Search

The relevance of the research topic is due to the fact that the potential for increasing the replacement period of engine oil in modern and promising automotive engines should have not only a marketing basis, but also a scientific justification for its implementation. The aim of the study is to reduce the unit cost of maintenance of automobile engines by increasing the timing of engine oil change. A particular task within the framework of this article is to establish the factors that cause an increase in the period for replacing engine oil in automobile diesel engines (on the example of the KAMAZ R6 family). The methodological apparatus for solving this problem was based on an in-depth analysis of previously obtained results of experimental studies of the patterns of «aging» of motor oils in diesel engines of the KAMAZ V8 family, depending on various factors in conjunction with the criterion of «rigidity» of the engine oil. For the first time, a quantitative assessment of the influence of the identified factors on the increase in the oil change period is given (ceteris paribus): – the use of oils of higher classes in terms of performance – for example, the transition from CD to CF-4 / SG according to API – by 4,4 times; – reduction of sulfur content in fuel - for example, for the API CG-4 class with a decrease from 0,05% to 0,035% – by 2,6 times, for the API CI-4 class with a decrease from 0,035% to 0,001% – in 2,3 times; – reduction of the criterion of «rigidity» of oil operation A – for example, for API CF-4 / SG class with a decrease (in terms of engine power) from A = 770 to A = 550 – 4 times; for the API CI-4/CG-4 class with a decrease (in terms of oil sump capacity) from A = 1176 to A = 835 – by 2,8 times, and to A = 640 – by 3,1 times. The basic requirements for engine oil of engines of the KAMAZ R6 family are formulated. The selected oils of two brands provided a test-confirmed increase to 150 thousand km. replacement period, and therefore were approved for use by the manufacturer of KAMAZ PJSC. The theoretical value for the development of the branch of science «Operation of road transport» lies in the fact that the identified factors and patterns contribute to the study of the efficiency, quality, characteristics, performance indicators of automotive operating materials. The author sees further research based on this work in a formalized assessment of the influence of the factors under consideration on the period of replacement of engine oil.

The relevance of the research topic is due to the fact that the potential for increasing the replacement period of engine oil in modern and promising automotive engines should have not only a marketing basis, but also a scientific justification for its implementation. The aim of the study is to reduce the unit cost of maintenance of automobile engines by increasing the timing of engine oil change. A particular task within the framework of this article is to establish the factors that cause an increase in the period for replacing engine oil in automobile diesel engines (on the example of the KAMAZ R6 family). The methodological apparatus for solving this problem was based on an in-depth analysis of previously obtained results of experimental studies of the patterns of «aging» of motor oils in diesel engines of the KAMAZ V8 family, depending on various factors in conjunction with the criterion of «rigidity» of the engine oil. For the first time, a quantitative assessment of the influence of the identified factors on the increase in the oil change period is given (ceteris paribus): – the use of oils of higher classes in terms of performance – for example, the transition from CD to CF-4 / SG according to API – by 4,4 times; – reduction of sulfur content in fuel - for example, for the API CG-4 class with a decrease from 0,05% to 0,035% – by 2,6 times, for the API CI-4 class with a decrease from 0,035% to 0,001% – in 2,3 times; – reduction of the criterion of «rigidity» of oil operation A – for example, for API CF-4 / SG class with a decrease (in terms of engine power) from A = 770 to A = 550 – 4 times; for the API CI-4/CG-4 class with a decrease (in terms of oil sump capacity) from A = 1176 to A = 835 – by 2,8 times, and to A = 640 – by 3,1 times. The basic requirements for engine oil of engines of the KAMAZ R6 family are formulated. The selected oils of two brands provided a test-confirmed increase to 150 thousand km. replacement period, and therefore were approved for use by the manufacturer of KAMAZ PJSC. The theoretical value for the development of the branch of science «Operation of road transport» lies in the fact that the identified factors and patterns contribute to the study of the efficiency, quality, characteristics, performance indicators of automotive operating materials. The author sees further research based on this work in a formalized assessment of the influence of the factors under consideration on the period of replacement of engine oil.

