Why Choose Texas Refinery Corp of Canada?
We answer this question with a question – Why would anyone spend thousands of dollars or hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions of dollars on machinery and equipment and then attempt to protect their company’s largest investment with lubricants purchased based on price?
This seems somewhat counter intuitive but it happens every day.
TRC has been manufacturing high quality lubricants since 1922 and our sales people have been educating customers since day one. Even if you never become a customer of TRC, we encourage every lubricant user to give real quality a chance over price.
Industry Terminology
Founded in 1898 the American Society for Testing and Materials (now known as ASTM International) now has offices located in several countries around the world and maintains its headquarters in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. The ASTM was originally formed to address rail breaks in the fast-growing railroad industry and is now an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems and services.
The Timken OK Load Test (ASTM D-2509) is an industry standard test designed to measure the extreme pressure capabilities of a lubricant.
A higher Timken OK load indicates that a lubricant is more capable of withstanding extreme pressure conditions. Industry norms range anywhere from 40-65 lbs. You will find that TRC’s Crown and Chassis and Paragon 3000 greases both have an undisputed 100 lb. Timken rating.
The Four Ball Wear Test (ASTM D-2266) is an industry standard test designed to measure a grease’s ability to protect against wear.
Measured in millimeters or mm, a lower number indicates superior wear protection is offered by the grease tested. Most greases in the industry will range from .39 mm to .80 mm. You will find that TRC’s Crown and Chassis offers an outstanding score of .33 mm and Paragon 3000 blows every grease on the market away with its unmatched score of .25 mm.
The Water Washout Test (ASTM D-1264) is an industry standard test designed to measure a grease’s ability to withstand exposure to water contaminants.
A lower Water Washout test result, measured in percentages, indicates a grease has superior water resistance. It goes without saying that lubricants contaminated by water can be catastrophic for machinery and equipment. Too many times when reviewing lubricant choices this issue is not given the attention that it deserves. We are very proud to point out that TRC’s Crown and Chassis claims only a 1.3% water washout and Paragon 3000 once again shines brightest with an unbelievable water washout of only .65%. Quick research of any grease on the market will show that no one produces these types of low water washout numbers. Many brands will not even post the results of their tests. What does that say?
The Four Ball Weld Test (ASTM D-2596) is used to determine the load carrying capabilities of a lubricating grease under high load applications.
The higher the weld point the more extreme pressure the grease can operate under.
The Dropping Point (ASTM D-2265) of a soap-thickened lubricating grease is the temperature at which it passes from a semi-solid to a liquid state under specific test conditions.
The higher the temperature rating the more suitable the grease is for higher temperature applications.
The oil separation test (ASTM D-1742) “oil separation from lubricant grease during storage,” provides an indicator of the tendency of greases to separate oil while in containers in storage. Grease with oil separation will have oil setting on top of grease during storage.
The higher the number or percentage the greater the oil separation within the grease.
Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow. For lubricants, a proper viscosity must guarantee an adequate separation between surfaces without causing too much friction.
The higher the viscosity number the thicker the fluid. For example, honey has a very high viscosity compared to water that has a very low viscosity. High temperatures need a lubricant with a higher (thicker) viscosity while lower temperatures need a lubricant with a lower (thinner) viscosity.
Milligrams of KOH(Potassium Hydroxide) required in tests to neutralize all the acidic constituents present in a 1-gram sample of petroleum product. Also formerly called the Neutralization Number, this property is often used to indicate the extent of contamination or oxidation of used oils.
The higher the TAN means the higher the acidity level in the lubricant resulting from the oxidation process which leads to the extreme degradation of the lubricant. These numbers can be determined by oil analysis. For engine oils, when the TAN begins to rise and approaches the TBN it is time to consider changing the oil. This shows that the oxidation of the lubricant has compromised its ability to perform properly.
Quantity of hydrochloric (ASTM D974) or perchloric (ASTM D2896) acid expressed in milligrams of KOH(Potassium Hydroxide) equivalent that is required to neutralize all the basic constituents of a 1-gram sample of petroleum product. This property is used to indicate the capacity of an oil to counter the corrosive effects of acidic products of combustion.
The higher the lubricant’s Total Base Number (TBN), the better its ability to neutralize contaminants such as combustion by-products and acidic materials. You will find that Texas Refinery Corp of Canada offers motor oils with a TBN of 15. The highest in the industry.
