Valorem Chemicals Pty Ltd

The Lubricant Lab: 🔧 Understanding the Distinction Between API GL-5 and SAE J2360 🔍 Choosing the right lubricant standard is critical for optimising performance and ensuring durability in driveline components. Among the key benchmarks, API GL-5 and SAE J2360 stand out, each addressing distinct performance requirements. Here’s a concise breakdown of their differences. API GL-5: The Legacy Benchmark 📜 Established by: American Petroleum Institute (API). Focus: Hypoid gears in axle differentials, operating under high-speed, high-torque, or shock-load conditions. API GL-5 has long been a trusted standard for gear lubrication. Key highlights include: Extreme Pressure (EP) Additives: Sulphur- and phosphorus-based additives provide protection under severe conditions. Applications: Widely used in axle and differential systems across passenger and commercial vehicles. Limitations: Lack of testing for oil seal compatibility and long-term thermal stability. High EP additive levels can cause wear in synchromesh components. Struggles to meet modern demands for durability and thermal resistance. SAE J2360: The Modern Standard 🚀 Established by: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Focus: Advanced lubrication for modern driveline systems, including military and commercial applications. SAE J2360 builds on API GL-5 with enhanced performance standards: Comprehensive Testing: Includes ASTM D5662 for oil seal compatibility and extended durability tests up to 200,000 miles in heavy-duty applications. Improved Durability: Offers better wear resistance, thermal stability, and system integrity. Applications: Favoured by OEMs for vehicles needing robust, long-lasting lubrication. Advantages: Tailored to advanced driveline technologies. Balanced additive levels minimise risks to sensitive components. Demonstrates superior performance under extreme conditions. Key Differences at a Glance ⚙️ Testing: API GL-5 includes limited testing, while SAE J2360 mandates extensive evaluations for durability and compatibility. Additives: API GL-5 uses high levels of extreme pressure additives, which can be aggressive. SAE J2360 balances additive levels for safer, broader application. Durability: SAE J2360 offers higher thermal stability and a longer service life compared to API GL-5. Seal Compatibility: Unlike API GL-5, SAE J2360 requires testing to ensure compatibility with oil seals. The Industry Shift 🌍 Modern driveline systems demand lubricants that endure higher stresses, provide consistent protection, and offer extended service intervals. As a result, OEMs are increasingly adopting SAE J2360 for its emphasis on durability, compatibility, and superior performance. At Valorem Chemicals, we leverage our expertise to support independent blenders and manufacturers in navigating these changes. Whether transitioning from API GL-5 or optimising for SAE J2360, we are here to help. 📌 #ValoremChemicals #SAEJ2360 #APIGL5

🏎 Did You Know? API GL-4: The Gear Oil for Balanced Performance 🛞 Did you know that API GL-4 gear oils strike the perfect balance between protection and compatibility for manual transmissions and transaxles? Designed for moderate-load applications, these oils feature carefully calibrated extreme pressure (EP) additives, providing essential protection while remaining gentle on synchronisers and other softer metal components. API GL-4 oils excel in maintaining lubrication stability under varying conditions. They resist wear, oxidation, and foaming, ensuring your gears run smoothly and reliably. However, for more demanding environments, where extreme pressure is prevalent, higher-spec oils like API GL-5 may be needed. Selecting the right oil ensures optimised performance and longevity of your gear systems. At Valorem Chemicals, we provide high-quality API GL-4 compliant lubricants tailored to your operational needs. Whether it’s performance, protection, or compatibility, we help you make the right choice for your equipment. #ValoremChemicals #GearLubrication #LubricantAdditives