The lubricating properties of motor oils are of great importance for the normal operation of the crank and gas distribution mechanisms of the engine. In the cylinder-piston group, where the greatest friction forces and loads occur, as a result, the quality of engine oil directly affects the resource of the internal combustion engine (ICE). Of no less importance is the constant presence of a reliable oil film in the contact zone of the support and connecting rod necks of the crankshaft with sliding bearings. In addition to the operating time, the parameters are influenced by external environmental factors, operating conditions and the residual life of the engine at the time of oil filling. Factors affecting the operation are important for the study of oils in order to provide information about the quality of oil and the condition of the car in conjunction with these indicators. To derive oil indicators, it is required to conduct laboratory tests using special equipment in order to give more accurate information about the quality of the engine oil under study. Purpose. Determination of the residual oil life and its effect on the mechanisms of the car engine during operation. Method or methodology of work. The article used laboratory studies using existing instruments. Results. The most informative parameters showing the residual resource of motor oils and their effect on the internal combustion engine are obtained. The scope of the results. The obtained results should be used when working with vehicles that use engine oil and premature identification of cause-and-effect relationships during the repair of internal combustion engines.

Introduction. The reliability and service life of an engine is largely dependent on the quality of the engine oil. Without oil at the proper level of performance, an internal combustion engine can suffer from wear and tear, which in many cases can lead to engine failure. One of the factors in the loss of the quality level of engine oil is its contamination. For example, kinematic viscosity will gradually increase as the engine oil becomes contaminated with soot, dirt and sludge; or it may be oxidized. If the viscosity of the engine oil is too high, the engine must do extra work to overcome the increased viscosity resistance.Fuel and water dilution is one of the most common contaminants in diesel engines.Materials and Methods. The paper presents the results of a study of the combined effect of water and diesel fuel on synthetic engine oil at their various concentrations. The influence evaluation of contaminants on changes in the performance characteristics of the lubricant, such as: kinematic viscosity at 40° C (measurement was carried out on an automatic Stabinger SVM 3000 viscometer), base and acid numbers (values obtained using an automatic Titroline Alpha 20 Plus titrator), as well as concentration measurement elements - indicators of engine oil on an optical emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma of the iCAP 7000 series.Conclusions. The presence of contaminants in the engine oil leads to an increase in kinematic viscosity, during the operation of the engine oil, the value of its base number becomes less, and the value of the acid, on the contrary, increases. It is necessary to replace engine oils when the base number decreases by 50% or according to the balance of base and acid numbers.Scope of Study/Opportunity. This type of low temperature performance modelling provides insight into how the oil deteriorates and evaluates the change in oil performance during use.Originality/value. The study can be the basis for developing recommendations for improving the maintenance of internal combustion engines for enterprises that have cars with diesel engines at their disposal in order to increase the resource of power units and reduce operating costs.

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a well-established primary qualitative screening tool for Condition Monitoring (CM) of in-service lubricants, with three key determinative ASTM methods often used to accept their continued use or condemn them. These include Acid Number (AN), Base Number (BN) and moisture (H2O), all tedious and environmentally problematic titrimetric methods. The latter have been developed into FTIR quantitative methods through the use of targeted stoichiometric reactions to produce infrared-active products readily and accurately quantified. FTIR CM is discussed in the context of these methods, their tribological significance and the basic analytical concepts examined and compared. The evolution of new FTIR qualitative and quantitative methodology is reviewed from its origins in edible oil analysis to the high-throughput analytical FTIR systems used by commercial CM laboratories to produce ASTM-comparable data in lieu of titration. Comparisons of chemometric vs. stoichiometric approaches are made, including implementation, applications, and instrumentation. Commercial implementation and performance of proprietary quantitative FTIR/IR systems are discussed with a focus on the stoichiometric approach. Current developments include generic, manual FTIR methods combining simplicity, universality, and practical environmental benefits in being able to serve as alternatives to titrimetric procedures. A new methodological approach that could unify the three deterministic FTIR methods under a single, IR-active reaction product is also presented.

