Pour point depressant – additive for better cold flow properties
A pour point depressant (PPD) is an additive that reduces the yield point of a lubricant at low temperatures. It ensures that engine oils, gear oils or hydraulic oils remain fluid even at low temperatures and do not solidify. The aim is to improve the pumpability and cold starting ability of the oil – particularly important in regions with severe sub-zero temperatures.
How do pour point depressants work in lubricants?
PPDs influence the crystal structure of kerosenes, which can flocculate and “block” the oil when the temperature drops. The additives ensure that these wax crystals remain smaller and do not cross-link with each other – so the oil remains mobile even at low temperatures.
BASINOL lubricants use specially formulated pour point depressants to ensure optimum winter properties – especially for multigrade oils and synthetic formulations.
In which lubricants are pour point depressants used?
PPDs are mainly found in engine oils, hydraulic oils, gear oils and industrial oils that have to function reliably even at low ambient temperatures. They are particularly essential in multigrade oils (e.g. 5W-40 or 0W-30) to ensure flow behavior at low temperatures.
Do pour point depressants affect other properties of the oil?
No – correctly dosed PPDs only influence the low-temperature properties. They have no negative influence on the lubricating film, wear protection or thermal stability. Modern additive technology ensures that there is no loss of performance even with frequent cold starts and frost.
Can I add a pour point depressant to a finished engine oil myself?
This is not advisable. The PPDs are part of a precisely matched additive package. Adding them afterwards can disturb the balance and lead to undesirable interactions with other additives. BASINOL engine oils are formulated in such a way that all additives – including PPDs – are optimally matched to each other.
This website uses cookies to provide our services. For more information, please see our legal notice.