🚢 Navigating Global Shipping Shifts in 2025: What Australian Importers Need to Know 🌏 For all Australian business that rely on imports, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of significant change on the high seas. Long-standing shipping alliances are dissolving, new ones are emerging, and sustainability pressures are mounting. While these changes may seem distant, they can have a direct impact on freight rates, lead times, and the reliability of supply chains feeding the Australian market. ➡️What’s Changing? • Alliance Shake-Ups: The long-standing 2M alliance (Maersk & MSC) ends in January 2025. Replacing it are the Gemini Cooperation (Maersk & Hapag-Lloyd) and the Premier Alliance (HMM, ONE, & Yang Ming). Expect adjustments in capacity, service frequency, and routes flowing into Australia. • Reliability & Sustainability: Gemini aims for tighter schedules, helping importers predict lead times. Meanwhile, carriers are investing in greener fuels. Though beneficial for the planet, these initiatives may influence costs, potentially affecting freight rates. • Freight Cost Volatility: As alliances settle and decarbonisation efforts ramp up, rates could fluctuate. Some lanes may see short-term spikes or capacity constraints as carriers adapt. ➡️Why It Matters for Australian Businesses For those needing timely, cost-effective deliveries, these changes can ripple through the supply chain—affecting transit times, seasonal availability, and landed costs. Being unprepared might mean inventory gaps, unexpected expenses, and production delays in an already competitive market. ➡️Staying Prepared Keep Informed: Follow alliance updates and industry news. Knowing which carriers serve your routes helps you anticipate disruptions. Ask Your Freight Forwarder: Freight partners can provide insights on capacity trends, potential costs, and suitable carriers. Regular communication reduces surprises. Monitor Sustainability Trends: Carriers moving toward cleaner operations can align with your corporate goals and resonate with eco-conscious customers. ➡️Looking Ahead While these changes introduce uncertainty, they may also improve reliability and support greener shipping. By staying aware, engaging with knowledgeable partners, and preparing for shifting rates, Australian importers can remain agile and competitive. ➡️Valorem Chemicals: Here to Share Insights At Valorem Chemicals, we know these shifts can feel complex. Though we’re not freight forwarders, we keep a close watch on industry developments shaping supply chains. Our aim is to share timely insights, helping Australian businesses better understand this evolving landscape so they can make informed decisions in 2025 and beyond. #ValoremChemicals #logistics #shipping #australia #2025 

🛠️The Lubricant Lab: API GL-5 Specification - Critical Tests for Automotive Gear Oils 🛠️ The API GL-5 specification, established by the American Petroleum Institute, sets a performance benchmark for gear oils used in hypoid gears, commonly found in automotive differentials. Hypoid gears operate under high pressures, sliding motions, and shock loads, making them vulnerable to wear and corrosion. To meet this classification, gear oils must pass rigorous tests simulating real-world conditions. Let’s explore these critical tests. Key API GL-5 Tests 1. L-42 High-Speed Shock Axle Test (ASTM D7452) Purpose: Assesses scuffing resistance under high-speed, shock-loading conditions. Conditions: High-speed axle rig; sudden torque spikes; defined test cycles. Pass Criteria: Minimal scoring on gear teeth; wear patterns within limits. Significance: Ensures gear oil protects hypoid gears during high-speed, shock-load events. 2. L-37 High-Torque Test (ASTM D6121) Purpose: Evaluates wear and extreme pressure performance under low-speed, high-torque conditions. Conditions: Hypoid gear rig; heavy loads; continuous operation. Pass Criteria: Minimal wear and scoring; intact gear surfaces. Significance: Confirms oil prevents metal-to-metal contact under severe sliding and pressure. 3. L-60-1 Thermal Oxidation Stability Test (ASTM D5704) Purpose: Tests resistance to thickening and deposit formation at high temperatures. Conditions: 163°C operation; aeration; 50-hour duration. Pass Criteria: Viscosity and deposits within limits. Significance: Validates oil stability under thermal stress, ensuring long-term protection. 4. L-33 Moisture Corrosion Test (ASTM D7038) Purpose: Measures protection against rust when exposed to moisture. Conditions: 65°C with water exposure; 100-hour duration. Pass Criteria: No significant rust or corrosion on bearings. Significance: Confirms oil guards against moisture-induced damage, critical for durability. 5. FZG Step Load Test (A10/16.6R/90:120) Purpose: Evaluates load-carrying capacity and scuffing resistance under incremental loads. Conditions: Back-to-back gear rig; 90–120°C operation; increasing loads. Pass Criteria: Must pass load stage nine without scuffing. Significance: Ensures oil withstands heavy loads, meeting API GL-5 standards. Why These Tests Matter These tests validate that API GL-5 gear oils can: Resist scuffing under high-speed and shock loads (L-42). Prevent wear and scoring under extreme pressures (L-37). Maintain thermal and oxidative stability (L-60-1). Protect against rust in moist environments (L-33). Deliver superior load-carrying capacity (FZG). Meeting API GL-5 ensures gear oils provide protection against wear, scuffing, and corrosion under severe conditions typical of hypoid gears in automotive axles. At Valorem, we prioritise solutions that meet rigorous standards. Our expertise ensures you receive lubricants designed for the most demanding applications. #ValoremChemicals #GearOil #LubricantAdditives

