The oil category, PC-11, driven by demand to meet federal greenhouse gas emissions regulations, will go in effect in 2017. The category has been in development for several years and oil filtration manufacturers continue to keep an eye on the situation.

“With this new category, we expect to see some changes in the oil and additive compositions; for example, it is our understanding that the New Category Development Team is looking at PC-11 to feature two oil categories, one of which will exhibit lower high temperature, high shear viscosity,” says Veli Kalayci, manager, Engine Liquid Products for Donaldson. “While lower viscosity can help with lower pressure drop and longer filter life, other changes in the oil formulations can have different impacts on filtration. The impact on filtration is somewhat unknown but should be minimal. Again, due to the low viscosity, a more efficient filter may be needed to keep engine protection at the same level. In order to deliver the expected benefits from next heavy-duty diesel engine lube oil category, it is our expectation that high-performance engine lube oil filtration will be critical to its success.”