There is a global demand to reduce diesel exhaust emissions, and such countries as the U.S., Europe, and Japan have responded by setting decreasing emission standards through at least 2010. Reaching the levels defined by 2010 will be historic, as diesel engines will be “clean.” This will require a systems approach that utilizes desulfurized fuel, improved in-cylinder combustion, exhaust after-treatment, changes in vehicle design, and engine oils compatible with after-treatment systems.
Balancing after-treatment life with engine durability is critical for the next generation of engine oils. In order to achieve this, a new oil category is being developed in the U.S., which will be in the marketplace by 2007 when diesel particulate traps will be required on all diesel engines. This category's development program is called “Proposed Category PC-10” (PC-10).
This paper describes the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) program to deliver this new oil category on time for 2007. The paper includes the emission requirements for U.S., Europe, and Japan; the types of after-treatment systems being employed; the chemical limits that will be imposed on oils to limit particulate trap cleaning; and the engine tests to demonstrate the oil's ability to maintain engine durability.