The Co-ordinating European Council (CEC) for the development of performance tests for transportation fuels, lubricants and other fluids has set up a working group to develop a laboratory pump rig test able to discriminate between diesel fuels of different lubricity performance.
This test was expected to correlate with the performance of fuels and Fuel Injection Equipment (FIE) in the field, therefore providing a way to avoid costly field trials. This test could also enhance the understanding of the results from the High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) method.
The CEC working group was supported by representatives of Oil Companies, Test Houses, Additive Companies and all the European FIE Manufacturers.
After a thorough investigative phase, the group focused on a Bosch VE 4 distributor-type pump run according to the Bosch WP2 test cycle. This choice was also widely accepted throughout the industry. Excellent correlation was seen between this cycle/pump combination and field experience.
This paper presents initial results from selected laboratories, the outcome of the round robin exercise, the key learnings from the work to standardise the method and the rating of the pumps. A brief outline of the methodology/code of practice and the key parameters are also included.
This activity is now complete and the code of practice is available from CEC.