Lubricant Additives - Sulfurized Alkylphenate Detergents Series (Final Entry): High TBN Ca Alkylphenate (TBN 200–300 mgKOH/g, C₂₇H₄₆CaO₃S) delivers the maximum alkalinity available from the phenate detergent class - for high-sulphur fuel diesel, marine cylinder oil, off-road/mining HDEO, and heavy industrial lubricants where no ash ceiling applies and maximum TBN per phenate is the formulation priority. Sinolook supplies: Low TBN · Medium TBN · High TBN Ca Alkylphenate.
Lubricant Additive · High TBN Sulfurized Alkylphenate · Max Phenate Alkalinity · Marine / High-S Diesel / Off-Road HDEO / Industrial
High TBN Calcium Sulfurized Alkylphenate
TBN 200–300 mgKOH/g / Ca 8–14 wt% / C₂₇H₄₆CaO₃S / Maximum Phenate Alkalinity · Marine Cylinder Oil · High-S Diesel · Off-Road HDEO
| Chemical Formula | C₂₇H₄₆CaO₃S - large-alkyl-chain Ca monosulfide alkylphenate complex; Ca²⁺ coordinates multiple phenate –O⁻ sites; monosulfide (–S–) bridge (single S per formula unit vs. –S₂– in Medium TBN grade); Ca(OH)₂ / CaCO₃ overbasing reserve; mineral oil diluent |
| Structural Note | C₂₇H₄₆CaO₃S - vs. C₁₅H₂₃O₂S₂Ca (Medium TBN): longer alkyl chain (C₁₈ range), monosulfide bridge (one S, lower S contribution to finished oil), higher molecular weight per Ca²⁺ → greater lipophilicity, higher TBN per treat volume at high Ca loading |
| TBN Range | 200–300 mgKOH/g (ASTM D2896; sub-grades at ~200, ~250, ~300; customisable) |
| Physical State | Brown to dark brown viscous liquid; significantly higher viscosity than Low/Medium TBN grades; heat to 50–80°C before pumping at high TBN sub-grades; steam heating max 120°C |
| Key Advantage | ★ Maximum TBN in phenate class Lower S than –S₂– grades No ash ceiling applications |
| Handling | ⚠ Heat to 50–80°C before pumping Steam heating max 120°C |
What Is High TBN Calcium Sulfurized Alkylphenate?
High TBN Calcium Sulfurized Alkylphenate (C₂₇H₄₆CaO₃S, TBN 200–300 mgKOH/g) is the maximum-alkalinity grade of the calcium alkylphenate series. The larger molecular formula (C₂₇ vs. C₁₅ of the Medium TBN grade) reflects a longer alkyl chain (approximately C₁₈), and the monosulfide (–S–) single-sulphur bridge structure (CaO₃S, one S atom vs. CaO₂S₂ in Medium TBN). This monosulfide vs. disulfide distinction has two practical implications: (1) the High TBN grade contributes less sulphur per unit treat rate to the finished oil than a disulfide-bridged equivalent - a significant advantage when maximising TBN while managing the finished oil sulphur limit; and (2) the longer alkyl chain provides greater oil solubility and compatibility with high-viscosity base stocks used in marine and industrial lubricants.
High TBN Ca Alkylphenate is selected when the formulator needs to maximise TBN contribution from the phenate component - particularly in applications with no ACEA/API ash ceiling (marine cylinder oils, off-road HDEO, mining equipment oil, heavy industrial oils) and where high-sulphur combustion acids (H₂SO₄ from high-S diesel, HCl from waste-incineration engines) require sustained high TBN reserve. At 3 wt% treat rate, a TBN 250 grade contributes 7.5 mgKOH/g to the finished oil - compared to 4.5 from Medium TBN (TBN 150) and only 1.5 from Low TBN (TBN 50) at the same treat rate.
| Ca Alkylphenate Grade | Neat TBN | TBN to Finished Oil @3 wt% | S/A to Finished Oil @3 wt% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low TBN (TBN 50, Ca 4%) | 50 | 1.5 mgKOH/g | 0.41 wt% |
| Medium TBN (TBN 150, Ca 6%) | 150 | 4.5 mgKOH/g | 0.61 wt% |
| High TBN (TBN 250, Ca 11%) ← This grade | 250 | 7.5 mgKOH/g | 1.12 wt% |
Note: S/A at 3 wt% exceeds ACEA E9/CK-4 ≤1.0% limit from phenate alone - High TBN Ca Alkylphenate is used at lower treat rates (1–2 wt%) in ash-limited formulations, or without ash restriction in marine cylinder oils, off-road/mining HDEO, and industrial lubricants where no S/A ceiling applies.