⚙ Did You Know? Understanding API GL-4, GL-5, and MT-1 Gear Oil Classifications ⚙ Did you know that choosing the correct API classification for your gear oil can make all the difference in the performance and longevity of your equipment? Understanding the distinctions between API GL-4, GL-5, and MT-1 is crucial to match lubricants with the specific needs of your machinery. •            API GL-4 is engineered for manual transmissions operating under moderate loads. With moderate extreme-pressure (EP) additives, it offers balanced protection for gears, though it’s not suitable for extreme heat or load conditions. •            API GL-5, on the other hand, is designed for hypoid gears and high-stress systems. Packed with higher concentrations of EP additives, it excels in extreme environments but may be incompatible with components like copper alloys often found in GL-4 applications. •            API MT-1 focuses on nonsynchronised heavy-duty manual transmissions in buses and trucks. It provides thermal degradation resistance and superior protection for seals and gears, filling gaps where GL-4 and GL-5 fall short. At Valorem Chemicals, we understand that the wrong lubricant can lead to system failures and increased maintenance costs. That’s why we offer high-quality products tailored to your specific needs. Our expert team is here to help you select the perfect lubricant to maximise efficiency and longevity in your applications. #GearOil #ValoremChemicals #LubricantAdditives

The Lubricant Lab: Field Trials – A Window into Real-World Lubricant Performance In today’s industrial landscape, consistent lubricant performance under real-world conditions is crucial for operational reliability and equipment longevity. Field trials are invaluable, validating lubricants beyond lab metrics and testing them against real-world stresses, such as those in passenger vehicle engines. Why Field Trials? Lab tests, while foundational, can fall short on assessing durability when real-world conditions introduce variable factors like temperature changes, load shifts, and environmental contaminants. Field trials bridge the gap, providing a true gauge of lubricant effectiveness outside of controlled environments. These trials often involve several monitoring techniques: 1. Lubrication Management Systems (LMS): Tracking all lubrication tasks—including maintenance, failure modes, and work types—LMS data refines practices to align with maintenance objectives, enhancing equipment uptime. 2. Oil Condition Monitoring (OCM): By regularly analysing oil samples, OCM identifies trends in lubricant degradation and issues like oxidation or contamination, helping prevent failures and extend lubricant life in line with operational goals. 3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): KPIs balance both proactive and historical insights. Leading indicators, like OCM trends, help forecast failures, while lagging indicators, like oil analysis reports, track past performance, providing a full picture of lubricant health and reliability. Challenges in Field Trials: Contamination Control and Driver Variability Managing contaminants that can degrade lubricant quality is a major challenge in field trials. Factors like water ingress, dust, and temperature changes affect performance, and field trials identify areas needing modifications to enhance robustness. Driver variability presents another challenge in passenger car trials. Each driver’s unique style—whether aggressive acceleration or smooth braking—affects wear and thermal stress on lubricants. This variability complicates benchmarks but also provides essential data on resilience across driving styles, requiring rigorous analysis to ensure formulations can withstand the range of real-world driving behaviours. Valorem’s Commitment At Valorem Chemicals, we work closely with supply partners who rigorously validate the efficacy of additive packages and components through field trials. These trials are critical for understanding how each additive—from anti-wear agents to dispersants—performs under demanding, real-world conditions. By partnering with suppliers committed to high standards of testing, we ensure every additive package in our lubricants delivers proven reliability, durability, and efficiency. #ValoremChemicals #Lubricants #FieldTrials #LubricantPerformance #PassengerCars #ChemicalEngineering

