KRL SHEAR STABILITY TESTER (KRL-SST-1)

Overview

The KRL SHEAR STABILITY TESTER (KRL-SST-1) is a stand-alone, automatic KRL shear stability tester designed to conduct long duration shear stability tests. It is described as the first and the only automatic KRL tester that is designed to be in full compliance with the applicable test standards and is stated to fully comply with CEC L-45-99. Test standards listed include CEC L-45-99 and DIN 51350-6. The system includes an automatic loading system and a custom-developed high precision temperature control system, and the ultra stable loading system is noted as excellent for long duration tests that can last several hundred hours at a time. The instrument offers fast response to the temperature sensor and friction measurement capabilities for measuring shearing induced heating, thermal response, and frictional torque measurements. Available options include a Manual Loading System, a Frictional Torque Measurement Module, and the MOOHA digital lab assistant. The KRL-SST-1 is equipped, per the description, with more sensors than any other KRL system in the market and supports a digital twin on the Ducom mobile app for remote monitoring of the test and sensor health. The KRL-SST-1 is used for shear stability testing of oils and Viscosity Index (VI) Improvers. Explicit lubricant investigations include quality analysis of hydraulic and gear oils used in mining and construction equipment and screening of polymers used as viscosity index improvers (VIIs) in oils. Additional stated uses are development of predictive models using both friction torque and kinematic viscosity loss of oils, investigation of accelerated oil aging in the lab, and evaluation of conductivity of transmission fluids as described in the referenced article.