The Role of TBN Additives in Engine Oil

Engine oil plays a significant role in the longevity, efficiency, and performance of engines. One of the most important parts of modern engine oils is the inclusion of TBN additives. Total Base Number (TBN) additives are used to maintain the oil’s stability and neutralize acidic contaminants. It is especially useful in heavy-duty applications.

In this blog, we will explore the major role of high TBN-based additives and TBN booster additives in engine oils, highlighting their importance in various types of oils. For instance, TBN engine oil additives for lubricants and oils are used in marine, heavy-duty, and long-drain applications.

Understanding TBN Additives

Let us first have an understanding of TBN additives:

What is TBN?

The Total Base Number (TBN) is an indicator of oil's ability to neutralize acids and prevent corrosion and wear in the engine. Over time, as the engine operates, combustion gases are formed as a result of the fuel consumed. These acids may damage engine parts, and this is where TBN additives come into play. The oil is helpful in countering these acids by keeping the level of TBN at optimum levels to provide smooth engine functioning.

Types of TBN Additives

There are various kinds of TBN additives offered, and each of these additives has a given particular role to play depending on the engine oil type and working conditions of the engine. The TBN-based additives and TBN booster additives are the most common.

High TBN Additives

Oils that experience a higher level of combustion or acidic byproducts contain high TBN additives. Such oils are especially applicable in engines with harsh duty cycles, like the ones that are applied in heavy-duty diesel engines. High TBN additives guarantee the longer-term preservation of the neutralizing properties of the oil, which prevent corrosion and sludge formation.

TBN Booster Additives

Just like TBN improver additives, TBN booster additives are added to raise the TBN of oil. However, they are often stronger, designed to be used in applications where the level of acid is expected to increase quickly. In some cases, e.g., in marine engines or heavy-duty diesel motors, TBN booster additives ensure the oil stays effective in neutralizing the acidic contaminants.

Importance of TBN Engine Oil Additives for Lubricants

Lubrication and Acid Neutralization

TBN engine oil additives in the lubricants mainly prevent the formation of harmful acids in the engine. The oil moves around the engine, and in the process, it neutralizes the acidic by-products produced by combustion. This also minimizes the chances of wear and corrosion, which makes sure that the engine is running smoothly and efficiently.

Oil Longevity and Performance

TBN additives for heavy-duty diesel oils are most essential in engines that have long oil change intervals. The oil in engines that are operated in long-haul trucking or construction equipment should be able to retain its performance over extended periods. TBN-based additives are also applied to make sure that the oil does not lose its ability to neutralize acid, even when the oil is in the process of prolonged use.

TBN Additives for Heavy Duty Diesel Oils (HDDEO)

TBN additives for HDDEO are formulated to manage the presence of soot, particulate matter, and acidic combustion by-products that are typically found in heavy-duty diesel engines. Diesel engines, especially in trucks, buses, and off-road vehicles, emit a lot of sulfur and nitrogen oxides, which contribute to the formation of acids that may cause the breakdown of engine oil and damage engine parts. To make sure that the oil remains effective in neutralizing such acids, TBN additives for HDDEO are used to prolong the life of the engine and oil. You can use the CHEMPOL 8012 API CI-4/SL & ACEA E7 Diesel Engine Oil Additive to perform this procedure effectively.

TBN Additives for Marine Cylinder Oils

Marine engines, particularly engines that are powered by sulfur-heavy bunker fuels, undergoes high rates of acid formation. Thus, TBN additives for marine cylinder oils are essential in inhibiting corrosion and damage to the cylinders of the engine. The greater the TBN, the greater the ability of the oil to endure the adverse acidic environment, so that the engine runs smoothly and efficiently in marine applications. We recommend the use of CHEMPOL 9012M – Marine Cylinder Oil Additive.

Compatibility with Various Oils

The other important advantage of TBN additives is their versatility. These additives are formulated to be used in a large range of oils, including the standard automotive engine oils and special-purpose oils, such as marine oils and heavy trucking oils.

TBN Additives for Long-Drain Oils

The increased demand of long drains oils has seen increased usage of TBN additives for long-drain oils. These oils are made to have a long lifespan without the need to change the oil; thus are suitable in applications where the need to change the oil is not a possibility. The TBN additive aids in keeping the oil at the same level of neutralizing power so that the engine is not compromised during the long period of the oil change period.

Applications of TBN Additives Across Industries

Automotive Industry

TBN additives for lubricants are necessary to be used in the automotive industry, especially in high-performance or heavy-duty cars, to make the engines last longer and perform well. In diesel-powered trucks and in performance cars, the additives are used to neutralize the acids that are created because of the combustion process of fuel. Moreover, it prevents corrosion and helps the oil become more efficient.

Industrial Applications

Engines are put in harsh conditions in the industrial field, particularly in construction, mining, and transportation. The TBN additives for heavy-duty diesel oils are widely used so that the engine oil can last longer, work under high temperatures, and form acids, but still manage to protect the engine from damage.

Marine Applications

In the case of marine engines, TBN additives for marine cylinder oils are necessary to counter the acid by-products of heavy fuels. These oils are normally used in severe conditions, and TBN additives are used to ensure that the oil functions well during the life of the engine, even when it is exposed to sulfur-contaminated fuel.

Benefits of TBN Additives in Engine Oil

Below are some of the benefits you can get from TBN additives in engine oil:

Enhanced Engine Protection

TBN additives are also better at preventing wear caused by acids and keep the engine in good condition.

Extended Oil Life

TBN improver additives prolong the life of the engine oil by neutralizing dangerous acids and, therefore, are more economical in the long-term.

Improved Performance

TBN booster additives help the oil to remain in top condition even when the loads and temperatures are high, and this is common in heavy-duty and marine engines.

Corrosion Resistance

TBN additives neutralize corrosion and rust formation in engine components, which enhances the life of engines.

Compatibility with Extended Drain Intervals

With TBN additives for long-drain oils, engines are able to run longer without changing the oil frequently, which lowers the downtimes and maintenance expenses.

Chempol: A Leading Provider of TBN Additives

Chempol is a reputable brand when it comes to quality TBN additives, and it has a line of TBN additives for lubricants. Being innovative in their formulations, they serve a broad application in TBN additives for HDDEO as well as in marine cylinder oils, providing the best performance and protection of the engine in any operating conditions.

Need to improve the performance and life of your engine? Explore the TBN additives of Chempol and get high-quality protection and efficiency for their engines. Get in touch with us and get the best answer to your engine oil requirements!