Technical Specification
| Sub-Grade | TBN | Ca Content | Primary Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~200 mgKOH/g | 200 | 8–10 wt% | HDEO at upper ash budget; marine TPEO medium BN; industrial oil with moderate high-S acid load; lower viscosity sub-grade |
| ~250 mgKOH/g | 250 | 10–12 wt% | Off-road/mining HDEO; marine MCO supplementary phenate; high-S industrial oil; standard high TBN phenate sub-grade |
| ~300 mgKOH/g | 300 | 12–14 wt% | Maximum-TBN phenate; concentrated blending base; high-S fuel HFO/LSFO; waste-incineration engine oil; high-acid industrial process |
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Brown to dark brown liquid | Visual | Darkest of the phenate series; characteristic phenol/sulfur odour; heat gently if solid/semi-solid at ambient; haze = moisture check |
| Chemical Formula | C₂₇H₄₆CaO₃S | - | MW ~514 g/mol (at formula unit); monosulfide (–S–) bridged; CaO₃S unit vs. CaO₂S₂ in Medium TBN grade → lower S per TBN |
| TBN | 200–300 mgKOH/g | ASTM D2896 | Sub-grades at ~200, ~250, ~300; specify at order; confirmed on COA |
| Calcium Content | 8–14 wt% | ASTM D5185 / ICP-OES | Ca% × 3.40 ≈ S/A% in finished oil; at 1–2 wt% treat rate, S/A contribution 0.27–0.95 wt% - manage within formulation ash budget |
| Sulphur Content | Monosulfide level (COA) | ASTM D2622 | Single S atom per C₂₇H₄₆CaO₃S unit - lower S/TBN ratio vs. –S₂– Medium TBN grade; confirm exact S% on COA for sulphur-balance calculations |
| Flash Point (COC) | ≥ 180°C | ASTM D92 | Combustible liquid; not classified DG; heating to 50–80°C is well below flash point - safe for standard drum/IBC handling |
| Packaging | 200 kg drum · 1000 L IBC · ISO tank | - | Heated drum/IBC recommended in cold climates; ISO tank with heating coil for bulk ≥16 MT; sealed storage; 24-month shelf life |
Performance Profile
Maximum TBN Delivery from Phenate Class
At TBN 200–300 mgKOH/g, High TBN Ca Alkylphenate provides the highest acid neutralisation capacity available within the phenate detergent chemical class - exceeding overbased calcium sulfonates of equivalent Ca content in TBN-per-Ca-% efficiency because the phenate alkalinity mechanism (Ca-phenate complex + dispersed Ca(OH)₂/CaCO₃) is highly active against strong organic acids and sulphuric acid from high-S fuel combustion. In high-sulphur fuel applications where HCl, H₂SO₄, and organic acid concentrations in blow-by gases are elevated, the high-TBN phenate reserve provides sustained protection through long drain intervals, with slower TBN depletion than a pure Ca sulfonate formulation because the phenate's radical-scavenging antioxidant retards the oxidative acid generation itself.
Monosulfide Antioxidant - Lower S, Sustained Activity
The monosulfide (–S–) bridge in C₂₇H₄₆CaO₃S provides secondary antioxidant activity (hydroperoxide decomposition) with only one sulphur atom per molecule unit. Compared to the disulfide (–S₂–) Medium TBN grade, the monosulfide structure delivers: (1) lower sulphur contribution per unit treat rate - beneficial when simultaneously maximising TBN and respecting a finished oil sulphur limit; (2) longer thermal stability of the sulfur bridge - monosulfide bonds are thermally more stable than disulfide bonds (bond dissociation energy: –S–S– ~268 kJ/mol vs. –C–S–C– ~272 kJ/mol), meaning the monosulfide antioxidant function is retained for longer under sustained high-temperature operation. The phenol –OH primary radical scavenging function remains fully active at this TBN level.