In this paper, we present the results of temperature tests of plastic lubricants prepared based on calcium sulfonates. For the preparation of greases, thickeners with various alkaline numbers and base oils differing in their structural and group composition were used. The tested greases showed similar dynamics of temperature changes in the friction coefficient, which is associated with an identical mechanism of action of the sulfonate thickener during the formation of a modified surface layer. Samples with S-300 "A" thickener and the dispersion media VHVI-4 and S-9 oils have an optimal combination of physicochemical and tribological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. One of the main types of deposits in an internal combustion engine is an emulsion or sludge formed by water, decomposition of fuel residues and solid residues. The sludge usually settles on the colder surfaces of the engine, such as the bottom of the crankcase pan, valve chambers and upper boards. The main problem is that this type of deposits can be collected by the engine oil and transferred to areas such as the oil pump, intake valve or oil channels, where the sludge can interfere with the flow of oil and cause a failure of the lubrication mode. In addition to the disruption in the operation of the above-mentioned systems, the engine oil quality indicators are also undergoing changes for the worse.Materials and methods. To monitor the condition of the engine oil, it is necessary to determine the characteristics of its performance, such as: kinematic viscosity at 40 oC and at 100 oC, acid number, base number and determine the number of elements – indicators of additives and wear products contained in the engine oil. The viscosity was determined using a Stabinger SVM 3000 viscometer. It measures the dynamic viscosity and density of oils and fuels in accordance with ASTM D7042 and automatically calculates the kinematic viscosity, viscosity index and outputs the measurement results. The acid and base numbers were determined using an automatic titrator TitroLine alpha plus, and the presence of indicator elements in engine oil using an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer of the iCAP 7000 series, designed for analysis and determination of the number of indicator elements in liquid and solid samples.Results. The dynamics of changes in the performance characteristics of the Gazpromneft Diesel Ultra 10W-40 engine oil with an extended replacement interval, which is applicable for equipment operating in severe conditions, depending on the water content in the samples of this lubricant, was analyzed.Conclusion. The consequences that may occur due to water entering the engine oil are indicated.

In this work, laboratory tests of M8G2k engine oil are carried out with the introduction of SAP 110 depressants by Shell Additives and Lz 6662 by Lubrizol and their impact on the properties of the lubricant in question are assessed separately. During the tests, the values of the following indicators of engine oils are obtained: kinematic viscosity at 100 °C, base number, flash point in an open crucible, pour point and content of active elements (calcium, zinc). With the help of the SI-010 bench installation, the values of anti-pitting properties are indicated, as well as experiments are carried out on the NAMI-1m and Petter W-1 installations, with their help the tendency to the formation of low- and high-temperature deposits in the internal combustion engine (ICE) and the assessment of anti-corrosion properties respectively. To analyze the detergent properties of the engine oil under consideration, a test procedure are carried out on a D-240 tractor engine. Positive laboratory test results give grounds to recommend using M8G2k engine oil containing SAP 110 or Lz 6662 additives for the D-240 engine manufactured by MMZ.

Introduction. The effective operation of cars largely depends on the state of the engines, their downtime in maintenance and repair. Since the maintenance of modern engines is often reduced to the replacement of engine oil, the increase in the duration of its work significantly reduces maintenance costs and downtime in maintenance. Long maintenance-free operation of the internal combustion engines of automotive vehicles is directly related to the state of the engine oil used in this power unit. The aim of the paper is to show the features of the equipment operation with significant intervals of the engine oils’ replacement in order to increase the efficiency of its usage. The paper presents data on the features of the equipment operation when using high-quality motor oils with extended replacement intervals.Materials and methods. The authors conducted performance tests on the basis of MercedesBenzAxor, MercedesBenzActros cars. The manufacturer provided an estimate of the performance of engine oils. The main performance characteristics of motor oils were assessed using standard methods: kinematic viscosity was measured using a Stabinger viscosimeter, the base number was determined by an automatic AT-500 titrator, the content of wear products was obtained using an ASP-coupled emission spectrophotometer.Results. As a result, the authors presented data on the dependence of the changes in the main indicators of engine oil performance while the operating time and also substantiated the requirements for the volumes of fresh engine oil to compensate losses.Discussion and conclusions. The intermediate control allows detecting faults in the internal car engines, as well as providing the most accurate prediction of the resource of the lubricant under consideration. Therefore, the increasing of the engine oil change interval allows getting a significant economic effect.

This article presents the results of expert assessment of the technical condition of the diesel engine 6ISB Cummins 245 B that is installed on the buses of LiAZ 525653. The specified bus participated in field tests of a motor oil of G-Profi MSI Plus SAE 15W-40 API CI-4/SL, manufactured “Gazpromneft – SM”. To determine the effect of the above engine oil on the technical condition of the engine under the control of the bus was conducted a complex of works on assessment of technical condition of the engine. Examines the changing characteristics of engine oils as kinematic viscosity, base number, and also evaluated the tribological properties of the content of wear products. The conclusions about the feasibility of using the investigated engine oil during operation of the bus fleet of Omsk.

