Lubezine Magazine Vol. 3 Lubezine Magazine Vol. 3 | Page 6

Hydraulic Oils-the basics P.22 See also THEMarketREPORT NEWS • BRIEFING • N E W P RO D U CTS • T E C H N O LO GY STANDARDS Revi ew Kenya Bureau of Standards proposes review of engine oil specifications T he Kenya Bureau of Standards has proposed a review of the engine oil specifications upwards. For the passenger car motor oils the minimum permissible grade was proposed to be API SJ up from the previous API SF while for automotive diesel engine oils the minimum is now API CH-4 up from API CD. Further, in regards to proof of conformance of set specifications, the Bureau has proposed as follows: ‘All oil brands marketed shall have to be enlisted in the API directory or licenses or proved that the formulation used conforms to the claimed API classification through a certificate from a reputable additive manufacturer.’ However, many players in the industry felt that the implementation of the current minimum grades was not effective as many lower grades were readily available in the country. It was felt that the organization needs to strengthen the enforcement function before upgrading the standards further. Kenya Bureau of Standards though its petroleum and petroleum products technical committee is mandated to set and enforce the minimum permissible grades of lubricants in the country. Kenya Bureau of Standards headquarters – Nairobi . NEW PRODUC T Total launches four-stroke motorcycle oil Total has launched a 4 stroke engine oil, special 4T, to cater for the ever increasing fleet of 4 stroke motor cycles in the country. According to the company, the product has been introduced to meet the unique needs of the 4 stroke engines. ‘Because the engines of motorcycles have a technology different from that of the engines of cars, TOTAL created a range of successful 2-stroke and 4-stroke engine oils, based on the latest-technology and satisfying all motorcycles and motor scooters brands,’ said 4 the Total Lubricants manager, Mr. Julius Kinoko. Previously, the country’s motor cylcle fleet was predominantly 2 stroke but with the advent of 4 stroke engines mainly procured from China, there has been a massive shift towards this type of motor cycles. In addition, these type of motorcycles are rapidly replacing motor vehicle taxis as the mode of short distance travels especially in the rural areas of the country which has further led to an increase in their numbers. . Ken Koskei, right, TOTAL Kenya Lubricants Technical & Training Manager explains the benefits of TOTAL SPECIAL 4T to a rider and members of the public. Lubezine Magazine | January-March 2012