High-Load Detergency - Extreme Environment Cleaning
The extended C₂₇ alkyl chain of the High TBN phenate provides greater surface-active affinity for heavily contaminated metal surfaces - adsorbing more strongly to carbon, soot, and metal oxide deposits at piston crown and ring-belt surfaces. In high-load diesel and gas engines where combustion by-product concentrations are severe (off-road mining equipment, stationary power generation on low-quality fuels, marine high-speed diesel), the High TBN phenate's enhanced lipophilic chain provides effective deposit dispersancy at conditions that would rapidly exhaust a Medium TBN grade's detergency reserve. Deposit prevention on turbocharger oil-wetted surfaces, piston undercrown, and valve train components are all positively impacted by the High TBN phenate's concentrated surface activity.
Corrosion Protection in High-Acid Environments
In applications exposed to high acid loads - high-sulphur fuel combustion (HFO, VLSFO), biogas with organic acid content, waste-incineration flue gas ingestion - High TBN Ca Alkylphenate provides both immediate acid neutralisation (TBN reserve) and ongoing corrosion protection through the Ca-phenate surface film. The combination of high TBN and strong Ca²⁺ surface-bonding to ferrous and non-ferrous metal surfaces makes the High TBN phenate particularly effective against corrosive wear of cylinder liners, cam surfaces, and bearing materials in these aggressive acid environments. The phenate's longer alkyl chain also provides better water-displacement properties than shorter-chain grades - relevant in marine applications where seawater contamination of the lubricant can occur.
Applications & Formulation Guidance
1. Off-Road, Mining & Construction HDEO - High-S Fuel, No Ash Ceiling
Off-road, mining, and construction heavy-duty engines often run on higher-sulphur diesel fuel (ULSD equivalent not always available in remote operations), have no DPF/SCR aftertreatment (no ash constraint), and use long drain intervals in difficult-to-service environments. High TBN Ca Alkylphenate is the preferred phenate detergent grade for these formulations - its high TBN provides sustained acid neutralisation protection across 500–750 hour drain intervals, and the absence of an ACEA/API ash ceiling allows treat rates of 2–4 wt% without constraint, delivering 5–12 mgKOH/g finished oil TBN from the phenate component alone.
2. Marine Engine Oils - MCO Supplement & High-BN TPEO
In marine cylinder oil (MCO) formulations, overbased Ca and Mg sulfonates provide the primary BN but High TBN Ca Alkylphenate can be incorporated as a supplementary phenate component to add phenolic antioxidant function alongside MCO TBN - particularly relevant for MCO formulations for VLSFO service where thermal stability and oxidative stability of the cylinder oil itself is more demanding than in HFO service. In high-BN TPEO (BN 30–40 for medium-speed diesel on VLSFO/HFO), the High TBN phenate provides dense TBN delivery with simultaneously built-in antioxidant - extending the TPEO service interval beyond what a pure sulfonate detergent package would support at the same S/A loading.
3. Stationary Gas Engine Oils & Power Generation
Landfill gas, biogas, and sour gas engines face extremely aggressive acid environments - landfill gas may contain HCl (from PVC decomposition) and H₂S; biogas contains CO₂, H₂S, and organic acids; sour natural gas contains H₂S and mercaptans. These engines require higher finished oil TBN (15–25 mgKOH/g) and exceptional oxidative stability to survive 1,000–2,000 hour drain intervals between service. High TBN Ca Alkylphenate at 2–3 wt% provides the combined high-TBN neutralisation and phenolic antioxidant function critical for these aggressive environments - the monosulfide bridge's lower sulphur contribution vs. disulfide also benefits applications where H₂S-derived sulphur in the combustion gases already contributes to finished oil sulphur accumulation.
4. Industrial Lubricants Under Extreme Thermal & Acid Stress
Industrial compressor oils, gear oils, and process lubricants in chemical processing plants, waste incineration facilities, and high-temperature industrial environments face combined thermal and chemical acid stress far beyond standard industrial lubricant conditions. At treat rates of 0.5–2.5 wt%, High TBN Ca Alkylphenate provides alkalinity reserve and antioxidant supplementation that extends lubricant service life significantly vs. base antioxidant packages alone. In waste-incineration and chemical process engine oils where HCl, H₂SO₄, and organic acid contamination from the process environment are elevated, the high alkalinity reserve of the phenate (TBN 200–300) provides a broader and more sustained acid buffer than Medium TBN grades.
