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VIRGOLUBRICANTS

Quality & testing

Specified to standards you can check

Every Virgo grade states the performance level it is formulated to, and every typical value names the test method behind it. Here is what those standards and methods mean.

Performance standards

The specifications across the range

Match the level on the Virgo label to the one in your equipment handbook. Where a builder lists several acceptable standards, any one of them qualifies.

  • API

    American Petroleum Institute, engine and gear oil service categories

    • SP
    • SN
    • SM
    • SL
    • CK-4
    • CJ-4
    • CI-4 Plus
    • CI-4
    • CH-4
    • GL-4
    • GL-5

  • ACEA

    European engine oil sequences

    • A3/B4
    • E7

  • JASO

    Japanese motorcycle wet-clutch friction

    • MA
    • MA2

  • DIN

    German industrial standards

    • 51524 Part 2 (HLP hydraulic)
    • 51502 KP (EP grease)

  • ISO

    International viscosity classification

    • ISO 3448 VG 10 – 680

  • OEM hydraulic

    Pump and machine-tool builder requirements met

    • Denison HF-0 / HF-1 / HF-2
    • Vickers M-2950-S, I-286-S
    • Cincinnati Milacron P-68 / 69 / 70
    • U.S. Steel 136 / 127
    • AFNOR NF E 48-603 HM

  • GM

    Automatic transmission fluid

    • Dexron II
    • Dexron III

  • DOT

    US brake fluid grades

    • DOT 3
    • DOT 4

Test methods

What each number measures

Typical properties on product pages and data sheets are reported to these ASTM methods.

ASTM D445

Kinematic viscosity

Measured at 40 °C and 100 °C. Fixes the grade and is the basis of every viscosity–temperature line on this site.

ASTM D2270

Viscosity index

How little the oil thins as it heats. Higher means a flatter line and steadier protection from cold start to full load.

ASTM D92

Flash point (Cleveland open cup)

The temperature at which vapour ignites. A safety and volatility indicator.

ASTM D97

Pour point

The lowest temperature at which the oil still flows.

ASTM D4052

Density

Used for volume-to-mass conversion and as a consistency check between batches.

ASTM D2896

Total base number

Alkaline reserve for neutralising acids from combustion. Critical for diesel and marine oils.

ASTM D1401

Demulsibility

How quickly a hydraulic oil sheds water, protecting pumps and filters.

ASTM D130

Copper strip corrosion

Rated 1a (best) to 4c. Shows the oil is safe for bronze and copper parts.

ASTM D217 / D2265

Grease penetration and dropping point

Penetration sets the NLGI grade; dropping point marks the upper temperature limit.

Reading a grade

Four viscosity systems, four different scales

SystemUsed forRange at VirgoHow to read it
SAE J300Engine oils0W-20 … 20W-50The “W” number is cold performance; the second number is viscosity at 100 °C.
SAE J306Gear oils80W-90 … 85W-140Same idea for gearboxes and axles, on a different scale from engine oils.
ISO 3448Industrial oilsVG 10 … VG 680The VG number is the mid-point viscosity at 40 °C, in cSt.
NLGIGreases00 … 3Consistency from semi-fluid (00) to firm (3), set by worked penetration.

Documentation

Data sheets, and what to ask for on a tender

Published technical data sheets are below. Every other range has a printable spec sheet on its product page. For tenders and audits, ask us which documents are available for the grade you need, such as safety data sheets or certificates of analysis, and we will confirm before you order.

Request documents