Lubrication Terms
Is a ratio of stress to shear rate (shear strain) of a liquid. It is used to describe liquids that have different viscosities depending on conditions.
Lubrication between two rubbing surfaces without the development of a full lubricating film. It occurs under high load and low speed, and requires the use of anti-wear or extreme pressure additives to prevent metal-to-metal contact.
The temperature at which a noticeable cloud of wax crystals or other solid material appears when a sample is cooled under prescribed conditions.
The ability of a lubricating oil to reduce or prevent deposits formed under high-temperature conditions or as a result of the neutralization of acidic contaminants.
The ability of a film of lubricant to resist rupture due to load, speed, and temperature.
The lowest temperature at which vapors rising from a sample will ignite momentarily on application of a flame under specified conditions.
Chemical compound imparting extreme pressure characteristics to a lubricant with the objective of reducing wear under conditions where rubbing or sliding accompanies high contact pressures, as in heavily loaded gears, particular the hypoid type.
The measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow under gravity at a specific temperature (usually 40°C or 100°C).
Qualitative term to describe the ability of a lubricant to resist film rupture and protect against wear and surface destruction under conditions of high speeds, high loads, high temperatures or combinations of these.
Index of the ability of a lubricant to prevent wear under applied loads as determined in the Four Ball EP Tester.
A commonly used abbreviation for molybdenum disulfide.
A naturally occurring mineral composed of molybdenum and sulfur that has excellent properties as a solid lubricant due to its plate-like molecular structure.
An oil that meets the low-temperature dynamic viscosity and the high-temperature kinematic viscosity specifications of a given viscosity grade. The first number (the “W” number) refers to the oil’s winter flow characteristics while the second number defines the summer grade.
Lubricating grease suitable for a variety of applications such as chassis, wheel bearings, universal joints and water pumps on automotive equipment.
See Multi-grade
The ability of a lubricant to resist oxidation and breakdown caused by high operating temperatures and/or exposure to air, water, and other contaminants.
The lowest temperature at which a liquid petroleum product will flow when it is cooled under the conditions of the standard test method.
An additive which lowers the pour point of petroleum products containing wax by reducing the tendency of the wax to collect into a solid mass.
Additives used to enhance the rust and oxidation resistance of oils and greases.
Grade indicating the viscosity range of a crankcase, transmission or rear axle lubricant, according to systems designed by SAE.
The ability of a lubricant such as a grease or VI improved oil to withstand mechanical shearing without being degraded in consistency or viscosity.
Soft deposits, usually dark colored, formed in lubrication systems, mainly consisting of oxidized lubricating oil components, water and, in internal combustion engines, carbonaceous residues from fuel combustion.
General term for the “salt” of a fatty acid. Ordinary washing soaps are those of sodium and potassium. Soaps of lithium, sodium, calcium, barium, and aluminum are the principal thickeners used in grease making.
The residue that remains after a sample of oil has been oxidized under prescribed conditions and the resulting residue reduced to a constant weight by heating with sulfuric acid. Used as a measure of the amount of metallo-organic additives present in new oils. In used oils, the determination may be affected by the presence of incombustible contaminants such as lead compounds, dust, and wear metals.
Property of a fuel or lubricant that indicates its ability to resist cracking and decomposition on prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.
Solid particles which are uniformly dispersed to form the structure of a grease in which the liquid lubricant component is held.
The measure of the resistance to flow, or internal friction, of a fluid. Viscosity changes with temperature so the temperature at which the measure has made must always be specified. See also Apparent Viscosity, Kinematic Viscosity.
An arbitrary scale used to show the relative magnitude of viscosity changes with temperature. Higher VI oils have less change in viscosity with temperature.
Lubricant additive, usually a high molecular weight polymer, that reduces an oil’s tendency to change viscosity with the change of temperature.
Why Should I Buy TRC Grease?
Grease might just be the most proliferated lubricant on the planet today! It seems that every lubricant company in the market offers grease. Just for a moment ask yourself, where does all this grease come from? Does this company or that company actually make grease? The answer is a simple No. There are very few companies that own and operate a factory that produces and packages its own grease. Texas Refinery Corp is one of those few companies and has been since 1922. We set ourselves apart from these other companies by owning and controlling every aspect of our product from raw material sourcing to loading the finished goods on the truck for delivery to our customers.