Did You Know? The Importance of ZDDP Additives for Classic Engine Protection Did you know that Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) is vital for wear protection in classic engines? ZDDP has been a cornerstone in lubricants since the 1940s, forming a protective tribofilm on metal surfaces that significantly reduces friction and wear, extending engine lifespan. This is especially crucial for vintage engines with flat tappet camshafts, which experience higher wear due to metal-on-metal contact. Modern engine oils now contain lower ZDDP levels to comply with emissions standards. However, classic car owners and enthusiasts often require higher ZDDP levels to maintain optimal wear protection for these engines. Specialised high-ZDDP oils or additives are therefore recommended for older engines, as they retain the necessary protective properties without the risk of catalytic converter damage associated with newer formulations. At Valorem Chemicals, we understand the unique requirements of vintage engines. Our high-quality ZDDP additives are designed to keep your classic engines running smoothly and reliably. #ZDDP #EngineProtection #ValoremChemicals

The Lubricant Lab: How Oil Drain Intervals Impact Machinery Health Oil drain intervals are essential in equipment maintenance, affecting performance, cost, and environmental footprint. This post explores how optimal intervals can enhance machinery health, reduce waste, and support sustainability. Why Oil Drain Intervals Matter Historically, oil changes followed rigid schedules—every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres—to manage contamination and wear. Advances in synthetic oils now extend intervals to 12,000 to 16,000 kilometres, creating a need for data-driven maintenance. Predictive tools like oil analysis let operators set intervals based on real-time factors like viscosity, contamination, and additive depletion, maximising uptime and reducing waste. Key Influences on Oil Drain Intervals Optimal intervals depend on: • Fuel Rate: Higher fuel use accelerates oil degradation, often shortening intervals. • Oil Consumption: Fresh oil replenishment impacts longevity and stability. • Sump Size: Larger oil volumes extend intervals by diluting contaminants. Customising intervals to equipment specifics and conditions helps balance longevity with health. Risks of Extended Intervals While extending intervals saves money, it also introduces risks. Contaminants and additive depletion can compromise oil quality and cause wear, especially in harsh environments. Poorly managed intervals may lead to costly downtime and hidden costs. Some estimates show real oil change costs can be up to 40 times the oil’s price, underscoring the need for well-planned intervals. The Role of Oil Analysis Regular oil analysis supports condition-based maintenance, reducing reliance on fixed schedules. By monitoring viscosity, contamination, and wear, operators perform maintenance only when needed. This lowers costs, reduces oil use, and aligns with sustainability by minimising waste. Best Practices for Interval Optimisation 1. Follow OEM Recommendations: Start with guidelines but adapt to actual use. 2. Conduct Oil Analysis: Routine testing can save up to 30% on maintenance. 3. Document Conditions: Track load, temperature, and hours for custom intervals. 4. Invest in Monitoring: Automated systems provide real-time data. 5. Balance Costs with Care: Cautious interval extension prevents degradation. Towards Sustainable Oil Management Optimising intervals reduces waste, resource use, and environmental impact. Adopting biolubricants further supports sustainability by offering high performance with lower toxicity. Thoughtfully extending intervals, combined with regular oil monitoring, supports efficient, responsible maintenance. Summary Optimising oil intervals requires technical insight and environmental responsibility. Valorem Chemicals is committed to supporting these goals, providing solutions that help operators make informed choices for sustainable operations.  #ValoremChemicals #MachineryMaintenance #LubricationSolutions #OilAnalysis #PredictiveMaintenance #Sustainability

