these viscosity grades into the EOLCS program. On October 1, API announced  that it has formally adopted the SAE 0W-8 and SAE 0W-12 viscosity grades as part of the API Service Category SP with Resource Conserving. 

Initially launched in May 2020, API SP aims to offer protection against issues like low-speed pre-ignition, timing chain wear, and provide enhanced high-temperature deposit safeguarding for pistons and turbochargers. It also seeks to enforce stricter sludge and varnish control. Moreover, API SP with Resource Conserving aligns with ILSAC GF-6A, merging API SP’s performance with better fuel economy and protection against ethanol-containing fuels, going up to an E85 blend (85% ethanol content).

Products qualifying will exclusively be licensed under API service category SP with Resource Conserving. To ensure these products maintain the essential performance benchmarks, a full candidate data package submission is mandatory.

API believes that adding the SAE 0W-8 and SAE 0W-12 grades to the API Service Category SP is critical in standardising global licensing. This move is vital for ensuring aftermarket compliance and putting in place enforcement procedures for these viscosity grades, API said. Several worldwide original equipment manufacturers now recommend these engine oil viscosity grades. This adjustment will further allow OEMs to recommend API-certified engine oils, facilitating North American consumers in purchasing oils endorsed by their vehicle producers.

Furthermore, the 22nd edition of API 1509 has been unveiled. This update incorporates the inclusion of SAE 0W-8 and SAE 0W-12, alongside other crucial amendments. A comprehensive rundown of the changes is available on page five of the 22nd edition of API 1509.

For those interested, the English version of the 22nd edition of API 1509 is accessible on the API website. Translations in other languages are forthcoming.

Operating out of Washington, D.C., U.S.A., API represents a broad spectrum of the U.S. natural gas and oil sector. Boasting approximately 600 members, they oversee a significant portion of the country’s energy generation, processing, and dissemination.