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SAE Viscosity Grade

Definition

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE J300) classification of motor oil viscosity: the 'W' number specifies low-temperature cranking viscosity; the trailing number specifies kinematic viscosity at 100°C. Multigrade oils (e.g. 5W-30) meet both specifications through base oil selection and viscosity index improver polymers.

Related terms

Aroclor
A series of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) commercial mixtures manufactured by Monsanto (US) and marketed as electrical insulating fluids. Aroclors are designated by...
C30 17Alpha-Hopane
The C30 pentacyclic triterpane used as the primary internal normalisation standard in petroleum biomarker fingerprinting. It is resistant to evaporation, biodegradation, and...
Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)
The analysis of gases dissolved in transformer oil (H2, CH4, C2H4, C2H2, CO, CO2) by ASTM D3612 or IEC 60599 to diagnose...
GC-IRMS
Gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry: compounds separated by GC are combusted (for 13C) or pyrolysed (for 2H) and the isotope ratio...
GC×GC-TOFMS
Two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Leco Pegasus instruments). The first GC column separates by boiling point; a cryogenic modulator...
Hopane
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Karl Fischer Titration (KFT)
Coulometric or volumetric titration using Karl Fischer reagent (iodine / sulphur dioxide / base / methanol) that reacts stoichiometrically with water. Used...
Unresolved Complex Mixture (UCM)
The broad hump of hundreds of co-eluting cycloalkane and isoalkane compounds in the TIC of heavy petroleum products (diesel, heavy fuel oil,...
Zinc Dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDTP)
The primary anti-wear additive in motor oils, contributing zinc, phosphorus, and sulphur to the additive package. The Zn/P ratio and S/P ratio...

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