We perform an experiment on lacquer formation with simple test device. The anti-lacquer is one of important issues to increase durability, and to improve performance in the engines because the lacquer formation cause sticking of fuel injection pump, scuffing of cylinder liners, and increase of lubricant oil consumption in the marine diesel engines. We suggest this simple test in order to save enormous experimental cost in marine diesel engines, and in order to have ease in performing the various tests. The influences of the Base Number (BN) of lubricant oils and the sulfur content of fuel oils in the formation of lacquer are investigated. In order to investigate physical and chemical properties of lacquer, we perform a variety of tests such as, visual inspection, EDS. In addition, we investigate adhesion of lacquer by pull-off test quantitatively, and perform dissolution test with dilute sulfuric acid.

Copyright of News of Kazakhstan Science / Novosti nauki Kazahstana is the property of NCSTE (JSC National Center for State Scientific and Technical Evaluations) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The genus Saussurea comprises many species with highly medicinal, religious or other economical values. The chromosome number in the genus ranges from 2n = 24 to 108, based on x = 12, 13, 16, or 17, but the primary base number is still not clear. The present meiotic study cover 8 species (14 populations) of Saussurea from the Northwest Himalayas, and add new or varied cytotypes, as an attempt to solve the enigmatic cytogenetic variations in the genus. The chromosome numbers in Saussurea auriculata (n = 16) is new to the world, while S. costus (n = 17), S. jacea (n = 17) and S. roylei (n = 17) reveal the varied cytotypes at world level. Besides, S. taraxicifolia (n = 16) is a first ever report for Indian populations. The meiotic studies on different populations reveal a substantial amount of meiotic abnormalities in the form of chromosome stickiness, un-oriented bivalents, cytomixis, laggards, etc. leading to the meiocytes with less (aneuploidy) or more (polyploidy) chromosome numbers. These abnormalities may produce unreduced pollen grains and adversely affect pollen viability. The high number of these meiotic abnormalities may be responsible for the chromosome number variation in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We announce the release of chromEvol version 2.0, a software tool for inferring the pattern of chromosome number change along a phylogeny. The software facilitates the inference of the expected number of polyploidy and dysploidy transitions along each branch of a phylogeny and estimates ancestral chromosome numbers at internal nodes. The new version features a novel extension of the model accounting for general multiplication events, other than doubling of the number of chromosomes. This allows the monoploid number (commonly referred to as x, or the base-number) of a group of interest to be inferred in a statistical framework. In addition, we devise an inference scheme, which allows explicit categorization of each terminal taxon as either diploid or polyploid. The new version also supports intraspecific variation in chromosome number and allows hypothesis testing regarding the root chromosome number. The software, alongside a detailed usage manual, is available at http://www.tau.ac.il/∼itaymay/cp/chromEvol/. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Recent literature criticized the use of the symbol “x” to denote basic chromosome number in cytotaxonomy. I show here that this criticism is superfluous and is based on historical confusion between the concepts of basic chromosome number (or monoploid chromosome number), which is objective, and ancestral basic chromosome number, which is always inferred, by means of several – more or less reliable – methods. The most relevant literature is discussed and, in the end, I propose the use ofxfor basic chromosome number andpfor (hypothetical) ancestral basic chromosome number. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present study is part of our research project on cytomorphology of gamopetalous flora of Kashmir Himalaya, a zone with rich biodiversity. Out of 134 species of Gamopetalae meiotically investigated, chromosome numbers for 30 accessions belonging to 17 species and six families are new or varied reports. Euphrasia paucifolia ( n = 22), Lactuca decipiens ( n = 8), Saussurea albescens ( n = 17), Saussurea roylei ( n = 16), Saussurea taraxacifolia ( n = 16) and Veronica deltigera ( n = 8) are first cytological reports for these species. Anaphalis nepalensis ( n = 28), Codonopsis rotundifolia ( n = 16) and Hieracium vulgatum ( n = 27) are new euploid chromosome reports for these species suggesting potential speciation through chromosomal evolution. Besides, Androsace mucronifolia ( n = 10), A. sempervivoides ( n = 10), Cicerbita lessertiana ( n = 8), Dracocephalum nutans ( n = 5), Erigeron patentisquama ( n = 9), Galium pauciflorum ( n = 11), Onopordum acanthium ( n = 17) and Xanthium spinosum ( n = 8) are the first chromosome reports to Indian accessions of the species. Out of the 17 species, 9 species (52.9 %) viz. A. nepalensis, C. lessertiana, C. rotundifolia, D. nutans, E. patentisquama, Euphrasia paucifolia, L. decipiens, O. acanthium and V. deltigera show abnormal