Additive Compatibility & Blending Notes
| Co-Additive | Compatibility | Formulation Note |
|---|---|---|
| Overbased Ca Sulfonate (TBN 300–400+) | ● Excellent | Standard co-detergent pairing for high-TBN off-road HDEO and marine formulations. Ca sulfonate provides primary bulk TBN; High TBN Ca alkylphenate adds phenolic AO coverage and concentrated phenate TBN with a distinct acid-attack mechanism - the combination resists both strong inorganic acids (H₂SO₄) and organic acids better than sulfonate alone. |
| Overbased Mg Sulfonate | ● Good | Useful triple-cation combination: Ca-sulfonate (strong rust inhibition) + Mg-sulfonate (ash-efficient TBN) + Ca-phenate (phenolic AO + phenate TBN). Provides complementary mechanisms from three different detergent types in a single formulation - employed in premium MCO and HDEO packages. |
| Primary + Secondary ZDDP | ● Excellent | Triple AO strategy: phenate phenol –OH (primary) + phenate –S– (secondary) + ZDDP Zn-dithiophosphate (secondary/primary) + aminic AO. All four antioxidant mechanisms active simultaneously. Monitor combined S from all sources against finished oil S limit - phenate monosulfide contributes less S per TBN than disulfide grade. |
| PIB Succinimide / Bis-Succinimide Dispersant | ● Excellent | Standard HDEO/gas engine oil combination. High TBN phenate's concentrated surface-cleaning detergency + dispersant's bulk suspension of soot/oxidation by-products provides complete deposit control. In off-road HDEO with high soot loading, borated bis-succinimide dispersant adds supplementary TBN (from boron ester) without ash - a valuable ash-free TBN source in high-TBN formulations. |
| Low/Medium TBN Ca Alkylphenate (same series) | ● Excellent | Blending High + Medium or High + Low TBN Ca Alkylphenate allows precise TBN targeting from the phenate fraction at lower viscosity than High TBN alone. Useful when the target phenate TBN falls between High and Medium grades, or when the High TBN grade's viscosity constrains blend homogeneity - diluting with a lower-TBN, lower-viscosity phenate is a practical formulation tool. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the molecular formula C₂₇H₄₆CaO₃S (monosulfide) rather than the C₁₅H₂₃O₂S₂Ca (disulfide) of the Medium TBN grade?
The two formulas reflect different synthetic routes and alkylphenol feedstocks used in manufacturing. High TBN Ca Alkylphenate uses a longer alkyl chain (approximately C₁₈, giving C₂₇ total carbons) and monosulfide bridging (one S atom per dimer unit, shown as CaO₃S), which favours higher overbasing (because the longer chain provides more effective micelle stabilisation of the colloidal alkalinity reserve) and lower sulphur content per mole. Medium TBN uses a shorter C₁₂–C₁₅ chain (C₁₅ total) with disulfide bridging (–S₂–, two S atoms). The key practical implications: (1) High TBN grade has lower sulphur per unit TBN - useful for maximising TBN while respecting the finished oil sulphur limit; (2) High TBN grade has higher viscosity - requires heating for pumping; (3) High TBN grade achieves higher maximum TBN because the longer-chain phenate micelle can carry more alkalinity reserve per unit volume.
Q: Can High TBN Ca Alkylphenate be used as the sole detergent in an engine oil, without Ca sulfonate?
Technically possible but not recommended for most engine oil applications. While High TBN Ca Alkylphenate provides high alkalinity, antioxidant function, and good corrosion inhibition, it lacks the strong overbased CaCO₃ micelle reserve of Ca sulfonate for high-temperature piston ring-belt deposit cleaning - this is a well-documented performance gap between phenate-only and phenate+sulfonate additive packages in Sequence VH (PCMO sludge/varnish) and CAT C13 (HDEO deposits) type engine tests. In practice, a phenate-only detergent system tends to show higher piston deposit ratings vs. phenate+sulfonate combinations. Exception: in marine cylinder oils (MCO) and off-road/mining HDEO without OEM engine qualification test requirements, a high-treat-rate phenate-only or phenate-dominant detergent system may be functionally acceptable - but should be validated in full finished oil performance testing before commercial release.
Q: How does High TBN Ca Alkylphenate perform in ACEA E6/E9 formulations where S/A ≤1.0%?
