PETROLEUM QUALITY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA TEST PROGRAM
The Petroleum Quality Institute of America (PQIA) is an independent resource for information and insights on the quality of lubricants in the marketplace. Our mission is to serve the consumer of lubricants by randomly sampling and independently testing lubricants taken from the field. Test results are posted along with the brand names on the PQIA website. Although laboratory tests alone cannot be used to establish if engine oil meets an API Service Category, they can be used to determine if it doesn't.
Formula Shell Synthetic 5W-30 API SN ILSAC GF-5 | |
![]() |
Formula Shell Distributed by SOPUS Producs Co. Houston, TX
Purchased at: Shell, Newburgh, NY Date of purchase: 1-26-2013
The results of the tests conducted on this sample meet the requirements of an API SN, ILSAC GF-5, SAE 5W-30 engine oil.
|
PHYSICAL TESTS | Standard/ranges-b | Average-e | Forumla Shell |
TBN, mg KOH/g, (ASTM D2896) | 6.1 to 8.3 | 9.2 | 8.2 |
Viscosity @ 100ºC, cSt, (ASTM D445) | 9.3 to 12.5 | 10.5 | 10.6 |
Viscosity @ 40ºC, cSt, ASTM D445 | 55.8 to 65.2 | 58.4 | 59.7 |
Viscosity Index (ASTM D2270) | 156 to 169 | 167.4 | 170 |
Viscosity @ -30ºC mPa s (cP) (ASTM D5293) | 6,600 Max | 4,487 | 3,998 |
Volatility, mass % loss, 1 hr, @ 250ºC (ASTM D5800) | 15 Max | 9.9 | 9.7 |
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS-c | |||
Additives | |||
Calcium | 1,570 to 2,460 | 1,996 | 2,185 |
Magnesium, ppm | 6 to 46 | 327 | 10 |
Phosphorus, ppm | 600 to 800 | 691 | 677 |
Zinc, ppm | 766 to 868 | 861 | 839 |
Molybdenum, ppm | <1 to 269 | 72 | 84 |
Barium, ppm | <1 | <1 | <1 |
Boron, ppm | <1 to 237 | 86 | 245 |
Silicon, ppm-d | 3 to 9 | 6 | 5 |
Potassium, ppm | 9 to 17 | 6 | <5 |
Manganese, ppm | <1 | <1 | <1 |
Titanium, ppm | <1 to 114 | <1 | <1 |
Copper, ppm | <1 | <1 | <1 |
Sodium, ppm | 5 to 454 | 66 | <5 |
Vanadium, ppm | <1 | <1 | <1 |
Contaminants | |||
Silver, ppm | <1 | <1 | <1 |
Aluminum, ppm | <1 to 3 | 1 | 1 |
Chromium, ppm | <1 | <1 | <1 |
Iron, ppm | <1 to 1 | 1 | <1 |
Nickel, ppm | <1 | <1 | <1 |
Lead, ppm | <1 | <1 | <1 |
Antimony, ppm | <1 | <1 | <1 |
Tin, ppm | <1 | <1 | <1 |
a- Click here for product label. b- Standards, shown in yellow are established by API, SAE and others. Ranges, shown in green, represent the high and low data for the 7 major brands of synthetic API SN ILSAC GF-5 tested in February 2013. c-Test Method for metal analysis is ASTM ASTM D5185. d- Although silicon is used as an antifoam additive in lubricants, concentrations above 7ppm have been linked to contamination from abrasive material, e- Average of the 7 major brands of synthetic API SN ILSAC GF-5 tested in February 2013. |
|
|||||||
Formula Shell 5W-30, API SN | |||||||
The American Petroleum Institute sets forth a number of laboratory and engine tests required to meet their performance specification. Although laboratory tests alone cannot be used to establish if an engine oil meets API specifications they can be used to determine if it doesn't.
|
|||||||
Viscometrics | |||||||
The viscometrics meet the required targets for a 5W-30.
Click here for more on chart and Viscosity@100șC,cSt Click here for more on chart and Viscosity @ -30șC
|
|||||||
Volatility | Phosphorus | ||||||
| |||||||
FRONT AND BACK LABELS FROM PRODUCT TESTED | |||||||
|
|
||||||
|
|