This specialized and state-of-the-art facility has been the backbone of R&D Centre since inception.
The facilities are broadly classified into three areas :
»
Engine testing
»
Tribological evaluations
»
Metal working fluid testing
Engine Testing
Laboratory offers expertise in the following fields
»
Lube and fuel evaluation
»
Development of in-house test methods and engine optimization
Lube and fuel evaluation :
Different types of engines representing the whole
segment of Indian automotive industry like TATA, Leyland, Maruti etc. and
also international standard test engines to carry out various tests like
Petter AV 1, MWM, CRC L 38, JASO etc. are installed. As the test benches
are computer controlled, the whole test can be programmed for automatic
data acquisition and control. Performance level of oils up to ILSAC GF 3
can be tested.
Exhaust emission measuring facility using palletized test benches have been
created so that different types of engine can be evaluated with ease.
Diesel and gasoline engines up to 160 KW capacity can be tested.
Development of in-house test
methods and engine optimization :
Specific lube related engine problems have been
addressed in the past using indigenous test methods. These have become
valuable tools for lube oil development, as these tests are much cheaper
than internationally specified tests. Customised homolgation and endurance
tests can also be carried out for engine component optimization and
durability using the state-of-the-art facilities.
ASTM Seq. III F Test Facility
Tribological Evaluations
Tribotesting on simulated rig test benches are
used for the evaluation of lubricants over a wide range of test conditions
such as load, speed, temperature and type of material. These are evaluated
with respect to their friction, wear, scuffing, pitting and fatigue
characteristics. Most of these rig tests have been standardized that are
related to the performance of lubricants in specific applications and are
included in many national and international specifications. The greatest
worth of these tests is in terms of their use as a screening tool
giving directional indication of what can be expected when a lubricant
is applied in service in a specific application. These test rigs can
also be used for quality control of the lubricant and to diagnose any
field problem.
In the recent past a ten stand bearing fatigue test rig has been
developed which only a few companies in the world have access.
This rig is capable of studying the effect of lubricating oil
additives on fatigue life of rolling element bearings. The fatigue
failure is detected by a precision SPM system.
Design, development and fabrication of special purpose custom made
tribological test rigs at competitive cost can be taken up by the laboratory.
Bearing Fatigue Test Rig
Metal Working Fluid Testing
Metal working fluid testing offers its expertise in the evaluation of the following :
»
Metal cutting oils
»
Metal forming oils
»
Quenching oils
»
Automotives coolant and gear oil
Consultancy Services
Engine and Tribotesting facilities created
over the years have provided a rich experience and this has given us the
confidence and capability to take up consultancy jobs for imparting
training and setting up of such facilities.