🌍 Safeguarding Expertise: The Critical Role of Knowledge Transfer in the Lubricants Industry 🌍 In the lubricants industry, knowledge isn’t just valuable; it’s irreplaceable. Yet, as a wave of seasoned professionals approaches retirement, we face an urgent challenge: ensuring that decades of technical expertise don’t walk out the door with them. This isn’t hypothetical—it will determine our industry’s future competitive edge. A recent report by the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) shows that 13.65% of lubricant professionals are in the 65+ age group. It takes decades to develop the deep technical skills needed in this field, and with so many nearing retirement, the risks are clear. Without effective knowledge transfer, the industry could lose essential expertise, limiting our ability to innovate and adapt. 🔹 The Scope of the Challenge According to the STLE report, large organisations feel this strain acutely, with 48.28% reporting challenges in attracting and retaining talent—a situation intensified by the generational shift. Smaller firms, though agile, often lack resources for comprehensive training, leaving them even more vulnerable to the “brain drain.” 🔹 Strategies for Retaining Knowledge STLE highlights that on-the-job training, mentoring, and digital tools are used to bridge this knowledge gap, but they’re not enough. Companies must encourage documentation of expert decision-making processes and ensure new employees gain hands-on exposure. Training isn’t just a box to tick—it’s the lifeline of our industry’s technical future. 🔹 The Impact of Global Trends With remote work and outsourcing of technical roles, knowledge transfer becomes more challenging. As STLE notes, companies are opening technical centres globally, often in regions where expertise is still developing. While AI is seen as a tool to support knowledge preservation, it can’t replace the insights skilled professionals provide. 🔹 A Call to Action So, what’s the takeaway? Start planning now. Knowledge transfer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about building a culture that values expertise, mentorship, and structured career growth. Companies that embrace this approach will not only retain their competitive edge but will build a resilient foundation for the future. For deeper insights, access the full report from STLE here: https://lnkd.in/gi97UHPz 👥 Join the Conversation How are you ensuring effective knowledge transfer in your organisation? Let’s discuss in the comments below how we can keep our industry’s expertise alive for the next generation.

Did You Know? The Role of Tackiness Agents in Lubrication Efficiency Did you know that tackiness agents, or tackifiers, are essential in ensuring lubricants stay exactly where they’re needed, even in challenging conditions? In high-speed or high-load machinery, they keep lubricants firmly in place, preventing displacement and ensuring consistent lubrication across critical surfaces. How do they work? Tackiness agents add a “stringiness” to lubricants, enhancing adhesion to metal surfaces and resisting centrifugal forces. This is particularly valuable in rotating equipment, where even a momentary loss of lubrication can lead to increased friction and wear. Tackifiers come in various forms, including Polyisobutylene (PIB) and resins like alkylphenol formaldehyde, each suited to different applications: PIB provides flexibility and withstands temperatures up to around 80°C, while resins are ideal for rubber bonding and high-wear conditions. Key benefits of tackiness agents: Lubricant Retention: Tackifiers prevent “sling-off,” maintaining a consistent lubricating film. Wear Reduction: By minimising metal-to-metal contact, tackifiers extend equipment life. Versatile Options: Custom formulations allow flexibility for temperature, adhesion, and specific material requirements. Cost and Environmental Efficiency: Reduced lubricant loss means less waste and aligns with sustainability goals. At Valorem Chemicals, we offer high-quality tackifiers that enhance the reliability and efficiency of your lubrication systems. Reach out to discover how our solutions can optimise your machinery’s performance. #ValoremChemicals #TackinessAgents #LubricationEfficiency