meiosis/microsporogenesis of one or other type, thereby leading to pollen anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitotic chromosome numbers of 32 populations belonging to 23 species of the genus Lessingianthus H.Rob. (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) were determined. The chromosome number of all examined plants was found to be based on x = 16. The numbers observed varied from 2 n = 32 to 2 n = 176. The results include the first report of the chromosome number for 11 species: L. lanatus (2 n = 32), L. varroniifolius (2 n = 32), L. cataractarum (2 n = 64), L. intermedius (2 n = 64), L. argenteus (2 n = 96), L. centauropsideus (2 n = 96), L. profusus (2 n = 96), Lessingianthus sp. nov. 1 (2 n = 96), Lessingianthus sp. nov. 2 (2 n = 128), L. robustus (2 n = 160), and L. macrocephalus (2 n = 176). New chromosome numbers were found in the four other species: L. rubricaulis, L. laniferus, and L. sellowii were tetraploid with 2 n = 64, while L. oxyodontus was hexaploid with 2 n = 96. B chromosomes were observed in L. coriaceus and L. varroniifolius. Lessingianthus macrocephalus (2 n = 11 x = 176) is reported as the first case of an odd polyploid and the higher chromosome number of Lessingianthus. The significance of the results is discussed in relation to chromosomal data available for the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The viscosity index (VI) and the base number (BN) of motor oils are the most important parameters to be measured in order to assess their performance and service time. Both parameters were simply obtained for virgin and recycled motor oil samples using multivariate calibration based on the FTIR data. Analysis showed that the PLS-1 has outperformed CLS and PCR for the oil parameters prediction. Five and four PLS-1 latent variables were found optimum to obtained the VI and the BN from the FTIR data; respectively. With high accuracy (99–102%) and precision (3–11%), the BN could be determined over the range 4.57–16.45mgKOHg−1 and the VI over the range 96–153. The outputs of the PLS-1 were found comparable to those obtained by the expensive and time-consuming ASTM methods. This developed method is highly recommended for quick monitoring of the motor oil quality parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of laboratory depletion experiments are conducted at reservoir temperatures with three different live crude oils, as well as mineral oils. These tests examine the role of oil composition on the heavy-oil solution gas drive process. The morphology of gas bubbles, pore pressure, critical gas saturation and oil recovery is compared. Core-level depletion indicates that oil composition plays a role in determining metastability of dispersed gas bubbles in foamy oil. Generally, systems that exhibit effluent gas bubbles on the order of the size of pores tend to recover more oil, all other factors being equal. The concentration of organic acid and base groups as well as asphaltene content of crude oil is measured to characterize each crude-oil sample and develop an understanding of the influence of oil chemistry. Results suggest that significant asphaltene content as well as substantial acid number (the amount of potassium hydroxide in milligrams that is needed to neutralize the acid groups in one gram of crude oil) and base number (the amount of potassium hydroxide in milligrams needed to neutralize the acid titrant for one gram of crude oil) are indicators of whether oil is foamy. The partitioning of acid and base groups between the asphaltene fraction and deasphalted oil is also studied. Organic acid and base groups are clearly present in the asphaltene fraction. The role of such functional groups on oil foam stability is investigated by measuring the lifetime of single foam films formed from crude oil and asphaltene solutions. Transparent micromodels etched with a sandstone pore network and containing gas dispersed within the oil are also used to investigate the correlation of acid number, base number, and asphaltene content on gas-bubble coalescence. The results show that a high concentration of asphaltene that exhibits acid and base functional groups tends to increase foamability and film lifetime of gas/crude-oil dispersions. The deasphalted fraction is not foamy despite possessing significant acid and base number. We conclude that acid and base groups within asphaltene, and their interaction at the gas–oil interface, are a source of interfacial stability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Over the past 20 years, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has evolved to become an important tool for quantitative analysis, and its application to edible oil analysis has been an active area of research. This paper reviews the evolutionary development of methodology for FTIR analysis of edible oils in our laboratory, focusing on strategies and techniques used to quantitate a variety of common edible oil quality control parameters, such as free fatty acid content, iodine value, saponification number, peroxide value, solid fat index, trans content, moisture content, anisidine value, etc., as well as conceptual, instrumental, and software/automation innovations originating in related work on lubricant analysis. In our initial development of FTIR methods for edible oil analysis, the calibration approaches