At Texas Refinery Corp, we have set the standard for many years in grease production. We do this through the purchase of the best raw materials, meticulous processes and a veteran grease-making staff that is second to none. Many may think that making grease is like making a cake, toss in some ingredients mix and bake at 177°C for 1 hour and voila you have a cake. In a nutshell, this is why you should buy TRC Grease. Our formulas and chemistry are tried and true and for many years have produced the best greases on the market. There truly is science in our processes and this is where the competition falls short. Based on your application give one of our greases a try and you will see the difference.
Why should I Buy TRC Gear and Transmission Oil?
Gear and Transmission Oil is the lifeblood of heavy equipment and at Texas Refinery Corp we make Gear and Transmission Oils designed to help equipment run longer and more efficiently. We pride ourselves on extending the life of equipment, reducing budget killing equipment downtime as well as parts and labor costs. Unfortunately, because parts, labor costs and costs of lubricants are quantifiable, many still think they are saving money by purchasing lubricants based on price. Our customers have learned that a small increase in their overall lubrication budget can and will greatly increase their overall ROI.
TRC Gear and Transmission Oils are without a doubt some of the best products on the market. The additive packages and chemistry used in our manufacturing process produce products that are second to none. However, to see this you first must be willing to try them first hand and see just how much time and money can be saved when committed to better lubrication products. If water, heat, foam or deposits on gear teeth are an issue then TRC Gear and Transmission Oils absolutely can help you.
Why should I Buy TRC Motor Oil?
To think that motor oil is just motor oil can be very dangerous. Below are some educational tips that will help in the selection of a motor oil that is just right for your equipment. Like with most lubricants the market is proliferated with an abundance of products all making claims that they are the best. The truth is when it comes to motor oil, as with most things in life, you do get what you pay for. High-quality motor oils, like those provided by TRC, are enhanced with additive chemistry and technology not found in standard motor oils.
Some things to look at and compare when shopping for motor oil are:
Total Base Number (TBN) – The TBN of a motor oil is the measurement of the reserve additive levels that remain in a sample of oil. These additives neutralize acids that form in the engine during the combustion process. Left unchecked, these acids can have harmful effects on an engine. TRC motor oil is blended with TBN boosting technology and offers TBN’s of 14 and 15. The industry average for brand new motor oil is 7. Over time usage breaks down an oils TBN but TRC uses blending technologies that can dramatically extend oil change intervals.
Why is this important?
- Less equipment downtime
- Less labor costs
- Better protection from harmful acid deposits
- Longer engine life
- Less waste oil – Much better for the environment
Total Acid Number (TAN) – The TAN is a measurement of the oil’s oxidation and build-up of corrosive acidic compounds.
As the TBN goes down the TAN goes up. TRC offers a value-added oil analysis services for its customers that we call TRAAP (Texas Refinery Corp.’s Advanced Analysis Program.) We don’t just make the claim of extended drain intervals, we put our money where our mouth is by offering FREE oil analysis to all customers that purchase TRC oil products. We have partnered with WearCheck Canada to provide independent third party analysis so that our customers can track the condition of their equipment and be proactive with their maintenance schedules and procedures.
CLASSIFICATION
The following table shows the NLGI classification and compares each grade with household products of similar consistency.
| NLGI consistency numbers | |||
| NLGI number | ASTM worked (60 strokes) penetration at 25 °C tenths of a millimeter |
Appearance | Consistency food analog |
| 000 | 445-475 | fluid | cooking oil |
| 00 | 400-430 | semi-fluid | apple sauce |
| 0 | 355-385 | very soft | brown mustard |
| 1 | 310-340 | soft | tomato paste |
| 2 | 265-295 | “normal” grease | peanut butter |
| 3 | 220-250 | firm | vegetable shortening |
| 4 | 175-205 | very firm | frozen yogurt |
| 5 | 130-160 | hard | smooth pate |
| 6 | 85-115 | very hard | cheddar cheese |
Common greases are in the range 1 through 3. Those with an NLGI No. of 000 to 1 are used in low viscosity applications. Examples include enclosed gear drives operating at low speeds and open gearing. Grades 0, 1 and 2 are used in highly loaded gearing. Grades 1 through 4 are often used in rolling contact bearings. Greases with a higher number are firmer, tend to stay in place and are a good choice when leakage is a concern. NLGI #2 greases are the most common for standard applications.