High TBN Ca Alkylphenate can be used in ACEA E6/E9 formulations but requires careful ash budget management due to its high Ca content (8–14 wt%, yielding 0.27–0.48 wt% S/A per 1 wt% treat rate). At a typical treat rate of 1.0–1.5 wt% in an ACEA E9 formulation, the phenate contributes 0.27–0.72 wt% S/A - leaving 0.28–0.73 wt% for ZDDP within the ≤1.0% S/A ceiling. This is tighter than Medium TBN grade usage but achieves higher TBN contribution (2.0–3.75 mgKOH/g from phenate alone at 1.0–1.5 wt%). For ACEA E9 formulators prioritising maximum phenate TBN within the ash budget, High TBN grade at 1.0–1.5 wt% combined with ZDDP at 0.6–0.8 wt% is a viable pathway - contact Sinolook's technical team for specific ash balance optimisation.
Q: What is the correct storage and handling procedure for High TBN Ca Alkylphenate in cold climates?
High TBN Ca Alkylphenate has significantly higher viscosity than Low and Medium TBN grades due to its high Ca loading and molecular weight. In ambient temperatures below 15°C, the product may become very viscous or semi-solid in drums - this is not product degradation, just physical thickening. Correct procedure: (1) Transfer drums to a heated storage area (>20°C) 24–48 hours before use; (2) Apply drum band heaters or water-bath heating to reach 50–80°C throughout the drum before attempting to pump or discharge; (3) Do not apply direct flame or steam above 120°C - overheating above 120°C risks phenol group oxidation and loss of antioxidant function; (4) For bulk IBC or ISO tank storage in cold climates, install electrical trace heating or steam heating coils with temperature control set to 60–70°C; (5) Always re-seal drums immediately after use to prevent moisture ingress - check water content (KFT) if a drum has been opened and stored for more than 4 weeks.
Technical & Regulatory References
D2896 (TBN) · D5185 (Ca ICP-OES) · D2622 (S content) · D874 (S/A) · D92 (flash pt) · D445 (viscosity) · D95/KFT (water) · D665 A/B (rust) · D6186 (PDSC) · D2272 (RBOT) · D130 (Cu strip) · Mack T-12 / Cat C13 / CEC L-101 (HDEO engine tests) · MAN B&W / Wärtsilä MCO/TPEO test procedures
API CF-4 / CF / SH (off-road, no ash limit) · API CK-4 / FA-4 (with ash management) · ACEA E6/E9 (1–1.5 wt% treat, ash-managed) · John Deere JDM J27 (off-road) · Caterpillar ECF-3 · Volvo VDS-5 · Marine: MAN B&W ME series MCO · Wärtsilä TPEO BN 30–40 · MTU Series 4000 (gas engine) · GE Jenbacher JMS (biogas/landfill gas engine oil)
REACH registered · TSCA inventory listed · No SVHC designation · Flash point ≥180°C - not classified DG (handling temp 50–80°C well below FP) · EU CLP-classified SDS on request
Low TBN Ca Alkylphenate · Medium TBN Ca Alkylphenate · Overbased Ca Sulfonate (TBN 400–500) · High TBN Ca Sulfonate · Overbased Mg Sulfonate · Primary ZDDP (next subcategory: Antioxidant/Anticorrosion series) · PIB Bis-Succinimide Dispersant · Alkylated Diphenylamine AO
High TBN Calcium Sulfurized Alkylphenate · TBN 200–300 mgKOH/g · C₂₇H₄₆CaO₃S · Monosulfide · COA / TDS / SDS
Request Pricing, TDS & Qualification Sample
Specify target TBN sub-grade (~200 / ~250 / ~300 mgKOH/g or custom), application (off-road HDEO / marine MCO or TPEO / gas engine / industrial), volume, destination port, and whether ash-limited or unconstrained formulation. Full COA (TBN, Ca%, S%, viscosity, S/A, flash point), TDS, and SDS within 12 hours. Qualification samples (1–5 kg) at nominal charge. Sinolook supplies all three Ca Alkylphenate TBN grades.
Related: Medium TBN Calcium Alkylphenate · Low TBN Calcium Alkylphenate · Overbased Calcium Sulfonate · Overbased Magnesium Sulfonate · Primary ZDDP
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