employed were mainly based on partial-least-squares regression using either molecular model systems or process samples. Subsequently, the concept of signal transduction was developed as a means of facilitating the routine implementation of some of these FTIR methods and was also considered for the analytically related lubricant sector. However, the viscosity, complexity, and matrix variability of in-service lubricants required new approaches, while the high sample volumes common to the field made automation a prerequisite. These issues were addressed through the use of signal transduction in combination with dilution as well as extraction techniques to facilitate automation while maintaining quantitation. A related concept, termed spectral reconstitution, was initially developed to speed up the qualitative condition monitoring of in-service lubricants. Spectral reconstitution was subsequently successfully applied to trans analysis in edible oils and was shown to provide a generalized means for high-volume FTIR transmission analysis of viscous oils. This technique has since been adapted to quantitative peroxide value and free fatty acid analysis, allowing for throughputs of up to 120 samples per hour. These developments represent the integration of analytical methodologies for the edible oil and lubricant sectors, with potential for extension to the fuel sector as triacylglycerols become a feedstock for biodiesel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chromosome numbers of forty-one Brazilian species belonging to 11 genera of preferentially terrestrial orchids (subfamilies Cypripedioideae, Spiranthoideae, Orchidoideae, and Vanilloideae) were examined. Previous records for these subfamilies were reviewed in order to identify the ancestral chromosome numbers of terrestrial orchids. The variation observed within the subfamilies Spiranthoideae (2n=28, 36, 46, 48 and 92), and Orchidoideae (2n=42, 44, ca. 48, ca. 80, 84, and ca. 168) was similar to that previously reported in the literature. In the subfamily Spiranthoideae, some species of Prescottia (subtribe Prescottiinae) and some genera of Spiranthinae showed a bimodal karyotype with one distinctively large pair of chromosomes. The analysis of chromosome numbers of the genera in subfamilies revealed the predominance of the polyploid series 7, 14, 21, 28, 42 with a dysploid variation of ±1 in each ploidy level. These results suggest that the basic chromosome number of terrestrial orchids is x1=7 for the subfamilies Spiranthoideae and Orchidoideae, as well as other Epidendroid orchids, and that the majority of the genera are composed of palaeopolyploids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Suitable electrolyte solution substitution (LiCl/ethanol vs. NaClO4.acetic acid glacial) • The mixture comprised of toluene: acetone: glacial acetic acid (7:1:2) was found to be suitable alternative solvent from this study. • Data showed equivalency (≤3–7% precision) between chlorinated and alternative solvents for majority of the samples studied. • Chlorinated solvent was successfully replaced by a more benign solvent having data precision within ASTM D2896 method. In the petroleum industry, the base number (BN) is used to measure reserve alkalinity. It is defined as the oil's potential to neutralize contaminants such as acids formed during its use. Commonly titration methods are used to measure the BN. However, the expression of BN data is method specific or defined as per the method. The widely accepted choice method is ASTM D2896 – "Standard Test Method for Base Number of Petroleum Products by Potentiometric Perchloric Acid Titration" in fresh lubricants and additives. However, this method uses a chlorinated solvent, and due to its known adverse health effects, limited worldwide availability due to regulations, disposal, etc., there is a continuing effort in the industry to have a validated and widely applicable base number method that eliminates the usage of chlorinated solvents yet maintaining its performance. This work aims to evaluate suitable alternative solvents, including the one in the appendix of the ASTM D2896 method and alternative electrolyte solution. We will present the experimental findings and associated with applying alternative solvent and their impact on limited additives and finished lubricants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The somatic and gametic chromosomes of the monotypical genus Grahamia ( G. bracteata) have been studied for the first time: 2n = 18, n = 9. The karyotype is symmetrical; of the nine m pairs one has microsatellites. The basic chromosome number x = 9 is considered to be primitive within the family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed chromosome counts have been made in 61 species, belonging to 33 genera of Rutaceae. 30 of these species are reported here for the first time. For 18 species at least one previous publication gives a chromosome number differing from that reported here. Such discrepancies are, in most cases, due to errors in counting or identification of the material. By critically reviewing the literature on each particular case, it appears possible to eliminate most of the false data. On the basis of the present results, the base number x = 10 is proposed for the genus Ruta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]