Chinese lubes producer Kunlun is strengthening OEM ties and upgrading base oil quality
Kunlun Lubricants Logo Image: Kunlun Lubricants |
With National V emissions standards firmly set to come into effect, lubricants producers are increasingly under pressure to upgrade facilities and innovate new products.
While carmakers can fit exhaust systems to improve CO2 output, lubes products contain a highly specialised blend of chemicals, including nitrogen, sulphur and a number of other additives used to increase anti-oxidisation, maintain cleanliness and decrease friction. Changing these mixtures to meet new standards will be challenging.
Kunlun Lubes Co is already reacting to industry changes with a wide-scale overhaul of its products and facilities. The Chinese producer has begun using premium quality PAO base oil for its popular Tianyuan and Tianrun lines, which are both compliant with API SM standards. It is also preparing a new range of Tianhong diesel lubes that contain significantly less sulphur than their predecessors.
Keeping close OEM ties is also part of Kunlun’s “green innovation” R&D strategy. The company, in collaboration with its parent CNPC, has set up research labs with FAW, Shanghai GM, Dongfeng and a host of other domestic and foreign brands.
One of the nation’s larger producers, Kunlun is hoping that the increased innovation drive will enable it to compete with foreign majors for the lucrative premium lubes segment.