Fuels & Lubes International 1999 – Issue #1

Lubrizol’s Thomas discusses region’s lubricants and additives market outlook
By Vicky Villena – Denton
SINGAPORE — The focus of the 5th Annual Fuels & Lubes Asia Conference, being held here from January 26-29, is on industry economics.

Introduction of premium diesel spec by U.S. body delayed until 2000
By Ronald Tharby
NEW ORLEANS, La. — Implementation by the U.S. National Conference on Weights and Measures (NCWM) of the Premium Diesel criteria has been delayed until January 1, 2000, according to Roger Leisenring, chairman of ASTM Committee E 2 on diesel fuel specifications.

Infineum now open for business
Infineum, the new petroleum additives joint venture between Exxon Chemical Co., Shell Petroleum Co. and Shell Chemical Co., unveiled its new corporate identity and became fully operational January 1.

Prospect for Singapore’s independent tank storage business looks bright
By Ng Weng Hoong
SINGAPORE — Petroleum storage, which has traditionally been regarded as a low-value activity in this island-state’s new economy, has emerged as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise somber oil sector over the past 18 months.

Provisional spec for biodiesel fuel clears ASTM
By Ronald Tharby
NEW ORLEANS, La. — A provisional specification for biodiesel fuels was approved by ASTM Committee D-2 on petroleum products and lubricants last month.

The global base oil market: supply demand balance not expected before 2006
By Vicky Villena – Denton
HOUSTON, Texas —A base oil symposium at the November Lubricants and Waxes Annual Meeting of the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association portrayed an extended period of oversupply of base oils globally.

Lubrizol Building on Success In the Asia Pacific Region
Lubrizol, the largest independent manufacturer of lubricant additives in the world, has operated in the Asia-Pacific region for over 40 years. From the formation of Lubrizol Japan in the 1950′s, to its most recent joint venture in China, Lubrizol has remained committed to the area. A development and investment strategy that keeps pace with the dynamics of the region supports the company’s network of sales and technical offices and manufacturing facilities.

Global market for metalworking fluids exceeds US$3 billion
By Rosanna Cruz Rogacion
The global market for metalworking fluids is placed at close to 2 billion tonnes by Kline & Company Inc., a consulting firm based in Little Falls, New Jersey.

“Binding pair” technology assists in identifying adulterated, counterfeit fuels and lubricants
By Rosanna Cruz Rogacion
The substitution of fuels and lubricants has been a common problem all over the world, costing governments, marketers, refiners and end users billions of dollars each year.

Taiwan: towards cleaner transportation fuels
By Daniel Justin Banks
In a bid to improve air quality, Taiwan’s government has initiated measures to tighten vehicle emissions regulations and improve fuel quality.

Survey reveals maintenance habits of car owners in Asia
By Daniel Justin Banks
Consumers around the world are increasingly sensitive to vehicle driveability and engine performance. The deposit-forming or -controlling characteristic of gasoline plays an important role in consumers’ perception of gasoline quality since fuel-related deposits can affect vehicle performance.

Gasoline: challenges and prospects in the 21st century
By Rosanna Cruz Rogacion
As we enter the 21st century, it is clear there will be increasing need for more highway emissions control in order to maintain air quality.

U.S. EPA to study MTBE contamination
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced last month that it will create a panel of experts to review the important issues posed by the use of MTBE and other oxygenates in gasoline. “While MTBE and other oxygenates have provided the nation with important clean air benefits, EPA is creating this panel to gain a better understanding of the public health concerns raised by the discovery of MTBE in some water supplies,” it said.